Discography & Performance History
 By David Dann

1970–1974

 

1970

BLOOMFIELD nearly ceases playing for a period of 12 to 18 months beginning in 1970. He later states that during this period he was interested only in a life of “stoned leisure.”

 

*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; January 23, 24, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances


 Personal probably as above.
New Orleans House, Berkeley, CA; January 30, 31, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

Big Joe Williams was also on the bill for these shows. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this listing.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/B.B. KING

Michael Bloomfield, B.B. King, int; unknown interviewer.

Chicago, IL; January or February 1970

 

Interview                                    Unknown show, WBBM-TV broadcast

 

Mitch Gawlik reported seeing this program one Saturday morning in the winter of 1970. He recalled that there was a general discussion of the blues, with B.B. crediting young white players like Bloomfield with enlarging his career. Mitch could not remember whether the two guitarists performed together. This might have occurred during King's 1970 stint at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago, a period when Michael's mother, Dorothy, visited B.B. in an effort to get him to help Bloomfield return to playing.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Personnel probably as January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 6, 7, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Personnel probably as January 23.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 11, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

The February 11 roster also included the Paul Butterfield, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite bands and was a memorial concert for Magic Sam.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, kybds; Al Miller, hca; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d.
Santa Rosa(?) High School auditorim, Santa Rosa, CA; 1970(?)
 
Unknown titles                                    Live performance

Al Miller recalled this show in a conversation with Bill Keenom. The name of the high school and date are uncertain, but Miller described it as a “big concert .”


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Personnel probably similar to January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 21, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b, d.
Eagles Auditorium, Seattle, WA; February 27, 1970

Wine                                                     Bootleg CD

This title, an apparent encore, is the only one from this date that has been found.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Personnel probably similar to January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 28, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


*BRENDA PATTERSON
Brenda Patterson, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Unknown venues, San Francisco, CA; 1970(?)

Unknown titles                                     Live performances

Patterson was a soulful white singer who came to San Francisco to record for Columbia, probably in 1970. According to producer Larry Cohn, Bloomfield loved her singing and, while she was in the city recording, he played in her back-up band during a number of live performances in small local clubs.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Personnel probably as January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; March 27, 28, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; John Kahn, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; others unknown.

Mill Valley, CA; March 29, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


This outdoor concert took place on "old stable grounds" on Easter Sunday and featured Quicksilver Messenger Service along with & Friends. The performance was produced by Ron Polte.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Convention Center Exhibit Hall, Fresno, CA; April 4, 1970
 
Unknown titles                                     Live performance

This was a five-hour concert that also featured Albert King, Bo Diddley and Cold Blood.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v; Ira Kamin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.
Unknown venue, Ventura, CA; 1970(?)
 
Unknown titles                                     Live performance

Personnel as above.
University of Texas, Austin, TX; 1970(?)
 
Unknown titles                                     Live performance

These two gigs were described to Bill Keenom by road manager Phil Brown as occurring sometime in 1970. According to Brown, Albert Grossman convinced Bloomfield to call the bad the Electric Flag in order to get more money for the shows. The Austin performance was late due to Bloomfield missing his flight and the band’s connecting flight being cancelled. Skip Prokop’s band (presumably Lighthouse) opened for them and played for several hours while & Friends struggled to get to Austin.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; Nick Gravenites, v; probably Mark Naftalin, Ira Kamin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; John Wilmeth, tp; Ron Stallings, ts, v.
"The Spot Shop" studio, Los Angeles(?), CA; Summer 1970(?)

Radio ad 1
Radio ad 2

These ads were recorded under the direction of Phil Brown and Chicago musician and commercial producer, Guy Guilbert, for Country Club Malt Liquor, sometime in 1970. Guilbert recalled, "We pre-recorded all the tracks but [Michael]. He came in, listened to the tracks once, laid his guitar against the amp and created a howling feedback, yelled to start the tape and blistered a guitar passage on a spare track – in one take!" These spots were previously attributed to the Electric Flag, but though the sound is very similar the group is the Keystone Korners & Friends band.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g(?); cast including Bongo Wolf, Severn Darden, Noel E. Parmentel Jr., P.J. Proby, Jim Ford, others.

