John Mayall Plays John Mayall was the debut album by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, recorded live in 1964 and released in 1965. It was the first record by the British blues pioneer John Mayall, whose Bluesbreakers grew into a breeding ground for numerous British rock and blues musicians. The live recordings captured the raw energy of the early British blues movement. Mayall's band performed a mix of original compositions and blues standards. The album marked the beginning of a long and influential career in British blues.