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John Mayer just might be my favorite artist of all time. I imagine that one day when I’m old, wrinkly and un-cool, John Mayer will be the answer to a lot of questions. “What kind of music did people listen to back in the day?” Or, “Who were you unhealthily obsessed with when you were young?” Mostly because I can’t really see myself listening to hardcore dubstep or hip-hop when I’m 45…okay, maybe 55… John Mayer is timeless. Plus, he can really shred. Call his lyrics crap, his voice cheesy, or his attitude cocky, but beneath all of that is a really talented musician.

It’s clear, based on Mayer’s playing, that he’s studied up on the finest—influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughn (whose initials he has tattooed on his shoulder), Mayer has become a master of all different styles. Unfortunately, Mayer’s crazy good guitar skill isn’t really proven on his latest album, Battle Studies, one of Mayer’s more vocal albums. My favorite JM albums are both live recordings:

John Mayer Trio, a project where John joined forces with drummer, Steve Jordan and bassist, Pino Palladino, both are also crazy-good at their respective instruments, so as you can imagine, this album is an explosion of songs that make you wish you were in a band too.

Where The Light Is is a three part recording, all done live in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre as part of the Annual John Mayer Holiday Charity Revue. Part 1 is an acoustic set done solely by Mayer. Best track = a beautiful cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin,” which I think, don’t hurt me, sounds way better than the original. Part 2 is a John Mayer Trio Set which covers twoJimi Hendrix tracks, “Wait Until Tomorrow,” and “Bold as Love.” Best track = ….all of them. If you need proof that John Mayer is the guitar god of our generation, this is exhibit a. Part 3 is a set by the John Mayer band, featuring the pop tracks John Mayer describes as, “the hits.” Best track = a nearly ten minute long version of “Gravity.” If you start crying, I won’t tell anyone. No shame.

If the above isn’t enough to convince you to buy a ticket to his show, I hear he’s been covering Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” at his tour stops this summer…and who doesn’t love Journey? He’ll be here before you know it, so don’t miss John Mayer Sunday, August 15 at 7:00 P.M. in Noblesville at Verizon Wireless Music Center. It’s the perfect way to end your summer and experience some great music. Ticket info here.

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