John Mayer: Where The Light IS

Jul 15 2008 By Jack Daniels

(Columbia)

NEVER quite understood the fuss about smooth-voiced guitar maestro Mayer. His studio albums tend to be bland affairs ideally suited for muzak playlisting in elevators and supermarkets.

So what an ear-opener this double live CD proves to be, presenting Mayer solo, with his trio and with a full band. It’s in a different league altogether, whether on the tricksy Neon, ballsy I Don’t Need No Doctor or utterly gorgeous Gravity.

Best are the songs recorded with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, highlighted by a reworking of Everyday I Have The Blues. He should stick to live albums.