Los Angeles, CA(?); 1970


 Film appearance                        “Bongo Wolf’s Revenge,” a film by Tom Baker

 

Bloomfield is listed along with the Doors and country singer Jim Ford as contributing “original music” to this odd production. The plot reportedly concerns “vampires and the LA rock scene.” Wolf was an eccentric character and friend of Tom Baker’s who lived in the Los Angeles area. The film follows him around as he visits friends and attends a meeting of a vampire fan club. Baker was a member of the Warhol Factory in the mid-’60s and a close friend of Jim Morrison’s. The film was edited by then-film student David Naftalin, Mark Naftalin's brother. Bloomfield’s appearance, in which he is listed as “playing himself,” may have come about through his Dennis Hopper/Jack Nicholson/Peter Fonda connection. In early 1971, “Bongo” was shown in Australia and London, and appeared on German television; it may have also been seen at film festivals in the United States. It did have a limited screening in Hollywood at the Cinematheque Theater in September 1971. It is not known if it still exists.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Eddie Hoh, d; Nick Gravenites, v.

Mount Tamalpais High School, Mount Tamalpais, CA; April 10, 1970

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance

 

This was a performance given at the request of high school student and fan Toby Byron. The band was paid $150.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; May 28-31, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & THE MARIN MUSIC BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Family Dog on the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA; June 17, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

This was a benefit for the Porcupine Family Inc. drug treatment program. Also included on the bill were Charlie Musselwhite and Sandy Bull.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Civic Auditorium, Honolulu, HI; June 19-20, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


Billboard reported that Bloomfield was added to this show that also had John Lee Hooker, Elvin Bishop and Boz Scaggs on the bill.

 

Personnel probably as above.

Brown’s Hall, Mill Valley, CA; July 5, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

JIMI HENDRIX dies in his sleep on September 18, 1970, in London from an alcohol and drug overdose. On October 4, 1970, while recording her next album, "Pearl," Janis Joplin dies in Los Angeles from a heroin overdose.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA; October 3, 1970

Unknown titles                                     Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA; December 12, 1970

Unknown titles                                       Live performance

Thanks to Ralph Heibutzki for this listing.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; John Kahn, b; unknown, d; Nick Gravenites, v; others unknown.
Student Union, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA; Winter 1970(?)

Unknown titles                                       Live performance

Photographer Wayne Salvatore took photos of & Friends at this gig which he recalled as having taken place sometime in 1970 or ’71.The fact that the band is wearing long sleeves and sweaters suggests their performance took place in the winter.


 *EDDIE “CLEANHEAD” VINSON

Vinson, as, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.

Ash Grove, Los Angeles, CA; December 31, 1970

 

Unknown titles                                     Live performance

 

*JIM MURRAY

Murray, v; John Cipollina, stl g, g; Nick Gravenites, g; Paul Butterfield, hca; Michael Bloomfield, p; Mario Cipollina, b; Greg Elmore, d; others unknown.

John Cipollina’s home and Mickey Hart’s ranch, Mill Valley, CA; December 1970-January 1971

 

She’s So Fine                        United Artists, unreleased

Please Woman

Please Woman, alt. take

Sweet Lady

It's Alright Girl

It's Alright Girl, alt. take

Only Time Knows Who

Only Time Knows Who, alt. take

Love You Woman

Untitled   

 

Murray was a former member of Quicksilver Messenger Service.

 

1971

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v.
Probably Reed Street, Mill Valley, CA; Early 1970s(?)

A Tramp on the Street                     Private recording
Please Release Me
Dream, When You're Feeling Blue
Why I'm Goin' to Memphis
Tenderly

Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.
Location, date as above

If You Could Find It in Your Heart, take 1
If You Could Find It in Your Heart, take 2
I Want to Make Things Easier for You
Last Night I Cried Myself Awake
Hello, Darlin’
We Had a Quarrel
I Know the Flowers Will Bloom Eternally

Michael Bloomfield, p, v.
Location, date as above

Just a Girl I Used Know
I Try to Live by the Good Book (incomplete)
Down in the Valley
Let's Go Get Stoned (incomplete)
Drown in My Own Tears
You Talk About Your Woman

These recordings are carefully-made overdubs, probably done in MB's Reed St. home in Mill Valley. Toby Byron has said that Michael occasionally recorded in his bedroom where he had a piano. “A Tramp on the Street” is a variation on the Hank Williams tune. The titles where unknown are taken from the lyrics.


 *MERL SAUNDERS & FRIENDS

Saunders, kybds, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; John Kahn, b; others unknown.

Berkeley, CA; January(?) 1971

 

Iron Horse                                          “Keepers,” Fantasy FCD 7712-2

A Little Bit of Righteousness                                

 

This album was released in May 1971.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA; January 9, 1971

Unknown titles                               Live performance

This show also featured Canned Heat. Bloomfield’s set was billed as “Super Session.”

 

*BEAVER AND KRAUSE

Bernard Krause, moog; Paul Beaver, org; Ronnie Montrose, Rik Elswit, Michael Bloomfield, g; Rod Ellicott, b; George Marsh, Lee Charlton, d.
Los Angeles, CA; January/February 1971

 

Saga of the Blue Beaver                       “Gandharva,” Warner Bros. WS-1909


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; John Wilmeth, tp; Ron Stallings, ts, v; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d(?); others unknown.

Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA; February 19, 1971

 

I Once Was Blind                        “At the Swing with ...,” Bootleg CD

Po’ Kelly Blues                                                                     

Statesboro Blues                                                                

One Way Out                                                                       

You Won’t See Me                                                               

She’s Mine                                                                

Come Back Baby, Let’s Try It Over                                             

Driftin’ & Driftin’          

 

Various sources also give February 1969 and March 24, 26 or 27, 1971 as the date for this show, but Toby Byron reports that this date is correct. A version of “Wine” is often is included on the above CD but actually comes from a performance in Seattle from February 27, 1970. Stallings, Wilmeth and Jones later were part of the band Southern Comfort.

 

*BOZ SCAGGS

Scaggs, v, g; Michael Bloomfield(?), g; probably Joachim Young, kybds; Jack Schroer, ts; Rick Shlosser, d; others unknown.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 27, 1971

 

Somebody Loan Me a Dime                   Bootleg CD

 

While sources credit Bloomfield with playing guitar on this performance, none of the guitarists sounds like him.

 

*WOODY HERMAN

Herman, cl, v; Tony Klatka, Tom Harrell, Buddy Powers, Forrest Buchtel, Bobby Byrne, tp; Bobby Burgess, Ira Nepus, Don Switzer, tbn; Sal Nistico, Frank Tiberi, Steve Lederer, Gene Smookler, rds; Michael Bloomfield, g; Alan Broadbent, el p; Alan Read, b; Ed Soph, d.
Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco, CA; March 1971

 

Sidewalk Stanley                             “Brand New,” Fantasy 8414

Proud Mary                                                   

Hitch Hike on the Possum Trot Line                                

Since I Fell for You                              

 

Though originally scheduled for Fantasy’s new Berkeley studios, the sessions for “Brand New” took place over three days at Heider’s facility. According to downbeat magazine, Bloomfield was in the studio and did record with the band although some sources report that his contribution was overdubbed later. Michael rehearsed with the Herd one evening prior to the sessions at the Hotel Claremont in Berkeley where Herman was performing. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this information.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; March 12, 13, 1971

Unknown titles                                   Live performance

 

The April 10 edition of Billboard magazine reported that Bloomfield had “recorded a live album at Keystone Korner.” There is no evidence, however, that Bloomfield ever recorded there. The same issue of the magazine further stated that he was “also writing a book of ten short stories for Grove Press.”
  

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA; March 24 or 27, 1971

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/CHICAGO SLIM

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Chicago Slim, v(?), hca; James Cotton, hca; Mark Naftalin, p, org; John Kahn, b; Joe Bishop O’Brien(?), d.

