John Mayer Trio, “Try!”: Too many musicians fell off the deep end this year and failed to satisfy loyal fans with their new releases. These artists seemed to have lost touch with their roots and instead attempted to please the masses rather than the fans that have been around since the beginning. Thank goodness John Mayer did not follow that path.
John Mayer is best known as a pop star. He began his journey into stardom with the sugary “Room for Squares,” followed by 2003’s “Heavier Things.” True fans of Mayer’s – the ones who appreciate him acoustic and live and really can’t listen to “Room for Squares” because it induces vomiting with its cheesy background vocals and horrible poppy beats – should welcome “Try!” the first release from the John Mayer Trio. Mayer has finally released the album true fans have been anticipating since the beginning: a bluesy, live recording with a delightful mixture of classics like Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Wait Until Tomorrow,” as well as new favorites such as “Vultures” and “Good Love is on the Way.” And for those who can’t quite let go of Mayer as a solo artist, he performs his well-loved hit “Daughters” as one of the encores.
“Try!” follows the exact set list that the John Mayer Trio played at the Roseland Theatre in Portland at the beginning of September, and with good reason. The songs flow nicely into one another, and for those lucky enough to have caught the show live, it brings back a flood of memories of seeing an amazing trio of musicians playing their hearts out. With talented bassist Pino Palladino – who has jammed with such legends as Eric Clapton, The Who and BB King – and mind-blowing drummer Steve Jordan – who has rocked out with Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and the Rolling Stones – the John Mayer Trio is composed of amazing musicians who truly know what they’re doing. Pick up “Try!” today and let it take you in a new direction of musical appreciation.
-Amy Lichty