John Mayer Trio — Try!

"Who Did You Think I Was" is such an appropriate opening track: just when you thought you knew John Mayer, the radio-friendly guy who wrote poppy love songs about bodies and wonderlands, he gives you Try! This live album showcases not only Mayer, but heavy-hitters Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, who ceaselessly keep the shlock-rocker on his toes. The setlist is a mixture of two songs from his last album, Heavier Things, including the hit "Daughters," covers of Jimi Hendrix's "Wait Until Tomorrow," Ray Charles' "I Got A Woman" (spiced up with a hint of Kanye West's version "Gold Digger") and new songs that illustrate Mayer's blues-rock sensibilities. There's ambition and a depth to the sound on this album, which can't be ignored.

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