John Mayer Briefly Previews New Album

In the fall, a granuloma, or a throat nodule, derailed John Mayer’s plans to work on a new album and tour. Now after surgery, the guitarist and songwriter is recovering. On January 18, Mayer made an appearance at a National Association of Music Merchants conference to introduce a custom guitar from Martin – the 00-45SC John Mayer Edition. Only 25 were made, and 23 are being sold to dealers at $14,000 a pop.

The custom guitar, however, became the musical base for Born and Raised, the album Mayer has had in the works. In response, he previewed a portion of the sound at the conference. He describes it as: "organic cowboy guitar sounds. […] What would it sound like if I wrote an album of cowboy songs on this guitar under the stars?"

If Mayer is to be believed, the guitar is essentially a preview of Born and Raised: "Every new record I start, a new aesthetic comes in. I can't help it."
 

More specifically, he stated: "I think it's gonna be more organic, more natural lyrics and chords and artful simplicity."

At the time Mayer announced a delay on his album, he blogged: “‘Born and Raised’ is complete as far as music recording, song selection, and in some cases mixing, but because of this condition I couldn’t finish singing on several of the tracks. This means the record will be released next year instead of this fall or winter.

“This is a temporary setback, though I’m not sure how long or short a period of time it will be. I’ve got the best doctors in the country looking after me and I will be singing and touring again as soon as I get the all clear. Until then I’ll be spending time writing and composing more music and kicking an empty soup can around the West Village.”