Gaz Mayall

• Active: '80s, '90s, 2000s
• Genres: Reggae
• Instrument: Producer, Percussion, Arranger
• Representative Albums: "Celtic Ska," "Wild and Free," "Stack-A-Dub"

Biography

The son of influential blues-rock musician John Mayall, Gaz Mayall has veered towards a musical blend that he calls "Celtic Ska." Since performing his debut concert as a member of the Trojans on December 23, 1986, Mayall has continued to expand upon his musical concept. His album, Wild And Free, combined bagpipe drones and ska rhythms, while his album Cool Rulers set blues-inspired shuffle tunes to rock steady syncopation. After releasing his debut album on his own Ala Ska label in 1987, he has built a still-growing following in Japan, where he has toured several times. His second album, Spirit Of Adventure, was released by Sony/Japan in 1989. Mayall's singles were combined with unreleased tracks on the album Celtic Ska, released on his own Rockin' label in 1995. Mayall's band, the Trojans, has undergone numerous personnel changes. Original bassist Andrew Crawford committed suicide following a tour of Europe and Japan in 1990. Known affectionately as "Freaky Deaky," Mayall continues to hold court at his London nightclub, Gaz's Rockin' Blues Club. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide