Music Review: John Mayer - The Village Sessions
Published May 25, 2007
I love anything that John Mayer does, and this EP is no different. The Village Sessions shows Mayer retooling some of his latest tunes from Continuum, and in doing so strips everything away so it is just Mayer and an acoustic guitar.
Fans of Mayer will be delighted by the results, as there is an even more laid back feel to all the songs and an intimacy about Mayer and his music. You can almost imagine Mayer sitting there and running his fingers over the guitar sings, lost completely in the moment and his music. It’s a good imagery, and one fans of his earlier music will testify to.
The Village Sessions is a simple release. Mayer lets his guitar skills shine throughout the whole EP, and his vocals take a backseat. It’s hard to imagine what made Mayer decide to put this EP together, but I like to think that maybe it's his way to remember his roots, and get back to basics and where he started — as an acoustic musician.
Either way, The Village Sessions is a relaxing listen, and Mayer shines throughout. I admit I loved the album from beginning to end, and a favorite of mine is "Waiting On The World To Change" (Ben Harper version).
For fans of John Mayer, this is just another reason to fall in love with the talented musician.
Record Label: Sony BMG
Year: 2006
- Waiting on the World to Change (Featuring Ben Harper)
- Belief (Acoustic)
- Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (Acoustic)
- Good Love Is on the Way (Acoustic)
- I'm Gonna Find Another You (Acoustic)
- In Repair (Acoustic)
- Music Review: John Mayer - The Village Sessions
- Published: May 25, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Pop, Music: Acoustic
- Writer: Janine Macdonald
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I think you have it a little wrong about his voice taking a backseat here. I find that he is singing very close to the mic in a very quiet room and it's more about his voice than the guitar. With an acoustic guitar, you don't have the range for soloing that you do with an electric so I find the whole album to be very chill and almost like Continuum Lite. But it's definately very nice. My favourite on the album is Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.
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I think it's at least 2 guitars, not sure where it was recorded though. The guitar solo on "in repair" is probably the best part of the whole thing in my opinion, very tasteful.