Record Reviews

PAUL BUTTERFIELD ~ COMPLETE ALBUMS 1965-1980 RHINO 081227951955 (Barcode: 081227951955) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1980 Released: 2015 This wonderful Box Set collects all the albums by American vocalist / harmonica virtuoso / bandleader Paul ButterfieldFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1965 and 1980, which constitute almost his entire recording career. These albums present some of the finest American Blues, Blues-Rock and Jazz-Rock music ever recorded and pay a tribute to one of the finest and most important American Blues Masters, sadly often overlooked. Butterfield´s musical journey can be divided into several periods, all quite different from each other, yet all characterized by total dedication and extraordinary achievements by the leader and his various crews. The first two albums in this collection, recorded by the Paul Butterfield Blues BandFind albums by this artist, seem to be the most celebrated ones, as they feature the talents of the brilliant guitarist Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, one of the best ever white Blues guitar players in history. Following the departure of Bloomfield the band morphed into a Brass-Rock ensemble, which played Blues influenced Jazz-Rock Fusion material, which was somewhat similar to Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, releasing four more studio albums and one live album under the same moniker. After Paul Butterfield Blues Band folded, the leader switched to a much smaller ensemble, called Paul Butterfield´s Better DaysFind albums by this artist, which played material closer to the original Blues traditions and recorded two albums, and finally he recorded three solo albums, which were of significant lesser quality. Butterfield died tragically in 1987 from a drug overdose, following his friend Mike Bloomfield who died under similar circumstances in 1981. Although quite a few live albums appeared on the market after Butterfield´s death, this Box Set includes the only official live album from 1970 (as a 2CD album) and a previously unreleased live album from 1969. Butterfield´s harmonica playing was completely unique and his treatment of the instrument was completely innovative and unprecedented. He played long, complex, virtuosic solos, which to this day have absolutely no parallels. His ability to collect superb musicians to form his bands was another of his exceptional qualities. The list of the musicians who played on his bands over the years looks like a who´s who of the American Blues and Jazz-Rock, including guitarist Elvin BishopFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mark NaftalinFind albums by this artist, saxophonist David SanbornFind albums by this artist and dozens of others. Overall this Box Set is full of absolutely stunning music, which must not be forgotten and is as fresh and powerful as it was at the time it was recorded. Absolutely essential to all Blues lovers, but honestly Jazz-Rock and Brass-Rock fans should have a field day with this chest of treasures. A must!

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 14/01/2016

CD 14 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

VAN MORRISON ~ SOMEBODY TRIED TO SELL ME A BRIDGE ORANGEFIELD 5061030862216 (Barcode: 5061030862216) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues Recorded: 2026 Released: 2026 This is the 48th studio album by the legendary Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. The album presents twenty tracks, which are primarily Blues standards, and only four are new songs by Morrison. He is accompanied by a core group including organist John AllairFind albums by this artist, drummer Larry VannFind albums by this artist, bassist David HayesFind albums by this artist, pianist Mitch WoodsFind albums by this artist and guitarist Anthony PauleFind albums by this artist. Two veteran American guitarists: Elvin BishopFind albums by this artist and Buddy GuyFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Taj MahalFind albums by this artist, guest on selected tracks. The album it almost completely dedicated to the Blues tradition, which of course is hardly surprising in Morrison’s case, as his affinity to Blues is almost omnipresent in his music since the very beginning of his career, and sounds completely naturally. The material offers the usual level of excellence, which he never ceases to deliver. Despite his advanced age, Morrison is still in great shape and hopefully will still continue to record new material in years to come. Overall, this is a collection of Blues songs, performed with the usual level of excellence, which is absolutely still here and it is a great pleasure to be able to listen to this music. Although the album was received relatively coldly by “music critics”, for me it as good as anything Morrison released before. Keep it coming!

Updated: 05/09/2026Posted: 05/09/2026

CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend