Mayall and his band played simple music incredibly well last night to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience in Dunedin's Regent Theatre.
Back in Dunedin after 38 years, and apologising for leaving his return so long, Mayall (76) proved what every fan always knew: he is the master of Blues.
When you get the basics so right, you do not have to rely on flash production.
Sheer competence and virtuosity, without a hint of artifice, were shown through his sound.
With a nod of his head, a slight gesture or a smile, Mayall conducted the band like the maestro he is.
The show proper started with Mayall alone on the stage with his harmonica and the Sonny Boy Williamson song Another Man Done Gone.
The harmonica notes soared through the Regent and if anyone had doubts about what they were going to experience, these disappeared in an instant.
With songs stretching back to his first album from 1965, through to Tough, the 57th, and latest album, an animated Mayall bounced through the evening's performance.
The Chicago Line, Parchment Farm, Blues For Lost Days and Congo Square had the audience rocking.
As he has always done, Mayall graciously deferred to fellow band members when it came time for them to show their skills.
At the head of the list was guitarist Rocky Athas, who dazzled the audience, but not far behind was Tom Canning on the keyboard.
Then, during the Dunedin version of Room to Move, bassist Greg Rzab stepped out of the shadows to match Mayall's vocals with his fingers flying over the chords.
What a duet.
Not to be outdone, drummer Jay Davenport finished off the set with a solo that was rhythm and speed.
Sadly, after less than 90min, Mayall was saying good night and goodbye.
The band returned to finish up with a Freddie King classic Hideaway.
The top song of the night was Dream About the Blues.
It would be surprising if many of the audience did not do just that last night.
• A review of last night's New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performance will be published tomorrow.
