Discography &
Performance History
By David Dann
Discography &
Performance History
By David Dann
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 has said he 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
Bloomfield is the vocalist on "Sweet Talkin' Woman."
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.
*Jam Session
David Crosby, v, g; Eric Clapton, Michael
Bloomfield, g; Jack Bruce, b; Mitch Mitchell, d.
Private loft, New York, NY; February 20, 1968(?)
Unknown titles
Jam session
Singer Buzzy Linhart recalled this session as occurring sometime in 1967 or
’68. As Clapton and Bruce were in town for the start of Cream’s second American
tour, the Experience was on a one-day New York layover before going to
Philadelphia, and Bloomfield was working with James Cotton, all on February 20,
that seems like a likely date for this momentous meeting. Linhart stated that
the loft was a “spot where visiting bands scored from” and was consequently the
site of numerous impromptu music sessions.
*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
John Ivey reports that a friend attended this
concert which was headlined by Country Joe & the Fish, primarily to see Joe do
the "Fish Cheer." The friend was amazed by Bloomfield and the Flag, and recalled
that they started the show with a tape of the Lyndon Johnson speech that starts
"Killing Floor" from their soon-to-be-released album, "A Long Time Comin'."
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.
The Trauma, Philadelphia, PA; March 1, 2, 1968
Hey Joe Bootleg recording
Higher & Higher
Drivin’ Wheel
Other unknown titles
This performance is listed by some as having taken place at the Electric Factory, but photos of the band taken by Ron Karr show the club to have been a much smaller venue. Karr confirms that the club was a place called The Trauma, and an ad in Philadelphia's underground newspaper, "Different Drummer," lists the shows at that venue on the dates above. Paul Lerman, who saw this set, also agrees that it was at The Trauma.
Personnel as February 23.
Second Fret(?), Philadelphia, PA; March 8(?), 1968
Unknown titles
Live performance
This appearance was reported by a fan, but the date and location is uncertain. Paul Lerman
saw the Flag perform a second time in Philadelphia on the Friday following the
March 2 show but is uncertain of the venue. He believes it may have been The
Trauma. The fact that the Flag was probably
back in New York City for its weekend at the Cafe Au Go Go also calls the March
8 date into question.
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 travel on to its remaining
tour gigs and then fly home.
Personnel as above.
NARM convention, Hotel Diplomat, Hollywood, FL; March 20, 1968
Unknown titles
Live performance
According to Billboard, the Flag was to appear at this record industry
convention on the night Columbia hosted a dinner party. Whether the Flag
actually appeared is unknown. Also on the bill were Anita Bryant and Johnny
Mathis.
Personnel as above.
Fine Arts Center, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY; March 23, 1968
Unknown titles
Live performance
A contract for this show exists and indicates that the band was paid $2,000
for a two-set performance. Thanks to Kim Rush for this information.
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.
Cheetah(?), Venice,
CA; Spring 1968(?)
Drivin' Wheel (fragment)
It's About Time
I've Been Loving You Too Long (fragment)
Although the sound on this recording is extremely distorted, the solos are
clearly audible. It features a version of Gravenites' "It's About Time" that is
unlike any other, and is the only performance of the tune by the Flag that has
been discovered. The basis for Bloomfield's "East-West," "Time" is treated here
like the funky cousin of the PBBB tune with an extended and extraordinary solo
from Bloomfield and a remarkable duet with Herbie Rich.
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, and a handbill for the show collected by Peggy McVickar confirms that the Flag was there.
*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.”
*BARRY GOLDBERG & Friends
Goldberg, p, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Eddie Hinton, g; Charlie Musselwhite, hca; David Hood, b; Eddie Hoh, d; Peter Strazza, ts; unknown horn section, vocal group.
Los Angeles, CA or Quin Ivy Studio, Muscle Shoals, AL; Spring 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)
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. "Blues for Barry and ..." features Bloomfield, Goldberg, Hood and Hoh in a quartet performance reminiscent of the Super Session date. "Maxwell" features Musselwhite and fades on Bloomfield's solo. "Jimi" is a dedication to Jimi Hendrix.
*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
These
titles were recorded by an audience member and probably comprise the Flag’s
complete set though “Texas” and “Another Country” are incomplete. Bloomfield
dedicates "Hey Joe" to "Jimi the Fox," a reference again to Hendrix. “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
Groovin’ Is Easy
Untitled Instrumental #1
Untitled Instrumental #2
Texas
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.
*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.
The Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA; May 31-June 2, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances(?)
These shows were listed in an Electric Factory ad in "Different Drummer," but because the Flag was given second billing behind Woody's Truck Stop, a local band, their appearance was probably tentative. It is likely that they did not appear.
Personnel as May 31.
Psychedelic Supermarket, Boston, MA; June 3-6, 1968
Unknown titles
Live performances
Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for these dates.
Personnel as May 31; 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, 29, 1968
Performances cancelled
Bruno Ceriotti
reports that the poster for this show listed the bands as the Electric Flag,
Smokestack Lightning and the Illinois Speed Press, but they cancelled and were
replace by the Sons of Champlin and Muddy Waters.
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; possibly Ron Stallings, ts, v; unknown, conga.
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.” Steve Miller and Curley Cook may have also jammed with the band.
*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
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Unknown venue, Watsonville, CA; Probably 1968
Unknown titles
Live performance
A fan recalled seeing Bloomfield perform with an & Friends group in
Watsonville around this time. He remembered that Michael played the entire show
in bare feet.
*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
Untitled blues
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. "Untitled blues" is a rare outtake. 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
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Ira Kamin, kybds; others unknown.
Unknown studio, Chicago, IL; Late 1968
Unknown titles
Demo session
Ira Kamin told Bill Keenom that Bloomfield called him when he was in
Chicago to record some original songs for a demo. Kamin recalled the recording
as “pretty good, but it was never released.” The tunes may have been some of
those which Michael later recorded for his Columbia record, “It’s Not Killing
Me.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Al Kooper, org, p, v; others unknown.
Cafe Au Go Go, New York, NY; November 26-December 1, 1968
Performance cancelled
A promotion for the Cafe Au Go Go’s "Blues
Bag" week listed the Mike Bloomfield Band with special guest Kooper as
participants, but a blurb in Billboard magazine reported that they cancelled do
to “indisposition.” Other performers during the week included Danny Kalb, Richie
Havens, Dave Van Ronk, the Ultimate Spinach, Big Joe Williams and the
Butterfield Blues Band. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for some of this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Johnny Winter, g, v; Buzzy Feiten,
g; 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
Season of the Witch
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. There were two sets each night, and many of the above tunes were repeated three or four times. Billboard reported that Butterfield guitarist Buzzy Feiten jammed with Kooper and Bloomfield during Friday's second set on "Season of the Witch."
*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. "Dirt" is a variation on the musical theme
used for numerous '60s Ajax cleanser commercials. The product's motto was
"Stronger than dirt."
*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
Bruno Ceriotti reports that Bloomfield did not show up to perform on February 7. Recordings of these February performances reportedly come from tapes once owned by John Kahn.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD &
NICK
GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Gravenites, v, g(?); others unknown.
Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 17(?), 1969
Unknown titles
Live performance
This performance was advertised as celebrating the Chinese New Year.
The Sons of Champlin, Phoenix, the Ace of Cups and the Pitschell Players were also on the roster.
Bruno Ceriotti notes that the show was a benefit for "Lenay, Inc." and could
have happened any time between February 17-20.
*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; February(?) 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. The album was released in August
1969.
*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 the 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
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; presonnel probably included Ira Kamin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; March 27-30, 1969
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p*, v; unknown p.
Probably Chess Studios, Chicago, IL; April 4, 1969
Blues #1
Studio recording
Blues #2 (Slow Blues #1)
Blues #3
Blues #4 (Shuffle Blues)
Blues #5 (Slow Blues #2)
I'm Gonna Love You (breaks down)
No Rest Blues (incomplete)
Young Girl Blues #1*/Conversation
Young Girl Blues #2*
Michael's Lament*
I'm Gonna Love You*
My Old Friends*
Nine Pound Steel*
Melancholy Baby*
Hard Train to Ride/Drown in My Own Tears*
This unusual session was engineered by Norman Dayron who was employed as
a producer by Chess Records at the time. The pianist on the first seven titles
may be Ira Kamin, or possibly Jon Cramer. Bloomfield plays solo piano on the
remaining titles and does a version of “Michael’s Lament” which he’d composed
for his solo Columbia album, a project he would start in May. Michael was
probably in Chicago in preparation for the following sessions with Muddy Waters.
*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
Hoochie Coochie Man
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,” Butterfield sings "Losing Hand" and Buddy Miles is the singer
on "Broadway" and "Texas." 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.
Ken Nordine acted as emcee. 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 Fontella Bass and other gospel singers; one take features a solo by
Bloomfield, the other has a solo by a tenor sax player. 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
The End of the Record
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" was
Michael's complaint about music critics. It's unclear whether it and “The End
...” are separate titles or one complete tune. MB intended them to end the album
but Columbia vetoed their inclusion for obvious reasons. 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 September 1969 with little promotion and was universally panned by critics. "Slow July Blues" was issued on
Japanese Sony in 2008. A corner of the record’s cover has the words “Bloomfield
shucks,” a clear reference to the Ralph Gleason column about Michael that
appeared the May 11, 1968 edition of Rolling Stone. In “Assholes,” Michael sings
about "good, sweet ol' Ralph, every musician's friend," another reference to
renown critic.