Long Beach Auditorium, Long Beach, CA; April 8, 1971

 

There Is Something on Your Mind (partial)                 Bootleg CD
The Creeper
Turn on Your Lovelight
Please, Please, Please
Lucille

Bloomfield & Friends played the opening set for this concert which had John Mayall with Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor, formerly of Canned Heat, as the headliners. & Friends was joined during its set by Cotton who is featured on the above titles. Chicago Slim may provide back-up vocals on “Please." According to Toby Byron, Slim's real name was Noel Schiff and he was an acquaintance of Bloomfield’s from his Chicago days. He recorded one album with Stu Ramsey for Capitol in 1970. As an interesting note, concert attendee Moses Mora recalls that Mayall's drummer, Paul Lagos, played their set entirely without sticks, using only his hands on his drums. He also remembers that Bloomfield introduced Slim as "Hollywood Fats."

 

Personnel as above(?).
Ash Grove, Los Angeles, CA; April 16-18, 1971

Unknown titles                                   Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/CHICAGO SLIM

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Chicago Slim, v, hca; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.

Fillmore West/Winterland, San Francisco, CA; April 29-May 2, 1971 

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.
Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; May 14-16, 1971

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

Naftalin’s name was mispelled as “Mike Naftalin” in advertisements for this show. Someone named “Anderson” was also included in the ads, but it is unclear whether he performed with Bloomfield and Naftalin. Thanks to Mark Skobac for this information.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, p, v.

Mill Valley, CA; May 17, 1971

 

Relaxin’ Blues: Blues for Jimmy Yancey,            “Bloomfield: A Retrospective,”

Sunnyland Slim and                                               Columbia C2 37578

Otis Spann    

Interview segments                                              

 

These titles were recorded during an interview done in Bloomfield’s home by KPFA radio host Dan McClosky. Roy Ruby and Fred Glaser also joined in the conversation. The resulting program featured a recording of B.B. King calling Bloomfield up to jam during a performance at the Fillmore, probably in early 1971 (thanks to René Aagaard for this information).

 

*JAMES COTTON

Cotton, hca, v; Todd Rundgren, Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Klingman, org, p; Stu Woods, b; Joe Bishop O’Brien, d.

Los Angeles, CA; May 1971

 

Long Distance Operator              “Taking Care of Business,” Capital SM 814

 

Personnel, location as above but omit Woods, add Ralph Shuckett, p.

 

Nose Open                                “Taking Care of Business,” Capital SM 814


 Personnel, location as above but add Ralph Shuckett, acc; Johnny Winter, g; Stu Woods, b. 

 

Georgia Swing                           “Taking Care of Business,” Capital SM 814


This album was released in December 1971.

 

*TEDA BRACCI

Bracci, v; Lowell George, slide g; Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Richie Hayward, d.

Sound Factory, Hollywood, CA; 1971

 

Jim Dandy                                              Recording session

Jim Dandy, alt. take
Sweet Thing
Wang Dang Doodle


Bracci was an actress and sometime singer whom session producer Denny Bruce described as a “Janis Joplin-kind of blues shouter.”

 

*ANN-MARGRET

Ann-Margret, v; Chris Darrow, Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; John Kahn, b; Richie Hayward, d.

Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; June 1971

 

Revival                                              Recording session

Shine, My Friend
Obion Bottom Land


 Ann-Margret heard tapes of Teda Bracci’s session and decided that she wanted to record as a singer as well. Denny Bruce also produced her recording date. Margret and Bloomfield had both attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL and so reminisced and got along well despite her lack of talent as a singer.

 

*ELVIN BISHOP GROUP

Bishop, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.

Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; 1971

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

Bloomfield sat in with Bishop during this performance. A teenage guitar player was called up to jam as well. B.B. King may have been the show’s headliner. King and Bishop did perform on the same bill at a Selland Arena concert on May 28, 1971.

