Record Reviews

MIKE BLOOMFIELD ~ IT`S NOT KILLING ME ACADIA 8098 (Barcode: 805772809826) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 1st album by US most formidable white (and Jewish of course) Blues guitar hero Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, who by the time this music was recorded has already established a legendary status among Blues aficionados and music lovers in general, following his remarkable work with Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, Paul Butterfield Blues BandFind albums by this artist, Electric FlagFind albums by this artist and Al KooperFind albums by this artist´s "Super SessionFind albums with this title" meetings. Considering his status, the album was a huge disappointment at the time of its release, as it didn´t follow the formula of extended solo guitar fireworks in the Blues vein, which everybody expected. Bloomfield decided to get away from that formula and record a much more relaxed album, surrounded by many of his faithful cohorts from years past, including his ex-Electric Flag buddies Mark NaftalinFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Nick GravenitesFind albums by this artist on backing vocals. Although a fair share of Blues material is present, Bloomfield also tackles Rhythm And Blues and even Country, with his soloing subdued and mighty guitar work kept in the background. He did however write 10 of the 11 tracks on the album, sticking to his own music rather than playing over Blues standards. If one has to criticize, the only poor decision here was Bloomfield handling the lead vocals, rather than leaving that part to much abler singers, like Gravenites (something that worked wonderfully on the singer´s debut solo album. But in retrospect every note played by Bloomfield is worthy of admiration and preservation, and considering this is the first reissue of that album on CD, this is a treat any way one looks at it. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend