John Mayer Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion July 12, 2013

"I'm a good man, with a good heart. Had a tough time, got a rough start. But I finally learned to let it go..."

John Mayer has been in recovery for a few years now. Physically, he has endured two vocal-chord surgeries that could have been career-killers. Fortunately, therapy and vocal rest has proved successful, allowing him to return to recording and touring after three years.

He also endured a hard breakup with TV and movie star Jennifer Aniston, an experience which he used as inspiration for the Born and Raised album. His shadow days are over now.

During his silent period, seems to have taken everything in stride and matured, storing all of his feelings and emotions inside of him. And those feelings and emotions are ready to be set free, which he certainly did in The Woodlands on Friday night.

"To say that it really is great to see all of you here in Houston is an understatement," declared Mayer as he took the stage. With a scarf wrapped around his head and an ever-changing Grand Canyon landscape background behind him, the young bluesman smiled and raised his hands up to the sky, as if thanking God for the opportunity.

With a balanced mix of selections from his old and new hits, as well as fun covers of Willie Nelson, Woody Guthrie, Eric Clapton and Tom Petty, Mayer proved that he hasn't lost any steam in his fingers, using the guitar to showcase his sincere heart and still-cool persona.

"Its been an interesting ride" he continued later on in the show. "I really shouldn't even be here. I know its not easy to be a John Mayer fan. But you all have stuck with me and I am eternally grateful for that. You are the definition of a true, loyal fans!"

The newer tracks such as "Something Like Olivia", "Paper Doll" and "A Face to Call Home" were definitely well-received, but the real show began and started with those John Mayer standards his fans have memorized and continue to adore.