Michael Bloomfield Discography

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1958-1965 • 1966-1967 • 1968-1969 • 1970-1974 • 1975-1978 • 1979-1981 Previous • Next • Printable version Discography & Performance History 1968–1969 1968 The ELECTRIC FLAG Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg or Michael Fonfara, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, bar; Nick Gravenites, v; plus Richie Havens, sitar; Paul Beaver, moog syn; Bobby Notkoff, Julius Held, Leo Daruczek, George Brown, Charles McCracken, vi; Sivuca, g. San Francisco, CA(?); January 1968 Killing Floor* “A Long Time Comin’,” Columbia CS-9597 Texas Another Country Wine Easy Rider “Wine” may have been recorded in September 1967. “A Long Time Comin’” was not released until early April 1968. Norman Dayron created the voice and tape effects on "Another Country." The ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Cheetah, Venice, CA; Early 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance The ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; January 25-27, 1968 Sweet Talkin' Woman* Live performance She Should Have Just Messin' with the Kid Goin' Down Slow The Night Time Is the Right Time I've Been Loving You Too Long Hold On, I'm Comin' You Don't Realize Medley: Sweet Soul Music/Keep A-Knockin'/The Things That I Used to Do/ Fannie Mae Herbie Rich may be the vocalist on "Sweet Talkin' Woman." Personnel as January 25. Unknown venue and location, CA(?); Early 1968(?) My Baby Wants to Test Me Live performance You Don’t Realize Killing Floor Groovin’ Is Easy These four tunes have been issued by various labels as “The Best of the Electric Flag,” “Small Town Blues” or “The Electric Flag Live.” They appear to be sound board recordings which some sources attribute to the Flag’s May 18 Santa Clara Pop Festival appearance. Aural evidence indicates, however, that they originate from some other gig, probably a club appearance. “My Baby” may be a topical blues by Bloomfield, describing the state of his marriage in early 1968. “Killing Floor” is mislabeled as “I Should Have Left Her” on some issues. Personnel as January 25. Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 2-4, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel as February 2. Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, CA; February 8, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Personnel as February 2. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA; February 10, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Jimi Hendrix was the headliner at this concert. Harvey Brooks and Buddy Miles jammed with Hendrix after Jimi's sound check. One source reports that Bloomfield, Brooks and David Crosby also joined Hendrix to jam, possibly during Jimi’s performance. Personnel as February 2; add Stemzie Hunter, bar, as. Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 17-19(?), 1968 Unknown titles Live performances MOBY GRAPE Jerry Miller, g; Michael Bloomfield, p; Bob Mosley, b; Don Stevenson, d. New York, NY; Early February(?) 1968 Marmalade* “Grape Jam,” Columbia MGS-1 “Grape Jam” was included as a premium with Moby Grape’s “Wow.” Al Kooper, who plays piano on another title on the recording, was inspired by “Grape Jam” to record “Super Session.” JIMI HENDRIX Hendrix, g, v; Noel Redding, b, v; Mitch Mitchell, d; plus members of the Electric Flag. Scene Club, New York, NY; February 20, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance Flag members who sat in with Hendrix during this performance probably included Buddy Miles, but Bloomfield may have performed as well. He was producing the following James Cotton recording in New York on February 20. JAMES COTTON Cotton, hca, v; Luther Tucker, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, org; Alberto Gianquinto, p, v; Robert Anderson, b, v; Francis Clay, d; John Court, tmbrn. New York, NY; February 20, 1968 Worried Life Blues* “Pure Cotton,” Verve FTS-3038 Fallin’ Rain The Creeper Bloomfield is credited with providing “advice and enthusiasm” on this John Court-produced session. He also plays organ on “Fallin’ Rain” and rhythm guitar on the other two titles. The ELECTRIC FLAG Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, bar, as; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Anderson Theater, New York, NY; February 23, 24, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performances Personnel as February 23(?). Cafe Wha, New York, NY; February(?) 1968 Unknown titles Live performance A fan recalled this gig but gave no specific date. It’s included in the chronology here but may have occurred on the Flag’s first visit to New York in November 1967 or during its last appearance in June 1968, or could have taken place in 1974 with the reunited Flag. AL Kooper’s rock band with horns, Blood, Sweat & Tears, releases “Child Is Father to the Man” in February 1968. Another rock/horn band, the Chicago Transit Authority, will not issue its debut recording until April 1969. Personnel as February 23. Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA; March 2, 1968 Hey Joe Live performance Higher & Higher Drivin’ Wheel Other unknown titles Personnel as February 23. Second Fret, Philadelphia, PA; 1968(?) Unknown titles Live performance This appearance was reported by fan, but the date is uncertain. Personnel as February 23. Cafe Au Go Go, New York, NY; March 7-17, 1968 Hey Joe(?) Live performances Uptight(?) Other unknown titles Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop jammed with members of the Flag at the Cafe Au Go Go on March 17; Bloomfield apparently did not participate. An ad in the Village Voice for this appearance touts the Flag’s “soon to be released” Columbia recording with a version of the album’s cover that omits the female model. MURRAY “THE K” Murray Kaufman, int; Michael Bloomfield, v. WOR Studios, New York, NY; March(?) 