Record Reviews
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  | 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 |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ FATHERS & SONS
CHESS 602438056224 (Barcode: 602438056224) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 1998
This is a reissue / remaster of the legendary 2LP Blues album released originally in 1969 by ChessFind albums on this label Records. The music was recorded by a core sextet, which included vocalist / guitarist Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist, pianist Otis SpannFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Paul ButterfieldFind albums by this artist, bassist Donald DunnFind albums by this artist and drummer Sam LeyFind albums by this artist. Several additional musicians guest on selected tracks. The album presents ten studio tracks, which appeared on the first LP, six live tracks, which appeared on the second LP and one bonus unreleased studio track, altogether seventeen tracks. Most of the music (ten tracks) was written by Muddy Waters (a.k.a. McKinley MorganfieldFind albums by this artist), three by Willie DixonFind albums by this artist and the rest by other songwriters.
The “Fathers & Sons” title refers of course to the meeting between the Godfathers of modern electric Blues, like Waters, and the young white American Blues disciples, like Bloomfield and Butterfield, who embraced the Blues tradition and transported into the next level of Blues-Rock. The music is all classic Blues / Blues-Rock at its absolute best, and although it does not introduce anything previously unheard, it remains an icon of the time and the genre, played by the best musicians on the scene at the time.
Overall, this is an absolute classic, which lost nothing from its impact and beauty over time. The performances are all stellar and the music is as genuine as it can be. Bloomfield, a Jewish boy from Chicago, became in time the greatest American Blues guitar player and his tragically premature death in 1981 devastated us, the Blues lovers, at the time, as he proved to be irreplaceable. In fact, Waters, Bloomfield, Spann and Butterfield were dead by 1987, so a reunion of “Fathers & Sons” never happened and this is the only document of their work. For electric Blues lovers this album is a timeless icon!
| | Updated: 11/07/2025Posted: 11/07/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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