 

*FILLMORE JAM SESSION

Carlos Santana, John Cipollina, Michael Bloomfield, g; Greg Rollie, org; Vince Guaraldi, el p; Jack Cassady, b; Bill Graham, cowbell; Bernard Purdie, George Marsh, d; Chepito Areas, Coke Esposito, timb; Van Morrison, v, as; Linda Tillery, Lydia Pense, v; Tower of Power horns; others unknown.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 4, 1971

 

Closing jam                                         “Bloomer’s Jam,” Bootleg CD

 

This was the closing day of the Fillmore West. This aircheck is just one of numerous “jams” that evening; it comes from a KSFX broadcast of the performance.

 

BLOOMFIELD begins a long relationship with then high school student Christie Svane on the night the Fillmore closes.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.

Marx Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; July 18, 1971(?)

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.

Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; July 23-25, 1971


 Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
New Monk, San Francisco, CA; August 29, 30, 1971

Unknown titles                                     Live performance


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.

Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; September 17-19, 1971


 Unknown titles                                    Live performances


Personnel as above; omit Bob Jones, add Buddy Miles, d.

Pepperland, San Rafael, CA; September 24, 25, 1971

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

*SYLVESTER
Sylvester, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Ben Sidran, kbds; others unknown.
A&M studios, San Francisco, CA; Winter 1971/72

Superstar                                            Demo recording

Other unknown titles

Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner produced this demo session for A&M with soul and blues singer Sylvester, using Bloomfield on guitar. They did many takes to "Superstar" with Bloomfield "never playing the same thing twice," according to Wenner. Thanks to Bill Keenom for this information.

 

MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/PAUL BUTTERFIELD
Butterfield, hca, v, p; Michael Bloomfield, g, v, p; Mark Naftalin, kbds; John Kahn, b; Billy Mundi, d.
Fenway Theater, Boston, MA; December 10, 11, 1971

Ball & Chain                                     Live performances
Why Am I Treated So Bad?
Born in Chicago
Homemade Songs
What Am I Living For?

I've Got a Mind to Give Up Living

Work Song     


This was the first of several Butterfield Blues Band reunions. Butterfield and Bloomfield share the vocals on “Why Am I Treated So Bad?” Bloomfield is the vocalist on “What Am I Living For? The first five titles come from the Friday show; the remaining titles are from the Saturday performance. Geoff Muldaur also sat in and sang one tune on Saturday.

  

1972

*TIM DAVIS

Davis, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; Curley Cooke, g; Ben Sidran, kybds; Doug Killmer, b; Rick Jaeger, d.

Los Angeles(?), CA; January(?) 1972

 

Only Yesterday                                   “Take Me As I Am,” Metromedia BML1-175

On the Other Hand Baby

Take Me As I Am                                          

 

Tim Davis was an original member of the Steve Miller Blues Band. The album was released in April 1972.


*MILLIE FOSTER

Foster, v; Eddie Duran, Michael Bloomfield, g; Ed Wetteland, org, arr; Mark Naftalin, p; Mario Seraci, b; Bill Nowracki, d.

Golden State Recorders, San Francisco, CA; 1972

 

This Train                                  “Feels The Spirit,” MGM SE-4897

Every Time I Feel the Spirit                                              

Didn’t It Rain                                                

Rock-a My Soul                                                        

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand                

Wade in the Water                                      

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho                               

Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve seen                             

Swing Low Sweet Chariot                                      

The Saints Go Marching In 

 

Leo Kulka of Golden State hired Bloomfield and Naftalin for this session.  

 

*MELTON, LEVY AND THE DEY BROS.

Barry Melton, g, tbn, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, prod; Jay Levy, kybds, v; Rick Dey, b, v; Tony Dey, d, v; others.

San Francisco, Los Angeles, CA; February(?) 1972

 

Ooh, Ooh, Ooh                 “Melton, Levy & the Dey Bros.,” Columbia KC 31279
Closer
Be With the One
Newsboy
Taxpayer's Lament

Bloomfield produced the above session and plays on these titles only. The album was released in June 1972.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MIKE LIPSKIN
Mike Lipskin, p; Michael Bloomfield, g; Sam Shaffer, drums.
Dwindle Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA; April 22, 1972

Honeysuckle Rose                             Live performance
Old-fashioned Love
Persian Rag
Other unknown titles

This was a program of traditional jazz tunes by Fats Waller and James P. Johnson. It was part of the University Extension’s “Classic Ragtime and Harlem Stride Piano” weekend. Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha” was also performed, and Eubie Blake and Earl Hines played the following day.