*MICHAEL
BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield+, g, v; Jon Cramer*(?), unknown, v; Ace of Cups(?), bckup
v; unknown g, b, d.
Probably Columbia Studios or Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco, CA;
Spring/summer 1969(?)
No Room at the Inn, take 1
No Room at the Inn, take 2
No Room at the Inn, take 3*
No Room at the Inn, take 4
No Room at the Inn, take 5+
These titles appear to be takes for the back-up vocals on the gospel piece "No
Room at the Inn," a tune recorded by the Staples Singers and Mahalia Jackson. It
may have been intended for “It's Not Killing Me.”
*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, Vancouver, BC, CA; May 31, 1969
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL
BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA; June 14, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performance
Southern Comfort was 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”). Bob Greenspan confirms that these titles were actually recorded at the Shrine.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.
Family Dog on the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA; August 15-17, 1969
Unknown titles Live performances
The poster for this show lists Bloomfield and
Gravenites "with Southern Comfort." Southern Comfort was a band that consisted
of musicians that Bloomfield had used in & Friends at various times, and he had
gotten Columbia to sign them. They did not perform with Bloomfield for these
shows, although the bands shared drummer Jones. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, CA; August 23, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; September 12, 13, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
This date was billed as a “super blues jam session.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; September 19-21, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Personnel probably as above.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; September 26, 27, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
Thanks to Corry Arnold for these dates.
Personnel probably as above.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; October 1, 1969
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel probably
as above(?).
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; October 3, 4, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
*JAM SESSION
Michael Bloomfield, g; Muddy Waters, Pop Staples, v, g; Willie Dixon, b; plus
Booker T & the MGs.
International Ampitheater, Chicago, IL; October 3, 4, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performance
Author George Manno recalled that this jam session took place as part of a
benefit concert for Operation Breadbasket. According to Manno, Bloomfield
“danced around and played his ass off.” Downbeat magazine listed the
weekend-long
extravaganza at the International Ampitheater as the first "Black Minorities
Business and Cultural Exposition." The magazine stated that the show featured
B.B. King, James Brown, Les McCann, Cannonball Adderley, Aretha Franklin, Howlin'
Wolf, Bobby Bland and others along with those listed above. The dates are
certain, and if Bloomfield did appear in Chicago on the 4th, his Keystone shows
must have been cancelled.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g: others unknown.
Frost Amphitheater, Stanford University, San Francisco, CA; October 5, 1969
Performance cancelled
The blog that reported this show – a benefit for the MidPeninsula Free
University – is unsure whether Bloomfield and Gravenites actually appeared.
Bruno Ceriotti confirms that the band did cancel its performance.
*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
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; John Kahn, b; others
unknown.
Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, Eureka, CA; fall 1969?
Blind Love
Live performance
Other unknown titles
Old Davis, a band that featured 15-year-old Neal Schon, was also on the
roster for this show. The date is uncertain, but Schon was playing with that
band at this time. Thanks to Dan Vineyard for this listing.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; October 17, 18, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
Personnel probably as above.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; October 24, 25, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Gymnasium, College Park High School, Pleasant Hill, CA; November 6, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performance
This performance was mentioned by columnist Ralph Gleason in his San
Francisco Chronicle column of November 5. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this
information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; November 7, 8, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
Personnel probably as above.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; November 14, 15, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
*SAM LAY
Lay, d, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Jack Walroth, hca; Mark Naftalin, org, 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.
The following titles were also recorded at the session but were not included on
the album release:
I Wanna Love You
Smokestack Lightnin'
Key to the Highway
I Got to Find My Baby
Rocks Was My Pillow
Hitchhike
My Fault
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; 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.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v*; Nick Gravenites, v, g; probably Mark Naftalin,
Ira Kamin, kybds; Al Miller, hca; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; John Wilmeth, tp;
Ron Stallings, ts, v.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; December 5, 6, 1969
Dyin' Flu*
Live performances
The Israelites*
Other unknown titles
In December 1969, Rolling Stone described Keystone Corner as Bloomfield’s
regular weekend hangout. The band's road manager, Phil Brown, told author Bill
Keenom that this was the usual personnel for & Friends when they played the
Keystone and the Fillmore at this time, and that Bloomfield liked to sing the
two tunes listed. Al Miller, a friend of Bloomfield's from high school, played
with the Keystone band for a period of 3 or 4 months around this time. Thanks to
Corry Arnold for the above Keystone dates; he cautions, however, that
Bloomfield’s appearance has not been confirmed for every show.
Personnel probably as above.
Loma Prieta Ballroom, San Jose State College, San Jose, CA; December 13, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
Personnel probably as above.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; December 26, 27, 1969
Unknown titles
Live performances
*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; Late 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 (*).
© 2010 David Dann