Blues at the Fillmore 1968-1969 [Import]

This is a 2012 Raven Records release containing 10 live tracks totaling 77 minutes of playing time. As indicated in the liner notes, all the music originates from live performances at the Fillmore venues between 1968 and 1969.
The first half of the CD consists of Mike Bloomfield performing with Nick Gravenites.

"Stronger Then Dirt" and the Johnny Otis composition "If I Ever Get Lucky" are bonus tracks not included in the 2009 CD,"Live At Bill Graham's Fillmore West ". Two songs, "Born in Chicago " and "Work me Lord" are bonus tracks not included in the U.S. release of Nick Gravenites' 2010 "My Labor & More" CD. The fifth track, "Wintry Countryside" was previously released on the "My Labor & More" album.

The second half of this CD ( tracks 6 - 10 ) are all previously released tracks contained on the 2008 CD titled,"Fillmore East: The Lost Tapes" or the 2003 Sony/Legacy reissue of "The Super Session" CD.

All the music is without doubt first class blues performances. The audio quality is spot on especially considering the tapes are 43 years old. Mike, Nick, Al and the supporting musicians are all premier second generation electric blues artists. However, for most Mike Bloomfield fans, the Al Kooper accompanied sessions are nothing new and are probably already in their record collections.

The real attraction is the Nick Gravenites / Mike Bloomfield collaborations consisting of the first 5 tracks which total 47 minutes of playing time. Up until now these selection were only available in Japan.

Special thanks to Ian McFarlane for authoring the excellent and comprehensive liner notes.

I have about everything he recorded that is obtainable and I'm never disappointed. He is one of the all time best ever and to make this point I say get the first Super Sessions album, turn it up loud...make that real loud, sit back, close your eyes and listen to the opening lick on the first track...that says everything about Michael Bloomfield. Blows me away every single time I hear it and I bought that album the day it was released back in '60's originally and I hear that album nearly every week of the year....not a lot of players this good.....why am I even telling you this? Anyone who has never heard Bloomfield has not a clue how totally amazing and great he was.....the rest of us already know this....

I have been a Michael Bloomfield fan for many years now. When his music is produced and recorded well, it gives a great presentation and a wonderful listen. I own several, if not most all of his albums.

This album, however, does not fill that higher standard. I don't know if the foreigh production of this CD has much to do with the quality of the presentation, but the sound and sonic quality leaves much to be desired, it is very empty in most songs, noisy in others, and just gives an unpleasant listen. The recording quality resembles a poor vinyl recording where it is severely lacking in fidelity, and this destroys the artistry and musical skill and talent of Bloomfield and his accompanying musicians.

I was severely disappointed in this album, the first Michael Bloomfield album I have purchased where I have been this disappointed. I give it three stars, only for the apparent artistry of the musicians. Had the recording quality been top notch, this album would have been 5 stars for sure.