 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
Lion's Share, San Anselmo, CA; July 1972
 
Unknown titles                                     Live performance

This performance was reported by singer Lottie Golden.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
Inn of the Beginning, Cotati, CA; July 20, 1972
 
Unknown titles                                    Live performance

Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this date.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Johnny Winter, Elvin Bishop, g, v; Applejack(?), hca; John Chambers, d; others unknown.

Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; August(?) 1972

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


 The September 14, 1972 edition of the Rolling Stone noted that Johnny Winter was making the rounds, sitting in with various bands. This was one session mentioned.

 

*CHICAGO SLIM BAND
Slim, hca, v; Michael Bloomfield(?), g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.
The Black Cat, Fond du Lac, WI; August 14, 1972

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

A news item for this performance implied that Bloomfield appeared with Slim’s band and that the group was really an & Friends unit with the addition of Slim.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; August 22, 23, 1972
 
                                                            Cancelled

Though Bloomfield showed up on at least one of these nights, he never actually performed. Thanks to Paul Lerman for this information.


 *SOPWITH CAMEL & FRIENDS
Probably Peter Kraemer, v; Terry MacNeil, g; Martin Beard, b; Norman Mayell, d; with Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Nick Gravenites, v.
Wilfred Satty's studio, San Francicso, CA; 1972(?)

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

Satty was an artist whose “psychedelic” collages were used as posters by the Fillmore and other San Francisco venues, and were published in underground periodicals. Beneath his Powell St. studio he had created a “2,300-square-foot environment” for performances by the Living Theater and others. One such happening included music by the Sopwith Camel with guests Bloomfield, Gravenites and Naftalin (Camel drummer Mayell had been in Bloomfield’s band The Group back in Chicago). Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen also performed. The happening was filmed by director Claude Otzenberger for French television as part of a documentary on California. It is not known if Bloomfield appeared in the film.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others, if any, unknown.

European venues(?); Late summer or early fall 1972

 

Unknown titles                                    Jam sessions(?)

 

According to Bonner Beuhler, Bloomfield was in Europe at this time with Jon Cramer. Whether they played any gigs is not known. Toby Byron recalls that Bloomfield did not have any scheduled performances but did spend some time hanging out with the Rolling Stones in the south of France.
*KING KOOP

Koop, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; George Michalski, p; Jerome Arnold, b; Bob Jones, d; Lottie Golden, v.

San Francisco, CA; September 1972

 

Slider                                                  “The Early Years,” Stella Records

Blues with Michael

Two other titles


 King Koop is Rich Wynkoup. This session may have originally been a Lottie Golden date. Thanks to George Michalski for this information.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Applejack, hca; others unknown.
Lion’s Share, San Anselmo, CA; October 5-8, 1972

Unknown titles                                 Live performances


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; October 20, 21, 1972 

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD, NICK GRAVENITES,

PAUL BUTTERFIELD, MARIA MULDAUR

Maria Muldaur, v, g; Paul Butterfield, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Merle Saunders, p, org; John Kahn, b; Christopher Parker, d; Nick Gravenites, v, g, prod; Annie Sampson, v.

