NAME:

Chris Parris

HOMETOWN:

Cowra.   Down under in   Australia

Date:

08/31/2002

Time:

08:08:01 AM

Comments

Michael deserved more, well before this thanks. Just finished reading the book "if you love these Blues". I dont think that i can get enough of Michael, on listening to his music i cannot get over his style of playing the passion and the fire. give me more..............

NAME:

mike argue

HOMETOWN:

toronto

Date:

08/31/2002

Time:

03:34:44 PM

Comments

Glad to see that someone is keeping mike's music alive. He was a major influence on my playing.

NAME:

Lloyd Prezant

HOMETOWN:

Westchester, New York

Date:

08/31/2002

Time:

10:44:47 PM

Comments

Hi to all the Mike Bloomfield fans. Here is a true story from the 1960's.

It was on June 8, 1968, that I saw Mike Bloomfield for the only time. He was playng in a band called "The Electric Flag." We all remember Nick Gravenities (spelling ?), the vocalist. He was killer. Of course, having Michael in the band was the best too. What a horn section they had.

I never got CD's of the Electric Flag. Are they available?

Anyway, it was that night in June 1968 that Mike ran into me. I didn't know it until after he'd passed by. The bill at the Fillmore East that night was - Steppenwolf, Quicksilver Message Service and the Electric Flag. John Kay delivered for Steppenwolf. Hard driving vocals and a kick ass band they were. If you were privileged to see them do Magic Carpet ride live, you experienced a drug trip without the drugs. It was surreal! Then Dino Dinnelli crooned with Quicksilver. The audience went wild when they did "Fresh Air" - one of my favorite songs of all time. They left the stage and the roadies prepared the equipment for the Electric Flag. Three groups you saw at the Fillmore for only $5. It was the best deal in town. I was sitting 2nd row in the right orchestra section. By now, having sat through two groups while a huge array of speakers were on the stage about 20 feet away from me, my ears were ringing non-stop! We are waiting for the 'Flag to start, and waiting. All of a sudden, a guy is making his way down the row I am sitting in. He's a slight man, with a leather jacket carrying a guitar in a soft case. "Ouch!" I yelled as he stepped on my toe. "Sorry man, sorry, but I'm late..." Moments later I realized that was Michael. I didn't wear those shoes for some time after that.

It has been over 34 years since my toe was black and blue, but after the Electric Flag finished their set that night, all was forgiven.

My toe aches to be stepped on again - never to happen. But the memory will live with me for as long as I am able to think.

God bless you and keep you, Michael. For your contribution to music will always live on!!!!

Lloyd Prezant

NAME:

Anders Carlsson

HOMETOWN:

Karlskrona, Sweden

Date:

09/02/2002

Time:

01:24:06 PM

Comments

I am an old fan of Bloomfield. I read the book about Mike in the fall of 2000. And I was thrown back 30 years in time and I recall so vividly the great music that came out of Bloomfield´s guitar.

I had the great privilege to see Mike in Stockholm in November 1980, just a couple of months before his premature death.

Keep up the good work with this site.

NAME:

JOHN SPITLER

HOMETOWN:

MANHATTAN KS

Date:

09/06/2002

Time:

10:26:17 AM

Comments

MIKE WAS THE BEST WHITE BLUES GUITAR PLAYER BAR NONE!

NAME:

Armando G. Fernandez

HOMETOWN:

Pasadena, California

Date:

09/12/2002

Time:

04:23:55 AM

Comments

I've digged Mike's playing for over 20 years and haved been influenced by his personality for liking all styles of the blues styles and being a master of all the different styles of blues.

NAME:

Todd Beebe

HOMETOWN:

Chicago, IL.

Date:

09/14/2002

Time:

02:22:13 AM

Comments

Michael Bloomfield is one of my biggest influences- not only on the guitar- but of life in general. He was a true American original- and his influence STILL rumbles through all music across the globe. The way Mike brought the Blues to us all in the time he was here is so important on the way modern music has evolved through today.It is so great to finally see a website devoted to him. Thanks for the site and Thank You Michael- for sharing your music with all of us. It has made a lasting impression on my life!

NAME:

MB

HOMETOWN:

Atlanta

Date:

09/16/2002

Time:

05:39:16 PM

Comments

I am gathering stories for "Tales From the Rock and Roll Highway," a book to be published by Billboard Books.

I am looking for stories related to touring, performances, fan encounters etc.; anything interesting, funny, poignant, crazy, whatever.

If you have a story you would like to share about Mike, e-mail inkstainedwench@bellsouth.net

NAME:

mark "honeyburst" Andy

HOMETOWN:

austin, texas

Date:

09/22/2002

Time:

03:44:07 PM

Comments

"I just got back from Texas... and you KNOW... what I'm talking about!" Where are the Les Pauls in Austin, c'mon people! Way too many strats.But at least I got a "Paul", and when I strap that thing on, YOU know what I'm talking about! But there is good radio in town. "last night...." Yes , last night on 91.7 KVRX they had an artist's hour of Paul Butterfield. But we know who the real,I mean heavy, cat was, don't we kids! They played tracks from the first 2 Butter l.p.'s, plus side projects. A good show. Then the next dj was late getting there, so the show went on later, playin' 'mo good stuff. Last Mike disc purchased: " Live at the Old Waldorf". What do I think?- Glad you asked! Photos: A+ Music: Half the disc:A Other half: D Sorry but I just don't dig Mike's slide playin'.(But He still is one of my favorites). A worthwhile purchase, but try to get a good deal on it. Last time I played guitar in my apt. along with Bloomfield records no matter what the neighbors think: last week. One more thing, the coffee maker in the break room at work is made by Bloomfield.

NAME:

Garrett Burton

HOMETOWN:

Marshfield Wisconsin

Date:

09/30/2002

Time:

03:38:33 PM

Comments

I started Playing guitar when I was 12 and now I'm 17 and just this last year I have gotten into Michael Bloomfield so much. His singing style has influenced my new set-up, Les Paul through a twin reverb. It sound so sweet. But The first of mike I heard was an album My history teaher lent me "East-West". The first time I put that cd in it knocked my socks off, And after countless hours of listening to his playing I still am mezmorized by his powerful style-it's like no other. Then I found his biography "If you love these blues.,.." in Boarders bookstore on the near north side in chicago where my sister lives and read it and cried at the end of that book. You really fall in love with this guy. It makes me proud to say," I was born in Chicago, 1985!" R.I.P Mike Bloomfield anotherthing, its a killer that it seems so hard to get ahold of any information an him, especially when he's your hero. if you have anything that you think i'd be interested in Like his rigs or setups, tablature to "Bullet Rag" my email is jburton@charter.net

NAME:

Bill Riley

HOMETOWN:

Shirley,NY

Date:

10/01/2002

Time:

11:48:42 AM

Comments

Keep up the good work! Looking forword to visiting this site many,many more times

NAME:

Felix Cabrera

HOMETOWN:

New York City

Date:

10/10/2002

Time:

03:51:25 PM

Comments

The second time i saw Bloomers was with the Butter Band at the Cafe Au-Go-Go on Bleecker street in December of 66...they were coming up on stage and Bloomfield stood right in front of me and started tuning up...then i noticed that his zipper was completely undone so i pointed this out to him and he said "HEY MAN, THANKS!!"it was just the way he said it..pure Mike..in the if YOU LOVE THESE BLUES book Chet Helms says that as far as he is concerned Mike was THE GUITAR PLAYER in those days...he goes on to tell that Clapton and Hendrix were great but to him it was Bloomers who was really the man...my sentiments exactly because i also saw the other two and Mike had them hands down..you had to be there, specially Mike's time with the Butter band.

There are two bootlegs out there..LIVE AT THE UNICORN IN BOSTON 66 and DROPPING IN (half of it Fillmore West stuff) that have incredible versions of MIND TO GIVE UP LIVING and THE WORK SONG..try to get them....ya wont regret it.

good luck with the site..

NAME:

Sam Hall

HOMETOWN:

The road/Oregon for now

Date:

10/14/2002

Time:

03:09:28 PM

Comments

If you love these blues is an awsome book, i have been reading it on the road. If anybody out there is a guitar player and has never left the comforts of home? Read that book and if you really try hard to be successful at music? Expect atleast 70% of this stuff to happen to you.