1968 Interview* Radio broadcast Bloomfield was reportedly interviewed by Murray “the K” on his program at about this time (probably on his radio show). Bloomfield raved about Blood, Sweat and Tears. THE ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, bar, org; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Unknown venue, Detroit, MI; March 19, 1968(?) During their stay in Detroit, probably on the weekend of March 19, the Flag was robbed by two gunman (drug dealers according to Albert Grossman) who took Peter Strazza hostage after stealing his watch. They then tied up Stemzie Hunter and Herbie Rich and took their clothes and money, but were unable to rouse Buddy Miles and Bloomfield who slept through the whole affair in an adjacent room in the motel. Grossman had to wire them funds so the band could fly home. Personnel as above. Unknown TV studios, Los Angeles(?), CA; Aired March 30, 1968 Unknown titles* TV broadcast According to the Chicago Tribune TV listings, the Flag made an appearance on the John Gary Show on this date; it was probably recorded at an earlier time. The show was also rebroadcast on June 2, 1968. Personnel as above. Cheetah, Venice, CA; March 31, April 1, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel as March 31. Winterland Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 3, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Personnel as March 31. Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, CA; April 6, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance BLOOMFIELD is interviewed in late February 1968 for a two-part article that appears in the April 6 and 27, 1968 issues of Rolling Stone. He is outspoken on race and music, blues and rock and roll, critical of the San Francisco music scene, and is hailed as “one of the handful of the world’s finest guitarists.” THE ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA; April 11, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance This show was part of a nine-day fair hosted by Teen Time U.S.A. Along with music performances, there was a teen battle-of-the-bands hosted by Fender and a teen beauty pageant. Personnel as April 11. Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA; April 12, 13, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel as April 12; add Virgil Gonsalves, bar; unknown, tp. Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 21, 1968 Uptight/Daytripper Bootleg CD Drivin' Wheel The Theme Goin' Down Slow Other unknown titles René Aagaard reports that these titles come from a Carousel tape that has singer Erma Franklin recorded over a large portion of the Flag’s material. He speculates for that reason this Flag performance must have come from April 21 or earlier, a date that Franklin performed at the venue. Other sources say that the Flag guested on this Sunday show and that Flag members performed as part of Franklin’s band; aural evidence suggests that this is true. Marc Skobac has the dates as April 19-21 and the location as the Avalon Ballroom. “The Theme” is a variation on the Miles Davis composition and features baritone player Gonsalves and a second trumpet player (Doubleday takes the first solo). Personnel as April 12. Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 25, 1968 Stevie Wonder tune(?) Live performance Other unknown titles Frank Macias reported seeing the Electric Flag at the Fillmore around this time perform a Stevie Wonder tune he believed to be “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.” That song, however, was released by Wonder in 1970, so the band must have played a different Wonder composition, perhaps “Uptight.” Personnel as April 12. Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 26, 27, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Albert King was also on the roster for this performance. Personnel as April 12. Folk Music Festival, San Francisco State College, San Francisco, CA; April 28, 1968 It Takes Time(?) Live performance Rock Me Baby(?) Higher and Higher Wine Other unknown titles Bloomfield later told interviewer Tom Yates that this festival concert was one of the Flag's best live performances. "I wish our record had been as good as that show," he said. Personnel as April 28. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; May 3, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance A poster for this performance only lists Michael Bloomfield and does not mention the Electric Flag, but an fan who attended the show said it was indeed a Flag performance. The ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Cheetah, Venice, CA; May 10, 11, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performances Personnel as May 10. Whisky A-Go Go, Los Angeles, CA; May 10-16, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Advertisements indicate that the Flag played both the Cheetah and the Whisky on May 10 and 11. Christopher Hjort reports that Eric Clapton caught the Flag’s set at the Cheetah on May 10. Personnel as May 10. Pops Festival '68, College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA; May 12, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances IN AN INTERVIEW published in the May 11, 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, Eric Clapton cites two major influences on himself as a person – Bob Dylan and Michael Bloomfield. He says Bloomfield’s “way of thinking really shocked me the first time I met him and spoke to him. I never met anyone with so many strong convictions.” In the same issue, columnist Ralph Gleason takes Bloomfield to task for statements made during Michael’s recent interview in the magazine. The column is entitled “Stop This Shuck, Michael Bloomfield.” The ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Santa Clara Pop Festival, San Jose, CA; May 18, 1968 Soul Searchin'* Bootleg CD Groovin' Is Easy Hey Joe Sweet Home Chicago Killing Floor Texas/Another Country Wine These titles were recorded by an audience member and probably comprise the Flag’s complete set though “Texas” and “Another Country” are incomplete. “Soul Searchin’” is mislabeled as “Soul Survivor” on some issues. Personnel as May 18. Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; May 17-19, 1968 Soul Searchin’ “San Francisco, 1968,” Bootleg CD Milk Cow Blues I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water Groovin’ Is Easy Untitled Instrumental #1 Untitled Instrumental #2 Texas Hey Joe It Takes Time I’ve Been Loving You Another Country/Ain’t No Doctor Don’t You Lie to Me Soul Searchin’ “Another Country” fades after the tune’s free passage begins. “Ain’t No Doctor” is actually a partial version of “Goin’ Down Slow.” This two-part show took place on May 18 and must have followed the Flag’s 3 p.m. appearance at the Santa Clara Pop Festival. Bloomfield was apparently late getting to the Carousel after the San Jose gig and arrived on stage in the middle of the early show version of “Soul Searchin’.” He attempted a solo but gave up due to his guitar being out of tune; a lengthy tune-up session followed. Additional horns seem to be present on the late show version of “Soul Searchin.’” Personnel as May 18. Folk Rock Cafe, San Jose, CA; May 19, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Personnel as May 18. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA; May 24, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Personnel as May 18. Robertson Gym, UC Berkeley, CA; May 24, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Cream was the featured group at this performance. Personnel as May 18. Selland Arena, Fresno, CA; May 25, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Michael Bloomfield, g; Kooper, org, ondioline, v; Barry Goldberg, el p; Harvey Brooks, b; Eddie Hoh, d; unknown horn section. Los Angeles, CA; May 28, 1968 Albert’s Shuffle “Super Session,” Columbia CS-9701 Stop* Man’s Temptation* His Holy Modal Majesty Really Blues for Nothing “Super Session,” Columbia CK-64611 Bloomfield left this session after the first day and only 6 hours in the studio due to a severe case of insomnia. Horns arranged by Joe Scott were added by Kooper to these titles () in the studio at a later date. “Blues for Nothing” is an alternate take of “Albert’s Shuffle" without horns. “Super Session” was released in late August 1968 and climbed to number 13 on Billboard’s pop charts. The ELECTRIC FLAG Michael Bloomfield(?), g, v; probably Harvey Brooks, b; Herbie Rich, org(?); Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g. University of California, Santa Barbara, CA; May 29, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Whether Bloomfield appeared with the band at this show is unknown. He reportedly returned to San Francisco after his breakdown following the “Super Session” date, so it is likely he did not perform. Personnel as May 29 with Bloomfield definitely present; add unknown guitarist (Hoshal Wright?). Fillmore East, New York, NY; June 7, 8, 1968 Soul Searchin' Live performances Killing Floor Other titles unknown A New York Times review of this performance describes it as Bloomfield’s “farewell appearance” with the band. Rolling Stone reported that Bloomfield played this last gig as a favor to Bill Graham and that "it cost him dearly" to get out of the Flag, presumably in advance money owed Albert Grossman and other band-related expenses. According to John Kay of Steppenwolf, Bloomfield and the guitarist replacing him in the Flag performed together for this appearance (Steppenwolf shared the bill). Hoshal Wright was the Flag’s guitarist after Bloomfield left. Jimi Hendrix sat in with the Flag after the late show on June 8 but Bloomfield reportedly left the stage earlier and did not perform with him. Personnel as June 8; omit Bloomfield(?). Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; June 14-16, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel after June 8 probably didn’t include Bloomfield despite his name appearing with the Flag in advertisements. Personnel as June 14. Hippodrome, San Diego, CA; June 21, 22, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel as June 14. Kaleidoscope, Hollywood, CA; June 28, 1968 MILES DAVIS praises Bloomfield’s “Over-Lovin’ You” from “A Long Time Comin’” in the June 27, 1968 Downbeat magazine Blindfold Test by Leonard Feather. In a Rolling Stone interview from December 13, 1969, Davis comments that when Bloomfield “plays for blacks, his shit comes out black,” and that if one “put [Bloomfield] with James Brown, he’d be a motherfucker.” Paul Butterfield Blues Band/TEN YEARS AFTER Members of the Butterfield and Ten Years After groups plus guests Elvin Bishop, Michael Bloomfield(?), g, v; Buddy Miles, v, d; Janis Joplin, v. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 5, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance According to Christopher Hjort, Bill Graham asked Bloomfield and others to join the Butterfield and Alvin Lee bands as guests for this, the opening night of the new Fillmore West, formerly the Carousel Ballroom. Unknown titles Live performance The ELECTRIC FLAG Probably Hoshal Wright, g; Harvey Brooks, b; Herbie Rich, org; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 9-11, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performances Personnel as July 9. Sound Factory, Sacramento, CA; July 26, 27, 1968 Unknown titles Live performances Personnel as July 9. Newport Pop Festival, Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA; August 3, 1968 Unknown titles Live performance Although a fan reported seeing Bloomfield play with the Flag at the Newport Pop Festival, Michael had definitely left the band by this time. Frank Macias, who was at the show, confirms (to his great disappointment) that Bloomfield did not perform that afternoon and that another guitarist played with the Flag. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD JAM BAND Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Nick Gravenites, v; members of the Ace of Cups, bckd vocals. Palace of Fine Arts Festival, San Francisco, CA; August 31, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance Bloomfield’s group was an unbilled addition to this festival. He invited the Ace of Cups up to perform a few tunes and they laughingly referred to themselves as “the Bloomettes.” BARRY GOLDBERG & Friends Goldberg, p, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Eddie Hinton, g; Charlie Musselwhite, hca; David Hood, b; Eddie Hoh, d; unknown horn section, vocal group. Los Angeles, CA or Quin Ivy Studio, Muscle Shoals, AL; 1968 That’s Alright, Mama* “Two Jews Blues,” Buddah BDS 5029 Maxwell Street Shuffle Blues for Barry and ... (Dedicated to Big John’s) Jimi the Fox (Dedicated to Jimi Hendrix) On the Road Again Bloomfield does not play on the other titles on this session. He is listed only as “The Great” on the original release. The album came out the winter/spring of 1969. MOTHER EARTH Tracy Nelson, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; John Andrews, g; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Bob Arthur, b; George Rains, d. The Earthettes, bgnd v. San Francisco(?), CA; 1968 Mother Earth* “Living With The Animals,” Mercury SR-61194 Bloomfield is listed on this release as “Makel Blumfeld.” According to bassist Bob Arthur, Bloomfield recorded “Mother Earth” with the band in the studio while lying on his back the entire time. Thanks to Frank Macias for this information. WAYNE TALBERT & THE MELTING POT Talbert, p, v; Curly Cook, Michael Bloomfield, g; Martin Fierro, d; Tacey Nelson(?), bkgnd v; others unknown. San Francisco(?), CA; 1968(?) Funky Ellis Farm* “Dues to Pay,” Pulsar AR-10603 Talbert was part of the Mother Earth/Sir Douglas Quintet scene and issued three records as a leader. Bloomfield plays on this one title. Dr. John produced the recording. Thanks to Andrew Hawkey for this information. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Roosevelt Gook, p; John Kahn, b; Skip Prokop, d. Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; September 26-28, 1968 Opening Speech* “The Live Adventures of ...,” Columbia CS 9742 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) I Wonder Who Her Holy Modal Highness The Weight Mary Ann Together ’Til the End of Time That’s All Right, Mama Green Onions Dear Mr. Fantasy Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong Finale – Refugee Fat Grey Cloud “Super Session,” Columbia CK-64611 Bloomfield was unable to complete this gig due to another severe case of insomnia, causing Kooper to get Elvin Bishop and Carlos Santana as replacements. Paul Simon overdubbed the harmony part later in the studio on “59th Street Bridge Song.” Roosevelt Gook is a pseudonym for Al Kooper; Kooper overdubbed the piano parts later. “Grey Cloud” was Bloomfield’s nickname for Albert Grossman. Cover art for the album, according to Rolling Stone, was originally to be a picture of the group “jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.” The two-record set was released in late February 1969. James Cotton BLUES BAND Cotton, v, hca; Luther Tucker, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, prod, g, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Bob Anderson, b; Barry Smith, d; Joe Newman, tp; Garnett Brown, tbn; Bill Nugent, ts. New York, NY; October 1968 The Coach’s Better Days* “Cotton In Your Ears,” Verve FTS-3060 Back to St. Louis With You on My Mind (LT, v) Take Me by the Hand Bloomfield produced this session and appears to play on the above titles. The blues “Tell Me Partner,” a Bloomfield composition recorded by Cotton here, was performed by Bloomfield and Al Kooper in New York on December 13 or 14. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Kleinhans Music Hall(?), Buffalo, NY; 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance This performance was reported to have taken place in 1968 by a fan. It could have been with Kooper or with & Friends, or, if it occurred earlier in the year, with the Electric Flag. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b, d. Boston Garden, Boston, MA; Winter(?) 