Los Angeles, CA; Fall 1972

 

Swing With It                       “Steelyard Blues” soundtrack, Warner Bros. BS-2662

Brand New Family

Woman’s Love 

Make the Headlines      

Georgia Blues

My Bag

Common Ground 

Being Different

I've Been Searching

Do I Care

Lonesome Star Blues

Here I Come (There She Goes)

If You Cared

Drive Again


 The movie “Steelyard Blues” was released in February 1973. Most of the material that Gravenites and Bloomfield created for it was not used and appears only on the soundtrack album. Gravenites produced the sessions; Joe Boyd was the A&R man on the date. Unlike the film itself, the record received generally favorable reviews.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v*; probably Nick Gravenites, v, g; Merle Saunders, kybds; John Kahn, b; Christopher Parker, d; band members, bcknd v.
Los Angeles, CA; Fall 1972

Being Different
Being Different*
Make the Headlines (incomplete)
Make the Headlines
I Keep A-lookin'* (incomplete)
I Keep A-lookin'*
Capricorn Woman (incomplete)
Capricorn Woman
Common Ground (incomplete)
Cadillac(?) (instrumental)

These titles appear to be outtakes or demos from the Bloomfield/ Gravenites soundtrack for "Steelyard Blues." Bloomfield is the vocalist here; Gravenites is the vocalist on the album release. Some of the takes may actually be duplicates of earlier takes.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/SUNNYLAND SLIM
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Sunnyland Slim, p, v; others unknown.
O.C. Inn, San Francisco(?), CO; November 11, 1972

Unknown titles                                    Live performances                                       

 

IN NOVEMBER of 1972, Bloomfield is given a position as “Distinguished Visiting Lecturer” in music at the New College of California, a one-year-old liberal arts college in Sausalito, CA. Also on the staff are Country Joe & the Fish guitarist Barry Melton and Bloomfield’s friend from his Chicago days, Norman Dayron. Later Michael gives several lectures at Stanford University and College of Marin as well.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others(?) unknown.
Tulagi’s, Boulder, CO; November 16, 17, 1972

Unknown titles                                 Live performances

Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this listing. It was reported to him by a friend who was at one of the shows.


*SUNNYLAND SLIM
Sunnyland Slim, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
Inn of the Beginning, Cotati, CA; November 22, 1972
 
Unknown titles                                  Live performance

Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this date.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/SUNNYLAND SLIM
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Sunnyland Slim, p, v; with Nick Gravenites and the Blue Gravy Band.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; November 24, 1972

Unknown titles                                 Live performance


 Personnel as above; add Harry Duncan, hca; unknown, b; Paul (?), d; omit Nick Gravenites and the Blue Gravy Band.
Long Branch Saloon, Berkeley, CA; December 20, 1972


Unknown titles                                 Live performance


 Over the next several months, probably until March 1973, Bloomfield played as many as a dozen Bay-area dates with Sunnyland Slim. Venues included Inn of the Beginning, Cotati; the Catalyst, Santa Cruz; the Bodega Club, Campbell; the Lion's Share, San Anselmo; and a club in Palo Alto (Sophie's?). The group occasionally included guitarists Luther Tucker or Mike Henderson. Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; December 22, 23, 1972 

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

 

 

1973

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/JOHN HAMMOND/DR. JOHN

John Hammond, g, hca, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Dr. John, p, org, g, bjo, perc; Thomas Jefferson Kaye, g; Chris Ethridge, b; Fred Staehle, d; plus Blue Mitchell, tp; George Bohanon, tbn; James Gordon, bar; Jerome Jumonville, ts.

San Francisco, CA; January 1973

 

Cha-Dooky-Doo                         “Triumvirate,” Columbia KC 32172

Last Night                                                     

I Yi Yi                                                             

Just to Be with You                                    

Baby Let Me Kiss You                                             

Sho’ ‘Bout to Drive Me Wild                                   

It Hurts Me Too                                                       

Rock Me Baby                                                          

Ground Hog Blues                                       

Pretty Thing                                                               

The Trip                                       Playback AS51 ZSM 158374


 “Triumvirate” was released in June 1973. The Raylettes were originally supposed to do back-up vocals. Rick Schlosser, the original drummer for the sessions, was replaced by Fred Staehle who was better at creating New Orleans-style rhythms. Thanks to Toby Byron for this information.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER/BUDDY MILES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Al Kooper, kybds, v; Calvin Samuels, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; others unknown.
Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; January(?) 1973

Unknown titles                             Recording sessions

 According to Rolling Stone, Bloomfield, Kooper and Miles spent 15 hours in the studio recording tracks for a proposed “Super Session ’73” album. The idea was abandoned when the effort “turned up nothing particularly super.”