Guitar playing rules Simple776@yahoo.com

NAME:

Paul

HOMETOWN:

Nottingham, England

Date:

10/21/2002

Time:

07:13:42 PM

Comments

I first heard about Mike Bloomfield many years ago when I was reading an interview with Ritchie Blackmore. Blackmore was asked which other guitarists he admired and he said "Mike Bloomfield". So I went out to find a record with Mike Bloomfield on to see what he was like. I found Super Session. I was absolutely knocked out by Mike's playing on that album. I had never heard blues played so brilliantly. I then bought everything I could find with Mike on.

Blues players generally use the "question & answer" approach i.e. the first line asks the question and the second line answers it. Then the third line asks another question which is answered by the fourth, and so on. But Mike took this much further; his solos were more like whole stories from start to finish.

Albert's Shuffle from Super Session remains the greatest blues guitar playing I have ever heard.

NAME:

Ron Ferry

HOMETOWN:

Lansing, Michigan

Date:

10/22/2002

Time:

08:06:04 PM

Comments

I first heard Mike play when the then girlfriend of Barry Goldberg gave me a copy of Super Session. I have never been the same. There is a certain riff that Mike plays (8 notes)that forever I will remember. If I hear them and he always seems to play them, I know that's Mike. I miss him.....................

NAME:

James Field

HOMETOWN:

Bristol, RI

Date:

10/30/2002

Time:

09:58:04 PM

Comments

I knew Michael well. There is no one among the many great musicians of the 60s who have died that I miss more than Michael. He was simply the best. Compared to Michael, Hendrix is just noise. If either of Michael's parents is alive, I would love to contact them to tell them what a great mark their son left and how he will never be forgotten.

NAME:

Stephen Wall

HOMETOWN:

Seattle

Date:

10/31/2002

Time:

10:03:02 PM

Comments

Great! I'm looking foward to it

NAME:

Stephen Wall

HOMETOWN:

Seattle

Date:

10/31/2002

Time:

10:03:14 PM

Comments

Great! I'm looking foward to it

NAME:

Matt Cadarette

HOMETOWN:

Sunderland, MA

Date:

11/06/2002

Time:

04:17:54 PM

Comments

I'm so glad I discovered Mike Bloomfield... I tend to go for the off-center, more obscure guys, like Bloomfield, Shuggy Otis, Tommy Bolin... All in all, Mike was the best. Some people (even major cats like SRV) say that Gibsons (and Les Pauls in particular) don't work for blues. Well, I think his tone on the live record with Al Kooper is just about the best ever, and I'm a tone fanatic. So sweet, such sustain. You can go have a bite, and you'll still be hearin' that one. You can hear a single bent note with a touch of vibrato and know instantly that it's Mike. This is what the kids today need to learn. Goddam lazy kids... His phrasing has just enough blue notes and tensions to avoid cliches yet still be pure, hardcore blues. God, I wish he were still here to slap Clapton around.

NAME:

stefano massè

HOMETOWN:

savigliano

Date:

11/09/2002

Time:

04:55:47 AM

Comments

I found many cd of the amazing "eletric flag" in new york, but also here in italy is possible to find them.

his guitar was something magic.

Ciao!!!

badagu@yahoo.com

NAME:

Davide

HOMETOWN:

Mantova -Italy-

Date:

11/09/2002

Time:

10:44:06 AM

Comments

great musicicans great inventor of blues guitar as Hendrix

NAME:

Lee Toman

HOMETOWN:

Rcohester, NY USA

Date:

11/13/2002

Time:

12:43:15 PM

Comments

I am a big Bloomfield fan. Thanks for the site!

NAME:

ravie

HOMETOWN:

palm beach, fl

Date:

11/16/2002

Time:

08:50:13 PM

Comments

born to play the blues - michael was amazing - we met several times when we were both quite young - we were friends - he was the kind of guy you could be friends with - the first time was in Cambridge one hot bluesy summer with Paul Butterfield...... I was playing harmonica at the time and was in awe of Paul's sound and Michael was so understanding of loving-needing music like air; then we met again in Chicago in the days of the Weathermen - and we went downtown and club hopped - Mike sat in along the way and blue everyone's mind ...... and then again in Berkeley and the last time in NY. Miss his infectious smile, his provocative mind and his musical genius. Thanks for bring us his site and I'll be checking in to see the work in progress.

NAME:

colby welch

HOMETOWN:

syracuse, ny

Date:

11/19/2002

Time:

12:19:20 AM

Comments

Thank god, finally someone else who cares about 'BLOOMERS'!!!

NAME:

colby welch

HOMETOWN:

syracuse, ny

Date:

11/19/2002

Time:

12:19:43 AM

Comments

Thank god, finally someone else who cares about 'BLOOMERS'!!!

NAME:

Glen Davis

HOMETOWN:

Lenexa, KS

Date:

11/21/2002

Time:

01:53:58 PM

Comments

I love Mike's music and have almost 30 cds on which he plays guitar. Naturally I play guitar, and my wife paid me the greatest compliment one day when I was listening to some loud Bloomfield music and she walked into the room and said, "Turn that off, it sounds like you!"

NAME:

Glen Davis

HOMETOWN:

Lenexa, KS

Date:

11/21/2002

Time:

02:06:08 PM

Comments

One more thing, it would be great to have a section on this web site where players could post "tab" from some of Michael's licks. The only tabs I've seen were from Andy Ellis of "Guitar Player" magazine.

NAME:

phil keaggy

HOMETOWN:

Youngstown,OH

Date:

11/21/2002

Time:

11:27:42 PM

Comments

I fisrt became aware of Michael Bloomfield around 1966 when he worked with Paul butterfield. I also heard his playing on the Dylan recordings and I loved his playing. In '68 I got a hold of the Trip soundtrack and the Electric Flag's A long time Comin' LP.I sat for hours learning as much as I could from Michael, playing my 335 Gibson, dreaming of someday owning a Les Paul. Eventually I bought a Les Paul(because Of MB) and continued being inspired by Michael's guitar playing. One day in Oct '71 our band -Glass Harp had the privilage of opening for Michael in San Francisco for a KSAN Radio simulcast-live in concert show. I got to open for my guitar hero--and that he was! So many guitar players inspired me, but there was something about Mike Bloomfield that touched my soul as a player. I often think of Michael when I play electric and my friend and mutual MB enthusiast,Greg Martin and I trade MB licks whenever we get together. Thank you Michael and God rest..... Phil Keaggy

NAME:

Neal Williams

HOMETOWN:

Greenville, Pennsylvania

Date:

11/22/2002

Time:

07:02:06 AM

Comments

In the late 60's a friend of mine named Bob Chatham sat me down and said "listen to this guy!". He introduced me to Mr. Bloomfield's music and more importantly, that incredible soul and tone. He tried to talk me into buying a used Les Paul (that was 1969). I wish I had taken his advice then instead of waiting until 71 for a new one. Anyone who plays guitar in these days owes a great debt to Mike Bloomfield. He was the man.

NAME:

Neal Williams

HOMETOWN:

Greenville, Pennsylvania

Date:

11/22/2002

Time:

07:02:32 AM

Comments

In the late 60's a friend of mine named Bob Chatham sat me down and said "listen to this guy!". He introduced me to Mr. Bloomfield's music and more importantly, that incredible soul and tone. He tried to talk me into buying a used Les Paul (that was 1969). I wish I had taken his advice then instead of waiting until 71 for a new one. Anyone who plays guitar in these days owes a great debt to Mike Bloomfield. He was the man.

NAME:

John Darsey

HOMETOWN:

Gilroy, CA

Date:

11/23/2002

Time:

02:07:33 AM

Comments

There are darn few guitar players that you can hear ONE note, & know who it is. Michael is one of them. I first heard MB on Dylan's Highway 61 album- crazy stuff for a folk-singer to be puttin down. Then someone brought over the first Butterfield album... WOW! That's what music is supposed to be like!!! Then East-West... 'Got A Mind To Give Up Livin' is still one of my favorite solos of all time. I was lucky enough to see the Flag a few times back in the old Fillmore days (SF), always amazing. If you haven't got Nick Gravenites' album "My Labors", you gotta get it- it's live stuff from Fillmore West '69, MB at the peak of his form. Hunt it down.

And accolades from Phil Keaggy! Whew! You GOT to go see THIS guy play when you get a chance! If you're reading this stuff, you like good playing- Keaggy is a Player's player. He will blow you away, guaranteed.

