Mayer matures with ‘Continuum’

Justin Rodstrom

The average person may think of John Mayer as that baby faced teen idol sure to haul in the teen girls by the truckload. And although this may still be true, Mayer has done a lot of maturing with his latest offering, entitled “Continuum.”

“Continuum” boasts Mayer’s same pop sensibilities, only now with a more soulful, bluesy touch. As Mayer puts it in the opener from his latest live album “Try!,” “Got a brand new blues and I can’t explain, who did you think I was?”(referring to his recent blues conversion).

This turn is of no surprise to the avid Mayer fan. Mayer is no amateur to the blues scene, far from it: Growing up on a steady diet of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mayer works hard to emulate his heroes while maintaining his own unique approach.

Having jammed with blues veterans B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray and others since his recent blues incarnation, John has proven he has the makings of a remarkable guitarist. On his latest release “Continuum,” John lives up to his talent.

The album is a remarkably refreshing reflection on everything from soul to blues to pop. “Continuum” plays through never missing a beat, never taking a false step.

Every song delivers not only Mayer’s patented sugar coated hooks, but also boasts strong instrumental sections from Mayer’s “Try!” bandmates Steve Jordan and Pino Pallidino, as well as special guest Ben Harper on “Belief” and an alternate take of “Waiting on The World to Change”(single release). Mayer even pays homage to Jimi Hendrix with a take on “Bold as Love” from Hendrix’s “Axis: Bold As Love.”

Every track is perfectly blended; crafted to sooth the ears and bring a smile to the listener. “Continuum” will find open arms not only with his fan base of young pop admirers, but also with those looking for brilliant guitar work and quality songwriting.

For your pleasure: “I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You),” “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room,” “In Repair”