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Nick Gravenites, v. Winterland, San Francisco, CA; Winter 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance OTIS RUSH Rush, g, v; Duane Allman, Jimmy Johnson, g; Nick Gravenites, Michael Bloomfield, prod; Mark Naftalin, org; Barry Beckett, kybds; Jerry Jemmott, b; Roger Hawkins, d; Memphis Horns. Muscle Shoals, AL; Late November/early December 1968 Various titles* “Mourning In The Morning,” Cotillion SD-9006 ALBERT KING King, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown. The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; 1968(?) Unknown titles* Live performance Bloomfield sat in one night with Albert King at this popular Chicago club, according to its doorman, Phillip Webster. Michael kept playing alone when the band took its breaks and then he stayed onstage after King and his men had packed up. Michael then got Webster to drive him to a Southside club where he continued jamming for another two hours. CANNED HEAT Probably Bob Hite, v; Henry Vestine, g; Al Wilson, g, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g; Larry Taylor, b; Fito de la Parra, d. The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; November 30, 1968 Unknown titles* Live performance Bloomfield, visiting Chicago in November 1968, sat in with Canned Heat one evening. Robb Baker reported in the Chicago Tribune that Michael’s interplay with bassist Taylor was amazing. In an interview in The Seed earlier in the year, Bloomfield said the thing he missed most about the Windy City was O’Connell’s, a restaurant on Belleview. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Johnny Winter, g, v; Paul Harris, p; Jerry Jemmott, b; John Cresci, d. Fillmore East, New York, NY; December 13, 14, 1968 Bloomfield’s Introduction* “Fillmore East: The Lost Concert Tapes,” Columbia CK-85278 One Way Out Introduction of Johnny Winter It’s My Own Fault (JW, v) 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) Tell Me Partner That’s All Right, Mama Together ’Til the End of Time Don’t Throw Your Love on Me So Strong Season of the Witch Bloomfield’s Introduction Bootleg CD 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) I'm Ready Tell Me Partner Together ’Til The End of Time Green Onions For Anyone You Meet The Weight That's All Right, Mama Bloomfield introduced guitarist Johnny Winter to the Fillmore audience – and ultimately to a lucrative Columbia recording contract – at one of these Fillmore performances. Michael had first met the albino blues artist in 1963 when Winter lived in Chicago for six months and performed for him at the Fickle Pickle. JANIS JOPLIN Joplin, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Bill King, org; Brad Campbell, b; Roy Markowitz, Levon Helm, d; Marcus Belgrave, tp; Terry Clements, ts; others unknown. Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; December 18, 1968 Untitled Shuffle Blues* Rehearsal session Piece of My Heart Other unknown titles(?) Keyboardist Bill King described the session as taking place during Joplin’s rehearsals with her new band, the Kozmic Blues Band. Joplin’s manager, Albert Grossman, asked Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites to organize the band starting in December 1968. Joplin debuted the group at the Stax/Volt Yuletide Concert in Memphis on December 21, 1968 with Bloomfield present. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; B.B. King, g, v; unknown b, d. Fillmore East, New York, NY; December 25, 1968 How Blue Can You Get?* (BBK, v) Live performance Other titles unknown This appearance may have actually been on December 27 and 28, as advertised in the New York Times. The Times, however, also gave the same dates for the Felt Forum show, below. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Paul Harris, p; Jerry Jemmott, b; John Cresci, d. Felt Forum, New York, NY; December 27, 28, 1968 Unknown tiles* Live performances 1969 MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Rienol Andino, conga; John Wilmeth, tp; Noel Jewkes, ts; Gerald Oshita, Snooky Flowers, bar; Nick Gravenites, v. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; January 30, 31, 1969 Killing My Love* “My Labors” (Nick Gravenites), Columbia CS 9899 Gypsy Good Time Holy Moly Moon Tune Wintry Country Side Work Me Lord Born In Chicago “Work Me Lord” and “Born in Chicago” were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. "Born" may the same as one of the versions below. Personnel, date, location as above with Taj Mahal, v, hca, and Jesse Ed Davis, g, added. It Takes Time “Live at Bill Graham’s Fillmore West,” Columbia CS-9893 Oh, Mama Love Got Me Blues on the Westside (Telephone Blues) One More Mile to Go (TM, v; JED, g) It’s About Time Carmelita Skiffle If I Ever Get Lucky Stronger Than Dirt "Live ..." was released in October 1969. "Lucky" and "Dirt" were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Personnel similar to above, add Carlos Santana(?). Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 1, 1969 Born in Chicago* “Michael Bloomfield & Friends Again,” CD-R1-SB 6 (Bootleg) Work Me Lord Killing My Love Holy Moly Baby’s Been Gone It’s About Time Young Girl (San Quentin Jail Bait) Personnel as above. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 2, 1969 Born in Chicago “In San Francisco,” Bootleg CD Blues on the Westside (Telephone Blues) It’s About Time Sweet Little Angel Blues Jam A second guitarist solos on “It’s About Time” for the February 1 and 2 shows. One source suggests it might be Terry Haggerty of the Sons of Champlin. On “Sweet Little Angel,” two guitarists in addition to Bloomfield seem to be present. On “Blues Jam,” none of the three guitarists sounds like Bloomfield. A harmonica is added on “Blues Jam." Snooky Flowers may be the vocalist on “Sweet Little Angel.” Even for a “jam,” which these Fillmore performances were advertised as, the February 2 show sounds chaotic and disorganized, and ends abruptly to the clear dismay of the audience. Personnel probably as above, advertised as including Nick Gravenites and Mark Naftalin. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 6-9, 1969 Born in Chicago Live performances Other unknown titles Recordings of these February performances reportedly come from tapes owned by John Kahn. Personnel probably as above. Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 17(?), 1969 Unknown titles Live performance This performance was advertised as a benefit celebrating the Chinese New Year. The Sons of Champlin were also on the roster. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, comp, g; Paul Butterfield, hca; Ira Kamin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Noel Jewkes, Fred Olson, ts; Gerald Oshita, bar. Los Angeles(?), CA; Spring/summer(?) 1969 Unknown titles* Soundtrack for “Medium Cool,” a film by Haskell Wexler “Medium Cool” was released in late August 1969. Wexler was Bloomfield’s cousin. The DVD of the film has different music in some places on the soundtrack than the original theater release. The changes were due to rights issues and presumably many of Bloomfield’s pieces were replaced. The film’s nightclub sequence features a tune by Frank Zappa and the Mothers behind unsynced images of another band called The Litter. Bloomfield, however, can be heard soloing briefly in the street scene prior to the protagonists’ encounter with the black militants. THE GRATEFUL DEAD record “Dark Star,” an extended “psychedelic” jam, at the Fillmore West in February 1969. That same month, Miles Davis records “In a Silent Way,” his first release with an electric band. It features English guitarist John McLaughlin. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. The Rock Pile, Toronto, ON; March 14, 1969 Performance cancelled Skip Prokop’s new band, Lighthouse, was also on the roster for this show. They covered for absent Kooper and Bloomfield.* MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b; probably Skip Prokop, d. Boston Arena, Boston, MA; March 15(?), 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance Bloomfield gave one of his characteristic opening speeches during this performance. It concerned a conversation he’d had with his cab driver, something about cabbies being robbed and killed in Boston. Ever sympathetic, Bloomfield urged the crowd to go easy on their cab drivers. Lighthouse also performed on this date. *SUPER SESSION JAM Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown, g; Otis Spann, el p; Billy Cox, b; Buddy Miles, d. The Ark, Boston, MA; March(?) 1969 Unknown titles Live performance This one-night jam session was reported by the unknown guitarist who was a member of the band that opened the show. The jam band was billed as a "Super Session group" even though they had nothing to do with the official Kooper/Bloomfield date. The Ark, a competitor to the Boston Tea Party, closed in September 1969. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Personnel similar to above. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; March 27-30, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performances MUDDY WATERS Waters, g, v; Phil Upchurch, Michael Bloomfield, g; Paul Asbell, rthm g; Jeff Carp, Paul Butterfield, hca; Duck Dunn, b; Sam Lay, Buddy Miles, d. Chicago, IL; April 21-23, 1969 All Aboard* “Fathers and Sons,” Chess LPS-127 All Aboard, alt. take Mean Disposition Blow Wind, Blow Can’t Lose What You Ain’t Never Had Walkin’ Through the Park 40 Days and 40 Nights Standin’ Round Cryin’ I’m Ready 24 Hours Sugar Sweet Sugar Sweet, alt. take Sad Letter Country Boy I'm Goin’ Home I'm Goin’ Home, alt. take Oh Yeah Someday Baby Live the Life I Love I Feel So Good Personnel as April 21; add James Cotton, hca; Ira Kamin, org; Tom Webb, bar. Civic Auditorium, Chicago, IL; April 24, 1969 Long Distance Call Live performance Young Girl (San Quentin Jail Bait) Losing Hand Down on Broadway Texas Long Distance Call “Fathers and Sons,” Chess LPS-127 Baby, Please Don’t Go Honey Bee The Same Thing Got My Mojo Workin,’ Parts 1 & 2 Other unknown titles This concert was billed as the “Super Cosmic Joy-Scout Jamboree” and opened with the Ace of Cups followed by Nick Gravenites and Quicksilver Messenger Service (Gravenites produced the concert). Bloomfield is the vocalist on “Young Girl.” The unknown titles come from a second set which featured Cotton and Webb, a member at the time of The Flock. The musicians all donated their services for the concert to benefit the Wheaton-based Phoenix Fellowship. According to Marshall Chess, the idea to do an album with Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield and Bloomfield came from Michael himself. The title, “Fathers and Sons,” was also Bloomfield’s idea. On the unissued tune “I’m Goin’ Home,” Waters is backed by Albertina Walker and other gospel singers; one take features a solo by Bloomfield, the other has a solo by tenor player Gene Ammons. Thanks to Norman Dayron, the recording’s producer, for this information. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; collective personnel listed as Fred Olsen, g; Michael Melford, g, mandolin, v; Orville Rhodes, pdl stl g; Ira Kamin, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Roy Ruby, p; Richard Santi, acc; “Ace of Cups,” v; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Ron Stallings, as; Mark Teel, ts; Gerald Oshita, bar; Nick Gravenites, Diane Tribuno, v. Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA; May 19, other dates, 1969 If You See My Baby* “It’s Not Killing Me,” Columbia CS-9883 For Anyone You Meet Good Old Guy Far Too Many Nights It’s Not Killing Me Next Time You See Me Michael’s Lament Why Must My Baby The Ones I Loved Are Gone Don’t Think About It, Baby Goofers Slow July Blues Assholes This recording was Bloomfield’s last major label release. According to co-producer Michael Melford, it was recorded in San Francisco against the wishes of Columbia. The company’s policy was to only record in its studios in New York, Nashville or Los Angeles, and the exception made for Bloomfield caused other Columbia artists, including Sly Stone, to stop by the sessions to see how he’d managed it. Columbia did insist that two of its union engineers be present to “turn the tape recorder on and off.” "Assholes," a tune that went unreleased for obvious reasons, was Michael's complaint about music critics; "Slow July Blues" was issued on Japanese Sony in 2008. Bloomfield was insecure about his vocal parts and redid all of them and his guitar solos in overdubbing sessions at Wally Heider’s San Francisco studios. The album was released in early October 1969 with little promotion and was universally panned by critics. A corner of the record’s cover has the words “Bloomfield shucks,” a clear reference to the Ralph Gleason editorial about Michael that appeared the May 11, 1968 edition of Rolling Stone. BREWER AND SHIPLEY Michael Brewer, Tom Shipley, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; Fred Olsen, g; Orville Rhodes, pdl stl g; Mark Naftalin, Nicky Hopkins, p; Ira Kamin, org; Richard Greene, vi; John Kahn, Robert Huberman, b; Bob Jones, d; Rienol Andino, conga; Nick Gravenites, v. San Francisco, CA; 1969 Lady Like You* “Weeds,” Kama Sutra 2016 Rise Up (Easy Rider) Boomerang Indian Summer All Along the Watchtower * People Love Each Other Pigs Head* Oh Sweet Lady Too Soon Tomorrow Wichi-Tai-To* Bloomfield probably does not play on all of these titles but is present on these ().* WAYNE TALBERT Talbert, p, v; Mike Deasy, Earnest McLean, Michael Bloomfield, g; Bob West, b; Plas Johnson, Herman Riley, Curtis Amy, rds; Paul Humphrey, d; unknown bgnd v. San Francisco(?), CA; 1969(?) Cranicola Narcissis Buds “Lord Have Mercy on My Funky Soul,” Pulsar AR-10607 According to Rene Aagaard, Bloomfield plays on this one title. Dr. John produced this, Talbert’s second recording.* MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. KSAN, San Francisco, CA; 1969 Unknown titles Live performance In a Guitar Player magazine interview, guitarist Phil Keaggy recalled opening for Bloomfield at KSAN gig sometime in 1969. Keaggy was playing with Glass Harp at the time. Bloomfield was asked to sit in with the band but declined because he was “not feeling well at the time.” MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Royce Auditorium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; May 25, 1969 Unknown titles Live performance Albert Collins, Pee Wee Crayton, Big Jay McNeely, Earl Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite were also on the roster for this show. *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown. Exhibition Gardens, San Francisco(?), CA; May 31 , 1969(?) Unknown titles Live performance MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA; June 14, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance Nick Gravenites and Southern Comfort were also on the roster for this performance, a benefit for the Alameda Youth Council. JANIS JOPLIN Joplin, v; Michael Bloomfield, prod, g; Richard Kermode, org; Brad Campbell, b; Maury Baker or Lonnie Castille, d; Luis Gasca, tp; Terry Clements, ts; Snooky Flowers, bar. New York, NY(?); June 16-26, 1969 One Good Man* “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again, Mama!,” Columbia KCS-9913 Maybe To Love Somebody Work Me, Lord Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites organized this session; it was produced by Gabriel Mekler. Bloomfield plays only on the above titles. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g(?), v; others, if any, unknown. Mills College, Oakland, CA; June 16-27(?), 1969 Seminar/workshop* An ambitious series of music workshops was organized by a group called Community of Musical Efforts (COME) as a pilot project for a proposed San Francisco College of Contemporary Music. Sponsored by the Portola Institute of Menlo Park, the workshops and seminars were given by Jerry Garcia, John Handy, Mickey Hart, Roland Kirk and many others. If Bloomfield’s lecture did occur, it was probably held sometime during the dates above. *CANNED HEAT Bob Hite, v; Al Wilson, g, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g; Larry Taylor, b; Fito de la Parra, d. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 1969 Unknown titles Live performance Bloomfield sat in with Canned Heat the night guitarist Henry Vestine quit the band. He reportedly was asked to join the group but declined. Chicagoan Harvey Mandel became Vestine's replacement. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Small movie theater(?), Hawthorne, CA; July 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance This performance was reported by a fan. BARRY GOLDBERG & Friends Goldberg, org; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Mandel, g; Roy Ruby, b; Eddie Hoh, d; Bob Greenspan, v. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA; 1969 Sweet Home Chicago* “... and Friends,” Record Man CR-5105 I Got to Love My Woman Long Hard Journey (One More Mile) Woke Up This Morning Mess “A Da” Blues Several of Barry Goldberg’s recordings, including this one, have been released under various titles on various labels, each with little or no documentation. Bloomfield is most certainly the guitarist on “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Long Hard Journey,” and not on “Mess ‘A Da’ Blues” or “I Got to Love My Woman” (a variation of Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman”). Whether these titles were all actually recorded at the Shrine is unknown. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v; others unknown. Family Dog on the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA; August 15-17, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performances MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, CA; August 23, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance Personnel probably as above. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; October 1, 1969 Unknown titles Live performance Personnel probably as above. Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; September 12, 13, 1969 Unknown titles Live performance This date was billed as a “super blues jam session.” JANIS JOPLIN/PAUL BUTTERFIELD Joplin, v; Butterfield, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, org; Rod Hicks, b; George Davidson, d; Gene Dinwiddie, ss, ts; Trevor Lawrence, bs; Steve Madaio, tpt. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; October 5, 1969 Raise Your Hand Live performance Bo Diddley Other unknown titles SAM LAY Lay, d, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; unknown hca; Mark Naftalin, p; unknown b; Bob Jones(?), g, d(?). San Francisco, CA; November 1969 Maggie’s Farm “Sam Lay In Bluesland,” Blue Thumb BTS-14 Mean Mistreater Sam Lay & Mississippi John Hurt Cryin’ for My Baby Sloppy Drunk My Fault Roll Over Beethoven Asked Her for Water Got My Mojo Working “Bluesland” was released in May 1970. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Centennial Coliseum, Reno, NV; November 21, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance This concert also featured Sonny & Cher and was part of the University of Nevada Reno’s homecoming weekend. MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown. Lake Tahoe, CA; 1969 Unknown titles Live performance A fan recalled attending this performance sometime in 1969.* MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Gregg Thomas, d; Nick Gravenites, v. Lanai Theatre, Crockett, CA; November 29, 1969 Unknown titles* Live performance The Zeet Band Paul Beaver, moog syn; Phil Upchurch, Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, Erwin Helfer, p; Donnie Hathaway, kybds, syn; Morris Jennings, d; Ira Kamin, kybds; T. John Conrad, Lawrence Brown, Richard A. Berk, Joe Osborne, John Guerin, Ray Pohlman, hns(?). Los Angeles, Hollywood, CA; Chicago, IL; November/December 1969 Fireball Boogie!* “Moogie Woogie,” Chess LPS-1545 Angel-Dust Boogie Bloomfield probably does not play on the other titles from this session. He was billed as “Fast Fingers Finkelstein,” and was to perform “What’d I Say” in addition to the above titles. Norman Dayron, who produced this session, recalled that he and Bloomfield felt the recording’s concept was so ludicrous that they decided mock it with overblown titles and performances. Mark Naftalin wrote the liner notes under the name Nafty Markham. JANIS JOPLIN/MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS(?) Michael Bloomfield(?), g; Janis Joplin(?), v; unknown g, b, d. San Francisco, CA; December 3, 1969 Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out* Studio session Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) Don't Quit, Daddy Get It While You Can Had To Get Out of Texas This so-called Bloomfield/Joplin studio performance is reported to have taken place on December 3 in San Francisco despite Joplin’s rigorous touring schedule that had her in Pittsburgh on November 28 and Atlanta on December 5. Some sources attribute these titles to the June 1969 “Kozmic Blues” sessions, though they sound like they come from rehearsals. Other sources question whether the vocalist is really Joplin, saying that the tunes are performed by a drag artist known as Pearl Heart (Joey Amoroso). The guitarist certainly does not sound like Bloomfield. “Had to Get Out of Texas,” often called a variation on the Electric Flag’s “Texas,” is actually an autobiographical blues improvised by Joplin/Heart and is completely unlike the Bloomfield/Miles tune. Thanks to Anthony Edman for some of this information. 1958-1965 • 1966-1967 • 1968-1969 • 1970-1974 • 1975-1978 • 1979-1981 Previous • Next • Printable version © 2008 David Dann		Michael Bloomfield Discography & Performance History • 1958-1965 • 1966-1967 • 1968-1969 • 1970-1974 • 1975-1978 • 1979-1981 • Sources • Printable version A selection of remembrances of Michael Bloomfield from contributors to this site A detailed look at the studio and live versions of the Butterfield Blues Band's "East-West" An interview with producer Norman Dayron by Ralph Heibutzki A check list of currently available recordings by Michael Bloomfield © 2008 David Dann
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