Thanks for the website. It's been a long time coming, good to see my man getting his propers.

NAME:

nicolas flores

HOMETOWN:

italy

Date:

11/23/2002

Time:

03:58:57 PM

Comments

I've been waiting for this site my whole life,thanks. I believe that Mike's effect on music history is hughe,and nobody knows it,but not everyone is blessed with good ears to hear good music. I've never met Mike in my life,when he died I was 5 years old,but there's something about him that tells me I knew him all my life,I don't know how to explain this,but the same happens with Duane Allman and Jimi Hendrix,it's like they came to this earth with a message,their music it's trascendental,it's like they made paintings describing the beauty and horror of this world,of life and mankind. I think I love more Bloomers than my own brother. I wrote to music magazine "mojo",to tell the world about Bloomers,to make new generations discover his talent and legacy,but maybe is better so, better a few but good,than a million and fools. thanks again,I'm gonna check this site more than my e-mail box.

NAME:

steve melnik

HOMETOWN:

Bellmore, new york

Date:

11/24/2002

Time:

04:17:23 PM

Comments

Cheers, its about time miss you mike

NAME:

MICHAEL-MARKUS LEHMANN

HOMETOWN:

Basle/Switzerland

Date:

11/24/2002

Time:

05:19:51 PM

Comments

My girlfriend Kathya Eicher and i, we have seen mike 1979 in the Star-Wood in LA and 1980 in Houston Texas. It was sooooo great and unvorgettable. After the Gig he invite us for a drink and we talk and talk,till early in the morning about the Blues, Rhythm&Blues and the life. I have all Records from and with mike, even the very 1. one with Muddy Waters and BB King, where mike was on the very beginning with his career. My record colection is so 4500 piece.I have seen all great Guitar players and i go also to each concert where i/we can go, but mike was very ,,specialy,, and my g/f kathya and i we never would forget this very nice Man. Shalom Mike

NAME:

Mark

HOMETOWN:

North Haven, CT

Date:

11/26/2002

Time:

08:49:50 PM

Comments

A wonderful, most overdue tribute and site to one of the finest, if not the finest, blues guitarists. Over the years, artists and fans like Al Kooper, Jan Wolkin and Paul Thompson have done their best to keep Michael's name and legacy alive. Hopefully, this site, and the 2003 releases overseen by Al will expose more music fans to this tremendously talented, yet possibly underrated, man. God Bless you, Michael, wherever you are.

NAME:

Tommy Silcox

HOMETOWN:

Mobile, AL

Date:

11/27/2002

Time:

06:50:37 PM

Comments

Mike is the greatest. This is an awesome site. I am looking for a replacement for my "Living in the Fast Lane" CD. If anyone knows where I can get this or has a copy to sell let me know. tsilcox22@comcast.net Keep up the good work.

NAME:

nicolas flores

HOMETOWN:

italy

Date:

12/01/2002

Time:

10:00:53 AM

Comments

I'm looking for a copy cd-rom,a tape or whatever of the "Dropping In" bootleg,or any other bootleg of the Butterfield Blues Band,or the barry golberg and friends lp's. Willing to trade anything that has micheal on,I have "if you like these blues,play them as you please",wiill send a tape for trade. thanks. nicolas flores.

NAME:

MICHAEL SCHOPPMEYER

HOMETOWN:

San Diego, CA

Date:

12/01/2002

Time:

03:16:36 PM

Comments

I was 15 yrs. old in 1968 when I was fortunate to go to the Buffalo Springfield concert co-starring the Electric Flag at San Diego State College. On the way in, they were giving away posters of an upcoming Cream concert. After the concert, we were waiting outside a nearby grocery store for our ride home...when two limos pulled in for munchies probably. I immediately recognized Bloomfield and we started chatting as their driver went inside. I slid my poster thru the window,hopefully for an autograph. When I got it back, it had autographs on the back by Bloomfield,Buddy Miles (drummer), Harvey Brooks (bass), and Stephen Stills. I still have this poster framed and will always cherish it! Another part of this night I'll never forget is the Electric Flag had an American flag attached to the fan vent on the back of their organ onstage....and right before they started their set, the organ was turned on and the flag was fluttering all thru the concert...a nice touch!! In closing, I'd like to say that Bloomfield was a great blues guitarist in his prime, with a very unique style and sound. A true blues legend!!

NAME:

V

HOMETOWN:

 

Date:

12/01/2002

Time:

05:37:59 PM

Comments

NAME:

Vince Lewey

HOMETOWN:

Orono, Maine

Date:

12/01/2002

Time:

05:44:53 PM

Comments

Hey folks, while Mike is best known for his work with a Les Paul, You should check out a CD named The Root of Blues for a real treat if you've never heard what MB acoustic guitar sounds like. It WILL blow your mind! Thanks for the website and I can't to view the photo gallery!

NAME:

Vince Lewey

HOMETOWN:

Orono, Maine

Date:

12/01/2002

Time:

05:45:15 PM

Comments

Hey folks, while Mike is best known for his work with a Les Paul, You should check out a CD named The Root of Blues for a real treat if you've never heard what MB acoustic guitar sounds like. It WILL blow your mind! Thanks for the website and I can't to view the photo gallery!

NAME:

anthony m dambrosia

HOMETOWN:

brooklyn new york/florida/middletown ny

Date:

12/04/2002

Time:

01:05:36 AM

Comments

i have sent an email with my anecdote if you like it you can post it. my other anecdote is standing outside the house of my guitarist's uncle. he was a garage band manager and had a couple of 'contenders' in the stable. it was an unusually balmy nite for brooklyn and he had his stereo/hi-fi turned up loud so we could here it. on the turntable was east-west. my seeing mike had already inspired me seriously consider changing from percussion to guitar. his stretching out into the unknown had a profound effect on me and like bob dylan proved that there's more to music than moon june and spoon. i was also listening to jazz cats then as well and his chops were there but his soul was traveling somewhere else and unlike alot of jazz cats seemed to be inviting me to come along for the ride. i knew alot of people from my 'hood that could'nt get past the drugs. i lost a best friend to heroin many years ago. i listen and watch les paul and think what might be if michael had hung around a bit longer. he was a one of a kind musician. thanks, anthony

NAME:

test

HOMETOWN:

test

Date:

12/09/2002

Time:

09:07:05 AM

Comments

test

NAME:

GREG WEINRIEB

HOMETOWN:

ROCHESTER, NY

Date:

12/09/2002

Time:

09:06:44 PM

Comments

BAR NONE, MIKE WAS THE GREATEST. I STILL GET CHILLS EVERY TIME I CRANK UP HIS MUSIC. I'LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I LISTENED TO THE FIRST BUTTERFIELD LP...WOW. WE ALL LOST A GREAT MUSICAL INSPIRATION WHEN MIKE PASSED, BUT HOW LUCKY WERE WE TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE HIS GREATNESS.

NAME:

GREG WEINRIEB

HOMETOWN:

ROCHESTER, NY

Date:

12/09/2002

Time:

09:06:58 PM

Comments

BAR NONE, MIKE WAS THE GREATEST. I STILL GET CHILLS EVERY TIME I CRANK UP HIS MUSIC. I'LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I LISTENED TO THE FIRST BUTTERFIELD LP...WOW. WE ALL LOST A GREAT MUSICAL INSPIRATION WHEN MIKE PASSED, BUT HOW LUCKY WERE WE TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE HIS GREATNESS.

NAME:

GREG WEINRIEB

HOMETOWN:

ROCHESTER, NY

Date:

12/09/2002

Time:

09:07:08 PM

Comments

BAR NONE, MIKE WAS THE GREATEST. I STILL GET CHILLS EVERY TIME I CRANK UP HIS MUSIC. I'LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I LISTENED TO THE FIRST BUTTERFIELD LP...WOW. WE ALL LOST A GREAT MUSICAL INSPIRATION WHEN MIKE PASSED, BUT HOW LUCKY WERE WE TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE HIS GREATNESS.

NAME:

Adam

HOMETOWN:

Brisbane

Date:

12/12/2002

Time:

08:03:58 AM

Comments

I'm trying to find out where i can get the super sessions album from. Any ideas??

NAME:

Dan Collins

HOMETOWN:

Detroit, Michigan

Date:

12/12/2002

Time:

03:06:51 PM

Comments

Great work on the website! What a fitting tribute to one of the best "bluesicians" EVER!!! Thanks for helping to keep his spirit alive! <p> peace! Dano. http://www.DetroitSRVfanclub.com

NAME:

JERRY STRAZZA

HOMETOWN:

GREENWICH, CT

Date:

12/17/2002

Time:

09:27:49 AM

Comments

INTERESTING SITE. I'M PETE STRAZZA'S 2ND COUSIN

NAME:

Will Ivory

HOMETOWN:

Glen Ridge, NJ

Date:

12/20/2002

Time:

06:04:22 PM

Comments

Great website. I've been a Bloomfield fan since the mid 60's when I first started playing guitar. Most of the guys I hung with were listening to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band album instead of Cream. Mike had (and still has) the best blues vibrato I ever heard. Every now and then I go through this period when I start listening to his music all over again and it all sounds fresh and exciting. Several years ago a local collector was unloading his vinyl album collection and replacing them with CD's. I was able to pick up many of Bloomfield's acoustic recordings at a bargain price, as well as his "American Guitar Hero" biography (1981). Today a "like new" copy of "Brand New", his recording with Woody Herman, arrived in the mail. Listening to music he recorded "outside the blues box" is well worthwhile. Mike was a blues musicologist but he also enjoyed jazz and swing music. Again, its great to experience Mike all over again every time I find something I haven't heard before. This is wonderful way to keep his memory alive. Its also fortunate (for us) that his memorabilia, records, CD's etc. are still attainable at reasonable prices because the rest of the world hasn't woken up and taken notice yet. They can take their time doing so! Happy Holidays to everyone on this site.

NAME:

Will Ivory

HOMETOWN:

Glen Ridge, NJ

Date:

12/20/2002

Time:

06:04:47 PM

Comments

Great website. I've been a Bloomfield fan since the mid 60's when I first started playing guitar. Most of the guys I hung with were listening to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band album instead of Cream. Mike had (and still has) the best blues vibrato I ever heard. Every now and then I go through this period when I start listening to his music all over again and it all sounds fresh and exciting. Several years ago a local collector was unloading his vinyl album collection and replacing them with CD's. I was able to pick up many of Bloomfield's acoustic recordings at a bargain price, as well as his "American Guitar Hero" biography (1981). Today a "like new" copy of "Brand New", his recording with Woody Herman, arrived in the mail. Listening to music he recorded "outside the blues box" is well worthwhile. Mike was a blues musicologist but he also enjoyed jazz and swing music. Again, its great to experience Mike all over again every time I find something I haven't heard before. This is wonderful way to keep his memory alive. Its also fortunate (for us) that his memorabilia, records, CD's etc. are still attainable at reasonable prices because the rest of the world hasn't woken up and taken notice yet. They can take their time doing so! Happy Holidays to everyone on this site.

NAME:

David Carl Harrer

HOMETOWN:

Holbeach, England

Date:

12/21/2002

Time:

11:55:16 AM

Comments

Since growing up, within the New York City suburbs in the 1960s, and purchasing the first Paul Butterfield Blues Band album, I have been "hooked" on the beauty, free-flowing guitar riffs, which held for me a MYSTERY of an advanced Consciousness.

Can hardly wait for the new Super Session recordings in the new year, and the furture compilation, to accompany my old cassette of the first Bloomfield complilation.

"Live at the Unicorn" and "Dropping In", can y'all help me to obtain copies, PLEASE.

Please call: 01406-425411

Great site, and it is about time.

NAME:

David Carl Harrer

HOMETOWN:

Inverness, Scotland

Date:

12/21/2002

Time:

12:03:10 PM

Comments

Since growing up, within the New York City suburbs in the 1960s, and purchasing the first Paul Butterfield Blues Band album, I have been "hooked" on the beauty, free-flowing guitar riffs, which held for me a MYSTERY of soul searching wonder.

Can hardly wait for the new Super Session recordings in the new year, and the furture compilation, to accompany my old cassette of the first Bloomfield complilation.

"Live at the Unicorn" and "Dropping In", can y'all help me to obtain copies, PLEASE.

Please call: 01406-425411

Great site, and it is about time.

NAME:

al miller

HOMETOWN:

chicago

Date:

12/21/2002

Time:

03:26:37 PM

Comments

mikes enthusiasm..spirit..willingness to share it all..knew it was all transitory i'll never forget the night in front of big john's when mike had just returned from ny..said 'miller, just got back..spent the week writing & recording an album w/dylan..we got it done in a week..never slept...its incredible..' i guess....that was highway 61 revisited. thanks man you made it possible for the rest of us

NAME:

al miller

HOMETOWN:

chicago

Date:

12/21/2002

Time:

03:26:51 PM

Comments

mikes enthusiasm..spirit..willingness to share it all..knew it was all transitory i'll never forget the night in front of big john's when mike had just returned from ny..said 'miller, just got back..spent the week writing & recording an album w/dylan..we got it done in a week..never slept...its incredible..' i guess....that was highway 61 revisited. thanks man you made it possible for the rest of us

NAME:

Hermias Visser

HOMETOWN:

Strand South Africa

Date:

12/24/2002

Time:

03:49:24 AM

Comments

I have been a fan of Mike Bloomfields's music since a young age (15), and I am 46 now. His music is like a painting, a feeling and fantastic colours to me. It invokes a special emotion to listen to his style of playing, a kind of magic I would say. It is amazing to think someone can be as individual as that and also to have such carrying power in your creative abilities to play music(blues)!

NAME:

Jim Larsson

HOMETOWN:

Malmö Sweden

Date:

12/26/2002

Time:

01:07:01 PM

Comments

Mike Bloomfield is the best guitar player just lisen to "blues on the westside" on My labors.

NAME:

Donni Romaniello

HOMETOWN:

Jersey City, New Jersey 07307

Date:

12/26/2002

Time:

08:43:05 PM

Comments

I've been a Bloomfield head since way back in my high school days. My greatest memory is seeing Michael in a club in the Haight district in S.F. in 1979. Mike was playing solo piano and when he got to the chorus me & the guy next to me started singing along. Mike stretched the song and afterwards continued with other sing-alongs, like Down in the Valley. Unfortunately, Michael is a horibly overlooked musical figure. I surely don't know why. It was great to read other comments, like Felix Cabrerra's. This past fall I ran into Felix in Hoboken and we started singing the horn parts to Another Country and scaring pedestrians passing by.

NAME:

nicolas flores

HOMETOWN:

italy

Date:

12/28/2002

Time:

02:31:08 PM

Comments

desperately looking for a copy on cd-r,cd ,tape or whatever form of the "droppin in" bootleg of the butter blues band,willing to trade,please help a brother. mail me to kingbloozo@yahoo.com

NAME:

John

HOMETOWN:

Biloxi

Date:

12/29/2002

Time:

06:42:20 AM

Comments

I play electric blues, and Michael Bloomfield has a major influence on my playing style. To me, his playing is a "must study" for any serious guitarist.

NAME:

Robert D. Doerr

HOMETOWN:

Las Vegas

Date:

01/02/2003

Time:

12:09:31 AM

Comments

NAME:

Robert D. Doerr

HOMETOWN:

Las Vegas

Date:

01/02/2003

Time:

12:12:27 AM

Comments

hello light!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME:

Michael McCloskey

HOMETOWN:

NYC

Date:

01/02/2003

Time:

11:30:46 AM

Comments

At last someone has given Bloomers the proper recognition he so richly deserves! I've been snatching up every one of his recordings ever since I first heard him on Paul Butterfield's "Got My Mojo Working". What a blistering solo! I would love to see Mojo magazine give him a cover story. I can't think of a better subject. I was estatic to hear that a box set and more live material is on the way. Keep up the good work!

NAME:

Garrett Burton

HOMETOWN:

Marshfield wisconsin

Date:

01/10/2003

Time:

12:47:24 AM

Comments

Although I'm only 17 I started listening and playing Mikes music a couple years ago and I must say I an extremly proud to say that my band is playing Mike's "Linda Lou" for battle of the bands on Friday(tomorrow)!!! Another thing I talked to the Gibson Custom Shop about making a Bloomfield Signature edition, making sure not to tell them my age since nobody seems to take 17-year-olds seriously, and they thought it was a great idea and they would contact me if somthing happens. If any of you have questions my e-mail is jburton@charter.net rest is peace Michael, you were great, and still are

C

NAME:

Rich Rios

HOMETOWN:

Cortlandt Manor, NY

Date:

02/01/2003

Time:

07:33:08 PM

Comments

I still have the vivid memory of listening to Super Session when in high school back in 69 and being just blown away with the music like there was no other and then desperately looking for more. Just now in 03, I have rediscovered the music of Mike and am happy to be finding there is more music and reading to find. This is great.

NAME:

Justin M. Fuld

HOMETOWN:

Albany, New York

Date:

02/12/2003

Time:

04:28:38 PM

Comments

I just feel a strong need to say how much my whole life has been influenced by Michael Bloomfield.

I am 23 years old and I have been a Bloomfield fanatic since I first heard "Live Adventures" as a 13 year old. I have been around music my whole life. Both my father and uncle were heavily influenced by Bloomfield in there teens and ended up playing in blues bands until present day. I however, never really got into playing music until the day I heard the sound of Mike's '59 sunburst Les Paul/Fender Twin combo explode through the speakers of my fathers stereo. That day forever changed me. Mike's passion for music was in every note he played. I picked up on that immediately and that passion has lived within me ever since that day. I wouldn't be lying if I told you I made my father buy me a guitar and amplifier the very next day. I have been playing for hours a day for the past ten years. My goal in life is to give people the same powerful feeling when they here me play, as I felt the first time I heard Mike. I hope to one day share the music that he perfected to some of the masses that may not have had the chance to let REAL electric blues music touch their soul as it has touched mine.

Finally, I would like to say that if anyone would like to chat about there love for Bloomfield with myself, because there aren't enough of us, please feel free to email me at vmdimmens@hotmail.com

Also, thank you to Allan Bloomfield for giving us(his fans) this web site.

"This is the truth of where we're playing, so now you know where it's at" -Michael Bloomfield

NAME:

 

HOMETOWN:

 

Date:

02/12/2003

Time:

07:44:59 PM

Comments

NAME:

 

HOMETOWN:

 

Date:

02/12/2003

Time:

07:45:03 PM

Comments

NAME:

MS.SETSUKO

HOMETOWN:

Yokohama Japan

Date:

02/15/2003

Time:

09:26:33 AM

Comments

I'm Big fan of Mike Bloomfield. This site is very interested. Please show us Mike's picture. Many people want to see Live Performance Video. And let me know a lot of information about Mike.

NAME:

SETSUKO

HOMETOWN:

YOKOHAMA JAPAN

Date:

03/02/2003

Time:

08:29:34 AM

Comments

Remastered Super Session is released delay! Why? I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

NAME:

garrett Burton

HOMETOWN:

marshfield, wisconsin

Date:

03/07/2003

Time:

12:10:13 PM

Comments

Allen Bloomfield, Thank you so much for makinf this website, it's the only one in english! I was just wondering what happend to Mike's guitars, Like his sunburst les paul and his equipment?

NAME:

garrett Burton

HOMETOWN:

marshfield, wisconsin

Date:

03/07/2003

Time:

12:10:29 PM

Comments

Allen Bloomfield, Thank you so much for makinf this website, it's the only one in english! I was just wondering what happend to Mike's guitars, Like his sunburst les paul and his equipment?

NAME:

Alan

HOMETOWN:

Santa Fe

Date:

03/19/2003

Time:

06:51:41 PM

Comments

It's about time proper respect be paid to MB. Whenever I meet other guitarists and the usual name dropping ensues, the one name that stands out and brings a smile to everyone is Michael Bloomfield. I am so glad I stumbled across this site. I really miss his playing. He was such an influence on every player that ever heard him, I can only imagine what he would sound like today. Thanks for this tribute, I look forward to visiting frequently. 'Play duh blues'

NAME:

Mark Reimers

HOMETOWN:

Cameron Park, California

Date:

04/03/2003

Time:

09:31:52 PM

Comments

I was very fortunate to have a close friend that was starting to play guitar about the time we started high school. He was very passionate about playing, and through his older brothers, was introduced to the blues and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. This was at the very time that East/West was released. That's how I first became acquainted with the remakable quitar work of Mike Bloomfield.

On two occasions I saw Mike perform live. The first was at the Kings Beach Ballroom in Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe). I believe this was either in 1968 or 1969. Kings Beach Ballroom was tiny (I'm sure it has long since been torn down). Looking back at this evening, I remember it went very quickly. Mike was so good, I recall being very disappointed when the show was over.

The other show was at a theatre on the campus of the University of Santa Clara. His fame had grown by this point, and the crowd at the university was a little different. However, Mike's playing was just as hypnotic.

I have been fortunate to see many great guitar players; Jimi Hendrix, Albert Lee, Doc Watson, Peter Green (orinal Fleetwood Mac), and a host of others at shows at Winterland and the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco. Mike was as gifted as any guitar player I've ever seen.

NAME:

Mark Reimers

HOMETOWN:

Cameron Park, California

Date:

04/03/2003

Time:

09:32:32 PM

Comments

I was very fortunate to have a close friend that was starting to play guitar about the time we started high school. He was very passionate about playing, and through his older brothers, was introduced to the blues and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. This was at the very time that East/West was released. That's how I first became acquainted with the remakable quitar work of Mike Bloomfield.

On two occasions I saw Mike perform live. The first was at the Kings Beach Ballroom in Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe). I believe this was either in 1968 or 1969. Kings Beach Ballroom was tiny (I'm sure it has long since been torn down). Looking back at this evening, I remember it went very quickly. Mike was so good, I recall being very disappointed when the show was over.

The other show was at a theatre on the campus of the University of Santa Clara. His fame had grown by this point, and the crowd at the university was a little different. However, Mike's playing was just as hypnotic.

I have been fortunate to see many great guitar players; Jimi Hendrix, Albert Lee, Doc Watson, Peter Green (orinal Fleetwood Mac), and a host of others at shows at Winterland and the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco. Mike was as gifted as any guitar player I've ever seen.

NAME:

Tom

HOMETOWN:

Holbrook

Date:

04/04/2003

Time:

04:49:28 PM

Comments

I love the Bloomer

NAME:

John McMillan

HOMETOWN:

Lockhart, Texas

Date:

04/24/2003

Time:

12:45:02 PM

Comments

I discovered this website only this week, and I'm about as excited as an old guy can be. I first really noticed Bloomfield on Super Session, which I bought because I was a Stephen Stills fan. I hadn't had it very long when I saw B.B. King play for the first time (and got to shake his hand), an experience that totally turned my musical head around. I went back to Super Session to listen to the Bloomfield side more closely and I've never been the same since. For over 30 years whenever I have entered a record store I have gone immediately to the B's. My musical taste and philosophy and my own playing were shaped in the light of the passion, excitement,and spirit of Michael's playing, and I have always felt that although I never met him, he was my musical mentor. I did see him play once, at the 1976 Bay Area Blues Festival and McLaren Park in San Francisco, and I must say that I have always felt that critics and commentators have brushed aside his later work without really listening to it. While inconsistent, it contains many of Bloomfield's and recorded music's finest moments. The Guitar Player album and Analine, in particular, are great from start to finish. Even when he was exploring the limits of sloppy looseness, Bloomfield almost always brought something inventive, exciting, and, well, emotionally raw to the table which makes his music so fascinating. He was a true soul brother, and my hat is off to any and all who worked to make this website a reality.

NAME:

Tom Marshall

HOMETOWN:

California/Seattle/Pittsburgh

Date:

04/29/2003

Time:

12:54:26 PM

Comments

I first heard Mike Bloomfield on the Butterfield album East/West, opened my mind. I was 15 and playing Beatles/Stones songs for about a year. Saw him live with the Electric Flag in April 1968--great band, visionary sense of American music. I never got real good on guitar, but I'm still looking for that sense of tone and delight on it.

NAME:

Tom Marshall

HOMETOWN:

California/Seattle/Pittsburgh

Date:

04/29/2003

Time:

12:54:38 PM

Comments

I first heard Mike Bloomfield on the Butterfield album East/West, opened my mind. I was 15 and playing Beatles/Stones songs for about a year. Saw him live with the Electric Flag in April 1968--great band, visionary sense of American music. I never got real good on guitar, but I'm still looking for that sense of tone and delight on it.

NAME:

Howie Haber

HOMETOWN:

Island Park, NY

Date:

05/07/2003

Time:

06:19:45 PM

Comments

The single biggest influence on my musical life has been Mike Boomfield. The day my brother brought home the Live Adventures album was the day I really started playing guitar. Thank you to everyone who ever played with or interacted with Mike.

NAME:

Elena Bloomfield

HOMETOWN:

Philadelphia PA

Date:

05/08/2003

Time:

01:07:18 PM

Comments

Dear Allen, Its great to see you writing the chronicles. Love to hear about a time and place long gone and missed-- Who else could do that as well as you! Keep on going... love, elena

NAME:

Cory Ford

HOMETOWN:

Corner Brook,Newfounland,Canada

Date:

05/10/2003

Time:

08:58:39 AM

Comments

I am an inspiring blues guitarist. I am only 24 years old, but since I first heard a Michael Bloomfield song it blew my mind from day one. There is nobody else that comes close to achieving what Michael did for Blues guitar in the short time that he was with us. I hope to keep his music and his spirit alive as long as I can. As long as I am alive, I will pass on to who ever wants to listen the beautiful music of the leadendary Micheal Bloomfield. He will always be in my heart and my cd player.

NAME:

Amanda Bloomfield

HOMETOWN:

Pittsburgh, PA

Date:

05/10/2003

Time:

06:35:39 PM

Comments

Dad, I just wanted to let you know that this website makes me proud. I love the Chronicles and I'm sure wherever Michael is, he's smiling. "Keep on keeping on."

NAME:

Göran

HOMETOWN:

 

Date:

05/11/2003

Time:

10:07:53 AM

Comments

NAME:

Göran Sjöberg

HOMETOWN:

Umeå, Sweden

Date:

05/11/2003

Time:

10:20:03 AM

Comments

After many years, I finally got my own copy of Live Adventures, at a second hand record fair a few days ago. So I got the idea to search for more info on Micheal B. I always loved the music on Live Adventures but only used to have a tape, old style stuff. I now look at the cover and realize that the recording took place just about the same week that I was in Detroit at the home of this girl I was in love with and her brother played Super Session for me, I immediateley bought the record and now it is almost worn out. I already knew EastWest which was a miracle of a record. I wonder why didnt I look for this site before? Michael was such a great musician so I really appreciate that all this information is available. Thank you!

NAME:

Mike Gerski

HOMETOWN:

Akron, Ohio

Date:

05/11/2003

Time:

10:29:26 AM

Comments

Really nice website here. Thank you! Michael Bloomfield will always hold a special place in my music appreciation not only for just the way he bent the strings but for the way he influenced so many guitarists to reach deep within themselves and be "real" in their expression. I would hope someday that maybe Michael's guest appearance on that Bob Dylan "born-again" show Warfield Theatre November 15th 1980 might see an official light of day someday. I wonder if that was Michael's last stage appearance? Great job with the new "Supersessions" delux. Highly recommended. Thanks again!

NAME:

Jan Mark Wolkin

HOMETOWN:

Virginia

Date:

05/22/2003

Time:

12:17:49 PM

Comments

Hi Mike, Michael's guest appearance on that Bob Dylan show Warfield Theatre November 15th 1980 was not Michael's last stage appearance. He played some shows after that, including an appearance on December 11, 1980 in Washington, DC with Woody Harris and Maggie Edmondson.

NAME:

Robert Wofford

HOMETOWN:

Tampa, FL

Date:

06/06/2003

Time:

11:40:19 AM

Comments

One of my early heroes and influences. Thanks Mike!

NAME:

Mike Jonap

HOMETOWN:

 

Date:

06/22/2003

Time:

02:49:17 PM

Comments

NAME:

Mike Stuart

HOMETOWN:

Huntington, Long Island NY

Date:

06/22/2003

Time:

03:01:57 PM

Comments

I was playing guitar along with the "Live Adventures" album and decided to see what was on the web about Mike. Great to find this tribute to him. Always loved the jazz chords and riffs he put into blues. Saw him at an old venue called MY FATHERS PLACE in Roslyn LI in 1978. He started acoustic but when he switched to the electric I was gone man!

NAME:

Bob Stockdale

HOMETOWN:

Beverly Hills Florida

Date:

06/29/2003

Time:

10:23:58 AM

Comments

Really miss Mike ,he influenced my playing immensly.Mike and Peter Green are the best blues players Ive ever heard.Saw Mike several times at the Fillmore East and also at the Anderson with the Electric Flag,totally awe inspiring.Hope theres more stuff in the vaultssince I just got my copy of super session fillmore east and was blown away.

NAME:

Bob Stockdale

HOMETOWN:

Beverly Hills Florida

Date:

06/29/2003

Time:

10:24:22 AM

Comments

Really miss Mike ,he influenced my playing immensly.Mike and Peter Green are the best blues players Ive ever heard.Saw Mike several times at the Fillmore East and also at the Anderson with the Electric Flag,totally awe inspiring.Hope theres more stuff in the vaultssince I just got my copy of super session fillmore east and was blown away.

NAME:

BRIAN CONDON

HOMETOWN:

NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND

Date:

07/10/2003

Time:

02:06:32 AM

Comments

The album "Super Session" will always be in my top 10 play list and this is where I first discovered the unique sounds that defined Mike's wonderful blues guitar playing. Thank you Mike for giving me inspiration in my own guitar playing and for an insight into that great genre.

NAME:

David Peason

HOMETOWN:

St Louis , Missouri

Date:

07/10/2003

Time:

03:34:17 AM

Comments

Hi everybody

It occurred to me that any of us who knew Michael probably have some obligation to record memories, and I have done so a couple times here. This is one more.

The first time I met him was at the Golden Bear in 1969. I was lucky that he and Mark had gained a taste for the place whilst with Butterfield (*), because it was small, and they'd stay for long spells. I lived in So Calif, and at 17-18, couldn't travel up to SF often. He played smaller venues up there with more regularity, as I'm sure you know.

So you could just go into the little dressing room and say "hi." Mark always brought the Heinekens, and if you had some reading and awareness of the intellectual life, they'd both welcome conversation. Boy, what an intelligent and informed guy Naftalin was! You'd have to be to keep up with Michael. He knew the really difficult stuff about science, history, anthropology and so forth. He'd read hundreds of books, and sought out many bigshot thinkers.

The other acts were usually folksy or hip or some kind of fashionable, but musically bereft. Yawn, for us bluesers. So, lots of time sitting around.

Michael was fidgeting and making his balefule faces...he could sit still, but hated to be bored. I think the waiting ("the motherfucking waiting," as he called it) was one of the things about being a musician that least matched his impatient temperament. Once he got on stage, he seemed to will the band into the most amazing things--mostly ad-lib.

Anyway, we started out talking about being Jewish, because our bass player Clifford was, and Michael shared his humour about how every Jew thought all the others were wrong about Judaism, and everything else. Jews never agreed withyou, he said, they'd argue just for the sake of getting upset and upsetting you. It seemed to be a culture for loners.

All musicians, we jammed a little, and gained some position with Bloomfield and Naftalin. Then, I told Michael that "Blues on a Westside" (Now avail on Nick Gravenites; CD, My Labors) was one of the greatest slow blues in the history of recording.

Michael gave me that frightened look, like there was going to be some business hell to pay if he said what he thought (I learned this was the reason for this particular expression after time), and he went ahead and said "the horn players didn't know what they were doing." Then he waited for more praise.

I gave it to him. "Yeah, but the rhythm section, Nick and yourself go into that realm." He said, "yeah, which is one of the reasons why it pisses me off so much."

I said "what are the other reasons?" --the scared look again.

To hell with it, he wanted to vent, "Because it was my fault. We had many opportunities to rehearse, and even deliver them the charts. It isn't as if they couldn't play, quite the opposite. They were all monsters. That was probably why they couldn't just come up with organized chroding and chops on the fly. Everybody was a goddamn soloist."

"What do you mean it was your fault? Were you the guy to deliver the charts, call the rehearsals, and so on?"

No, but I messed up the chances of them taking place."

"Still, as you and Nick build slowly through the intro choruses, and then the solo gets to..."

"...the third verse," he completed my sentence. I'll never forget this, because it was so true. "That's where the couple have their orgasm."

"Orgasm?" I looked scared now.

"Yes, absolutely. The best blues is a sex act in metaphor, and this buildup is what is strived for."

This, combined with younger but intelligent (pop culture has little music to offer--mostly performance art that uses replicant music as backgrounds) listeners today saying they hear Bloomfield's music as "the best striptease music, because oit actually goes all the way" has convinced me.

Of what? That whatever Michael's reasons for not rehearsing, or messing up as a bandleader may have been, there was still an improvised spirit that planning and rehearsing usually killed off. Unless you were an "elite," like a jazz or classical player...then you'd have so many chops it was possible to be spontaneous. Many were not very good at it though.

That spontaneity gave us Blues on a Westside and many other moments maybe we'd never have received had Michael been more "normal."

On Carmelita Skiffle (Columbia Blues Masters CD) he plays two solos (before and after everybody else's) that sound like Bach fugues, perfectly structured and worked out for a month in advance. Clapton said at an LA Forum Blind Faith job that those solos were "perfection beyond the human."

--But they weren't. They just happened on the same session as Blues on a Westside.

In those days everybody was discussing Alan Watts, Norman O Brown and new realisations from Asian thoght that maybe technological approaches screened something out of nature. That maybe spontaneity was being overlooked.

Michael said he wished he could "...feel like I think, I agree with the philosophers, but want life to be predictable, and am always giving up on it because it isn't."

I agree with those who comment in the Oral History that he probably did not intend suicide. But he sure hung with dangerous people and things.

Two minutes after such a depressed statement, he'd start in with his humor of opposites again..."these Acoustic amps are great amps, but basically they are fucked up amps."

His spontaneity was itself, then, perhaps spontaneous. Unsought.

dave@molly-online.com

NAME:

David Peason

HOMETOWN:

St Louis , Missouri

Date:

07/10/2003

Time:

03:34:44 AM

Comments

Hi everybody

It occurred to me that any of us who knew Michael probably have some obligation to record memories, and I have done so a couple times here. This is one more.

The first time I met him was at the Golden Bear in 1969. I was lucky that he and Mark had gained a taste for the place whilst with Butterfield (*), because it was small, and they'd stay for long spells. I lived in So Calif, and at 17-18, couldn't travel up to SF often. He played smaller venues up there with more regularity, as I'm sure you know.

So you could just go into the little dressing room and say "hi." Mark always brought the Heinekens, and if you had some reading and awareness of the intellectual life, they'd both welcome conversation. Boy, what an intelligent and informed guy Naftalin was! You'd have to be to keep up with Michael. He knew the really difficult stuff about science, history, anthropology and so forth. He'd read hundreds of books, and sought out many bigshot thinkers.

The other acts were usually folksy or hip or some kind of fashionable, but musically bereft. Yawn, for us bluesers. So, lots of time sitting around.

Michael was fidgeting and making his balefule faces...he could sit still, but hated to be bored. I think the waiting ("the motherfucking waiting," as he called it) was one of the things about being a musician that least matched his impatient temperament. Once he got on stage, he seemed to will the band into the most amazing things--mostly ad-lib.

Anyway, we started out talking about being Jewish, because our bass player Clifford was, and Michael shared his humour about how every Jew thought all the others were wrong about Judaism, and everything else. Jews never agreed withyou, he said, they'd argue just for the sake of getting upset and upsetting you. It seemed to be a culture for loners.

All musicians, we jammed a little, and gained some position with Bloomfield and Naftalin. Then, I told Michael that "Blues on a Westside" (Now avail on Nick Gravenites; CD, My Labors) was one of the greatest slow blues in the history of recording.

Michael gave me that frightened look, like there was going to be some business hell to pay if he said what he thought (I learned this was the reason for this particular expression after time), and he went ahead and said "the horn players didn't know what they were doing." Then he waited for more praise.

I gave it to him. "Yeah, but the rhythm section, Nick and yourself go into that realm." He said, "yeah, which is one of the reasons why it pisses me off so much."

I said "what are the other reasons?" --the scared look again.

To hell with it, he wanted to vent, "Because it was my fault. We had many opportunities to rehearse, and even deliver them the charts. It isn't as if they couldn't play, quite the opposite. They were all monsters. That was probably why they couldn't just come up with organized chroding and chops on the fly. Everybody was a goddamn soloist."

"What do you mean it was your fault? Were you the guy to deliver the charts, call the rehearsals, and so on?"

No, but I messed up the chances of them taking place."

"Still, as you and Nick build slowly through the intro choruses, and then the solo gets to..."

"...the third verse," he completed my sentence. I'll never forget this, because it was so true. "That's where the couple have their orgasm."

"Orgasm?" I looked scared now.

"Yes, absolutely. The best blues is a sex act in metaphor, and this buildup is what is strived for."

This, combined with younger but intelligent (pop culture has little music to offer--mostly performance art that uses replicant music as backgrounds) listeners today saying they hear Bloomfield's music as "the best striptease music, because oit actually goes all the way" has convinced me.

Of what? That whatever Michael's reasons for not rehearsing, or messing up as a bandleader may have been, there was still an improvised spirit that planning and rehearsing usually killed off. Unless you were an "elite," like a jazz or classical player...then you'd have so many chops it was possible to be spontaneous. Many were not very good at it though.

That spontaneity gave us Blues on a Westside and many other moments maybe we'd never have received had Michael been more "normal."

On Carmelita Skiffle (Columbia Blues Masters CD) he plays two solos (before and after everybody else's) that sound like Bach fugues, perfectly structured and worked out for a month in advance. Clapton said at an LA Forum Blind Faith job that those solos were "perfection beyond the human."

--But they weren't. They just happened on the same session as Blues on a Westside.

In those days everybody was discussing Alan Watts, Norman O Brown and new realisations from Asian thoght that maybe technological approaches screened something out of nature. That maybe spontaneity was being overlooked.

Michael said he wished he could "...feel like I think, I agree with the philosophers, but want life to be predictable, and am always giving up on it because it isn't."

I agree with those who comment in the Oral History that he probably did not intend suicide. But he sure hung with dangerous people and things.

Two minutes after such a depressed statement, he'd start in with his humor of opposites again..."these Acoustic amps are great amps, but basically they are fucked up amps."

His spontaneity was itself, then, perhaps spontaneous. Unsought.

dave@molly-online.com

NAME:

Frank Gramenzi

HOMETOWN:

New Jersy

Date:

08/15/2003

Time:

05:26:00 PM

Comments

Michael, You still have the blues world by the BAAALLLLLZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!! Your music lives on.

NAME:

Frank Gramenzi

HOMETOWN:

New Jersy

Date:

08/15/2003

Time:

05:26:17 PM

Comments

Michael, You still have the blues world by the BAAALLLLLZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!! Your music lives on.

NAME:

Keith Robb

HOMETOWN:

Cuyahoga Falls OH

Date:

09/15/2003

Time:

03:14:40 PM

Comments

I was first introduced to Mike's music through my brother's record collecton. I used to sneak into his room and listen to the while he was away. I made sure to follow the directions on the first Butterfield album and blastthe tunes at full volume. To this day the soeg "Ain't No Need To Go No Further" comes to mind anytime i hear someone brag about their exploits. Mike and his music are the reason i play guitar. He's also the reason I play a Les Paul and a Tele. Anyways...thanx for making such an awesome site. Keep up the good work

NAME:

Howie Haber

HOMETOWN:

Island Park, NY

Date:

10/03/2003

Time:

08:06:03 AM

Comments

Does anyone know who is playing the second guitar on Season Of the Witch from the Lost Tapes CD? There is no mention by Kooper of a second guitar player and it is definitely not Johnny Winter. My best guess would be Elvin Bishop. please email at howie@breakawaygroup.com

NAME:

Howie Haber

HOMETOWN:

Island Park, NY

Date:

10/03/2003

Time:

08:06:18 AM

Comments

Does anyone know who is playing the second guitar on Season Of the Witch from the Lost Tapes CD? There is no mention by Kooper of a second guitar player and it is definitely not Johnny Winter. My best guess would be Elvin Bishop. please email at howie@breakawaygroup.com

NAME:

DRAKE

HOMETOWN:

RICHMOND  CA.

