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| Pop, Soul & Blues In John Mayer's New Album John Mayer combines pop, soul and blues in his third studio album "Continuum ". It will be released on Aware/Columbia Records on September 12. In the two years since the release of his acclaimed "Heavier Things, " John Mayer has redefined himself as a musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries. Having recorded and performed with some of the most interesting and iconic artists on the scene, Mayer returns with a pop/rock album that is the culmination of his influences, skill, and recordings to date. Showcasing the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter's rich lyrics, the groove of the guitar-slinging bluesman, and the vocals of the soulful crooner who's sold millions, Mayer's third album is a succinct reflection of an artist in his prime. As he prepares to embark on a co-headlining tour with Sheryl Crow on August 24 (see itinerary following), John Mayer is watching "Waiting On The World To Change, " the first single from "Continuum, " already making a huge impact at radio. Billboard magazine confirms that the melodic, up-tempo track "is already off to a blockbuster start, " whose ascent to "No. 1 is all but a given." Of "Waiting, " People magazine says, "John Mayer channels Curtis Mayfield" in a song that reflects the challenges and frustrations of his generation. "Continuum" is Mayer's first turn at producing a studio effort, a task he shared with acclaimed studio-musician Steve Jordan. The album features sultry grooves such as "I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You, " "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, " and the Sam Cooke-flavored "I'm Gonna Find Another You." Fans of the John Mayer Trio will recognize "Vultures" and "Gravity" reworked for the studio by John, Steve, and Pino, as well as a blazing display of fretwork on a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Bold As Love." "Heart of Life" and "Stop This Train" are new songs that longtime fans will recognize as keeping in-step with trademark Mayer material. "As a songwriter, the Trio helped me focus on being more raw, " says Mayer. "As a guitar player, it helped me get a lot out of my system and get to a point somewhere between the Trio record and 'Room For Squares' -- and that's a really good place to be." Over the past two years, Mayer's put in the time to get to that place. He famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio, whose live album "TRY!" was released in November '05. Mayer's other collaborations have defied genres while blending rock and blues, hip-hop and jazz, pop and country, and more. He's played with musical icons, peers and contemporaries alike including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, T Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Ahmir ?uestlove. From his acclaimed debut, "Room For Squares" in 2001 through 2003's "Heavier Things, " to his most recent work with the John Mayer Trio, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has sold more than eight million albums and earned three Grammy Awards. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |