This is the first time I've seen Mayer. Takes me back to the early and mid-Sixties.
He's great! Glad that earlier soul-sound is coming back and that young folks are interested and keeping it alive; people like Mayer, Rafael Saadiq, Charles Bradley, James Hunter, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, ...
Hi Tide's singing is more reminiscent of Joe Williams (with Count Basie) than of B.B. King; very sophisticated performer who merges jazz and blues without loss to either one.
This is one of Ry's greatest ensembles, filled with legends. It's also the beginning of his fusion campaign that unites the great musics of the world.