Date:

10/20/2003

Time:

02:45:14 AM

Comments

I WAS LIKE 13,,,,,14 AND I WENT WITH BUTCH TO A JAM SESSION AT A LITTLE PLACE IN CROCKETT CA.... THE LANAI THEATER,IT WAS OWN BY A MUSICIAN NAMED RONNY??????? ANY WAY,AFTER ABOUT A DAY AND A HALF OF TOP SHELF MUSIC HERE COMES MIKE I THOUGHT THE DRUGS WERE PLAYIN A TRICK ON MY MIND!!!!! BUT AS SOON AS HE PLUGGED IN I NEW IT WASN'T IT WAS WAY TO GOOD ! LOVED IT WISH I WOULD HAVE RECORDED SOME OF THAT STUFF I MEAM MIKE,JERRY GARCIA, CHIPPOLINA HELL IT WAS THE 70'S IN THE BAY AREA WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE MIKE!!!! OH YEA AS TO HIS LAST GIG'S WE USED TO SEE HIM OFTEN (EVERY COUPLE WEEKS) IN FRISCO AT THE OLD WALDORF,ONCE IN A WHILE AT THE LONGBRANCH IN BERZERKLY OR KEYSTONE BERKLEY ....... ONE LAST NOTE WHEN STEVIE RAY VAUGHN FIRST PLAYED FRISCO WE SAW HIM AFTER HIS OPENING ACT(AT THE STONE FOR MONTROSE) AT THE OLD WALDORF DIGGIN MIKE'S ACT!!!!!(GUESS HE DIDN'T LIKE MONTRASH EITHER!!!) THANKS ALLEN! P.S MY 13 YEAR OLD SON TURNED ME ON TO THIS SITE THE BLUES LIVE'S ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME:

DRAKE

HOMETOWN:

RICHMOND  CA.

Date:

10/20/2003

Time:

02:49:13 AM

Comments

I WAS LIKE 13,,,,,14 AND I WENT WITH BUTCH TO A JAM SESSION AT A LITTLE PLACE IN CROCKETT CA.... THE LANAI THEATER,IT WAS OWN BY A MUSICIAN NAMED RONNY??????? ANY WAY,AFTER ABOUT A DAY AND A HALF OF TOP SHELF MUSIC HERE COMES MIKE I THOUGHT THE DRUGS WERE PLAYIN A TRICK ON MY MIND!!!!! BUT AS SOON AS HE PLUGGED IN I NEW IT WASN'T IT WAS WAY TO GOOD ! LOVED IT WISH I WOULD HAVE RECORDED SOME OF THAT STUFF I MEAM MIKE,JERRY GARCIA, CHIPPOLINA HELL IT WAS THE 70'S IN THE BAY AREA WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE MIKE!!!! OH YEA AS TO HIS LAST GIG'S WE USED TO SEE HIM OFTEN (EVERY COUPLE WEEKS) IN FRISCO AT THE OLD WALDORF,ONCE IN A WHILE AT THE LONGBRANCH IN BERZERKLY OR KEYSTONE BERKLEY ....... ONE LAST NOTE WHEN STEVIE RAY VAUGHN FIRST PLAYED FRISCO WE SAW HIM AFTER HIS OPENING ACT(AT THE STONE FOR MONTROSE) AT THE OLD WALDORF DIGGIN MIKE'S ACT!!!!!(GUESS HE DIDN'T LIKE MONTRASH EITHER!!!) THANKS ALLEN! P.S MY 13 YEAR OLD SON TURNED ME ON TO THIS SITE THE BLUES LIVE'S ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME:

DRAKE

HOMETOWN:

RICHMOND  CA.

Date:

10/20/2003

Time:

02:49:23 AM

Comments

I WAS LIKE 13,,,,,14 AND I WENT WITH BUTCH TO A JAM SESSION AT A LITTLE PLACE IN CROCKETT CA.... THE LANAI THEATER,IT WAS OWN BY A MUSICIAN NAMED RONNY??????? ANY WAY,AFTER ABOUT A DAY AND A HALF OF TOP SHELF MUSIC HERE COMES MIKE I THOUGHT THE DRUGS WERE PLAYIN A TRICK ON MY MIND!!!!! BUT AS SOON AS HE PLUGGED IN I NEW IT WASN'T IT WAS WAY TO GOOD ! LOVED IT WISH I WOULD HAVE RECORDED SOME OF THAT STUFF I MEAM MIKE,JERRY GARCIA, CHIPPOLINA HELL IT WAS THE 70'S IN THE BAY AREA WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE MIKE!!!! OH YEA AS TO HIS LAST GIG'S WE USED TO SEE HIM OFTEN (EVERY COUPLE WEEKS) IN FRISCO AT THE OLD WALDORF,ONCE IN A WHILE AT THE LONGBRANCH IN BERZERKLY OR KEYSTONE BERKLEY ....... ONE LAST NOTE WHEN STEVIE RAY VAUGHN FIRST PLAYED FRISCO WE SAW HIM AFTER HIS OPENING ACT(AT THE STONE FOR MONTROSE) AT THE OLD WALDORF DIGGIN MIKE'S ACT!!!!!(GUESS HE DIDN'T LIKE MONTRASH EITHER!!!) THANKS ALLEN! P.S MY 13 YEAR OLD SON TURNED ME ON TO THIS SITE THE BLUES LIVE'S ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME:

bob jaman

HOMETOWN:

glencoe

Date:

10/21/2003

Time:

09:05:15 PM

Comments

allen went to 40th high school reunion and 44th from central contact me 847 835 0532 rdjcorn1@hotmail.com met a guy who lives in your old house

NAME:

bob jaman

HOMETOWN:

glencoe

Date:

10/21/2003

Time:

09:05:29 PM

Comments

allen went to 40th high school reunion and 44th from central contact me 847 835 0532 rdjcorn1@hotmail.com met a guy who lives in your old house

NAME:

robert   cerda

HOMETOWN:

santa barbara calif

Date:

10/25/2003

Time:

07:07:15 PM

Comments

I LOVE MICHAEL MUSIC I MET MICHAEL IN 1968 IN SANTA BARBARA PLAYING

NAME:

Jukka Ray-Ska reinivuo

HOMETOWN:

Porvoo Finland Europe

Date:

10/31/2003

Time:

05:28:44 AM

Comments

One of my faforite albums is Janis Joplins Kozmig Blues I think mike was and is one of the best bluesplayers around.

NAME:

Kurt Starlit

HOMETOWN:

Copenhagen

Date:

11/03/2003

Time:

12:58:26 AM

Comments

I bought the Super Session album in 1967, and over the years "Albert's Shuffle" is probably the most played tune in my collection. Intelligent arrangement (horns etc.), and the Bloomfield way of playing his guitar and making it sing..... Thank you for it all!

NAME:

Steve Wahrer

HOMETOWN:

Vancouver BC

Date:

11/03/2003

Time:

10:39:56 AM

Comments

I was 16 at the time and a budding guitar player. At a party one night and someone put on Dear Mr. Fantasy. I couldn't believe my ears when Michael played that solo that had so much feeling and unique voicing. Had never heard of Mike Bloomfield up to then. To this day (I just turned 50)I probably listen and learn (Still) from Mike Bloomfield than any other guitar player living or dead. I still get choked up when I think of the loss and where he might be today. I don't know why but it's almost like I knew him somehow. Thanks for the web site Allen. I wish I had seen Michael play. Just bought the Robben Ford tribute. What a great job he did. If your ever in Vancouver and need a place to stay let me know. My wife I live about a 1/2 hour from downtown and it would be my pleasure. She's probably sick of how much I talk about Mike Bloomfield but that's just the way it is.

NAME:

Steve Wahrer

HOMETOWN:

Vancouver BC

Date:

11/03/2003

Time:

10:40:11 AM

Comments

I was 16 at the time and a budding guitar player. At a party one night and someone put on Dear Mr. Fantasy. I couldn't believe my ears when Michael played that solo that had so much feeling and unique voicing. Had never heard of Mike Bloomfield up to then. To this day (I just turned 50)I probably listen and learn (Still) from Mike Bloomfield than any other guitar player living or dead. I still get choked up when I think of the loss and where he might be today. I don't know why but it's almost like I knew him somehow. Thanks for the web site Allen. I wish I had seen Michael play. Just bought the Robben Ford tribute. What a great job he did. If your ever in Vancouver and need a place to stay let me know. My wife I live about a 1/2 hour from downtown and it would be my pleasure. She's probably sick of how much I talk about Mike Bloomfield but that's just the way it is.

NAME:

Steve Mattys

HOMETOWN:

Irondequoit, NY

Date:

11/05/2003

Time:

09:23:40 AM

Comments

Mike Bloomfield was one of my hero's of the late 1960's. I simply loved his playing style and the feelings his music conveyed (