and formed the Trio to play what Mayer called, "power-rockin', electric-guitar, in-your-face blues." In October 2005 the band toured as the opening act for The Rolling Stones on some A Bigger Bang Tour dates. As feedback from the tour began pouring in, the reviews were a polarizing mix; commenting on the Trio's October 6, 2005, show, Alan Light, with "Rolling Stone", said, "Make no mistake: One-time Berklee College of Music student Mayer is a badass guitar player. Backed by studio aces Steve Jordan on drums and Pino Palladino on bass...his blues playing was consistently impressive." "But", he added, "he's a bit too eager to impress."