Mountain:

Climbing!:(1970)

If the late sixties, early seventies was good at one thing, it was producing guitar heavy rock bands. It was in that climate that this, Mountain's debut album, was released. Like so many, I've always been a sucker for Mississippi Queen. Great guitar riff! I've always heard that Leslie West was playing Jack Bruce's psychedelic Fender Bass VI on this track. Not sure if that true, but makes for a good story. 

John Mayall:

Turning Point:(1969)

Empty Rooms:(1969)

USA Union:(1970)

Back To The Roots:(1971)

John Mayall's body of work is interesting. On one hand, he's a Blues revivalist of the highest 1960's order. On the other, he's an inventive artist fusing a deep English Folk Pop sensibility with traditional American Rhythm & Blues and Rock'n'Roll. 

I saw John Mayall perform in Grand Junction, CO, in about 1996. It rained really hard that night, and the roof of the old theatre started leaking. A pool of water formed onstage right by one of the amps. It did not deter anyone performing. Was a great show. 

Of these albums, Empty Rooms might be my favorite. Since I was a kid, and first heard this record, Thinking of My Woman has intrigued me.