John Mayall - Bare Wires

Bare Wires represented John Mayall's departure from the guitar-centric Bluesbreakers formula by incorporating jazz horns and extended improvisation. The 1968 Decca Records album signaled Mayall's ambition to move beyond traditional blues structures. This experimental period followed his work with guitarists like Eric Clapton and Peter Green, as he sought new musical directions.

The 1968 album featured musicians from Mayall's evolving band lineup, incorporating horn players and additional instrumentalists beyond the standard blues band format. Bare Wires captured a transitional period for the British blues organizer, following his classic Bluesbreakers era with Eric Clapton and Peter Green. The expanded instrumentation reflected Mayall's interest in jazz and experimental music.

Bare Wires was released in 1968 on Decca Records, Mayall's label during his most prolific British blues period. The album was part of a series of recordings Mayall made for Decca that documented his evolving approach to blues music. This period included classic albums with various guitarists who would go on to form major rock bands.

The title track 'Bare Wires' is an extended composition that takes up most of the album's first side, running over 20 minutes in total. This ambitious suite demonstrated John Mayall's interest in moving beyond standard blues song structures. The piece incorporates multiple sections and extended improvisation, reflecting his jazz influences.