The Butterfield Blues Band, particularly in its early incarnations, was, without doubt, one of the most dynamic and exciting combos to emerge in the mid 1960s. Initially playing a brash, swaggering take on Chicago Blues on their self-titled debut album for Elektra Records (released in October 1965), they soon sought to push out and beyond the rigid Bluesy musical structures to something more innovative and intriguing. Fronted by harmonica player Paul Butterfield, the band came to exert a considerable influence on musicians nationally and internationally.
The first seven tracks on this fantastic value release at mid-price come from a recording at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, on 14th October 1966 including the classic “East West”. Alongside Butterfield, the line-up for the show was Mike Bloomfield (Guitar, Vocals); Elvin Bishop (Guitar, Vocals); Mark Naftalin (Organ, Vocals); Jerome Arnold (Bass); and Billy Davenport (Drums).
The two additional tracks come from a 1970 show in New York City and include a great version of Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign”. Butterfield’s playing and vocal skills have matured and his band, now supplemented by a horn section featuring a young David Sanborn, have incorporated a distinctly Jazzy influence, and all the better for it.
TRACKS
Fillmore West 1966
1. Shake Your Money Maker
2. The Sky Is Crying
3. Oh Pretty Woman
4. Help Me
5. Never Say No
6. You're So Fine
7. East West
Live New York 1970
8. Born Under A Bad Sign
9. Driftin' Blues