Tough

'Tough' is the new studio album from John Mayall in 2009 - and it's well titled, with a harder hitting feel and a real edge that sets it apart from his recent albums.

After a long period with a stable line-up of the Bluesbreakers, 'Tough' sees Mayall working with a new group of musicians that have clearly revitalised him.

Now approaching his 76th birthday, the influence this man, who is affectionately regarded as the "Godfather of British Blues", has had on the genre cannot be overestimated. In a career stretching back to the mid-60s, he has nurtured the talents of Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Coco Montoya, Aynsley Dunbar and Walter Trout amongst many others.