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.

The Village, San Francisco, CA; January 19, 1973

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

For this performance, the band was called “Blue Gravy.” Bloomfield billed himself as “Count Talent.”

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Race track, Oak Park, IL; January 23, 1973

Unknown titles                                 Live performance

Paul Butterfield also performed at this show.

Personnel as January 23.
Rivoli Theater, Indianapolis, IN; January 29, 1973

Unknown titles                                   Live performance

Personnel as January 23.
Shaboo Inn, Willimantic, CT; January 29(?), February 1, 1973

Unknown titles                                   Live performances

Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p, v; John Kahn, b; Rick Schlosser, d.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 23, 24, 1973

 

I Ain’t No Doctor (beginning missing)          Private recording
Beautiful Mountain*
I-Yi-Yi
Mary Ann
Baby Let Me Kiss You/Sissy Strut
The Image of Me*
Linda Lu
All the Love I Want
Lights Out
Wolverton Mountain*
Poor Kelly Blues
La Bamba (encore)

 

*PAUL BUTTERFIELD/MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/ELVIN BISHOP

Butterfield, v, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g; Elvin Bishop, g; Mark Naftalin, Merle Saunders, org; Jerome Arnold, b; Chris Parker, d.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 23, 24, 1973

 

Mellow Down Easy                               Live performances

Born in Chicago

Don't You Lie to Me

East-West


Personnel as above; add Billy Rich, b; Boz Scaggs, v; Rickie Kellog, hca.
Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 24, 1973

Mellow Down Easy                             Live performance

Just to Be with You

Got a Mind to Give Up Living

Look Over Yonders Wall

Feel So Good

Loan Me a Dime (BS, v)

Going Home Music

Other unknown titles

 

These performances were billed as a reunion of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. “Going Home Music” is a duet between Bloomfield and Naftalin. At least one of these two nights was recorded under the direction of Butterfield’s manager, Albert Grossman. Bloomfield played with & Friends to open the show, and the titles from their set come from the 24th. Butterfield also performed with his working band, Better Days, and Bishop played with his band, the Elvin Bishop Group.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g(?), v.
KSAN, San Francisco, CA; March 3, 1973

Radio broadcast

Bloomfield was featured on a one-hour radio show that debut on this date and aired at 9 a.m. He may have been a guest, or may have been the program's host.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & THE MOB
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v; others unknown.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; March 16, 17, 1973

Unknown titles                         Live performances


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Luther Tucker, g, v; Dann Glenn, b; Applejack Walroth, hca; John Chambers, d.
Lion’s Share, San Anselmo, CA; March 1973

Unknown titles                         Live performance

Thanks to guitarist and author Dann Glenn for this listing. Glenn was living with Tucker at the time.


 *MILL VALLEY BUNCH

Michael Bloomfield, g*, v+; Ron Cimille, Fred Olsen, Tom Richards, Craig Tarwater, Chicken Billy Thornton, g; Russell Dashiell, g, v; Lee Michael, Mark Naftalin, Ira Kamin, kybds; John Kahn, Mark Ryan, b; Rick Dey, b, v; Tony Dey, Spencer Dryden, Rick Jaeger, Jeffrey James, Michael Shrieve, Bill Vitt, d; Rienol Andino, perc; Nick Gravenites, v++, g; Ace of Cups, Denise Jewkes, Jeanette Jones and Co., Ron Stallings, the Pointer Sisters, bckup v.

Golden State Recorders, San Francisco, CA; April 18, other dates(?), 1973

 

Honky-Tonk Blues*                      “Casting Pearls,” Verve V6 8825

Betty & Dupree*+                                                       

La Ooh-Ooh-Ooh, La, La                                          

Run for Cover                                                           

What Would I Do Without My Baby*                                 

Mellow Mountain Wine                                           

Let Me Down Easy*+                                      

Jimmy’s Blues                                                                     

Young Girl’s Blues (Janis Blues)*+                          

Letting Go Ain’t Easy*+                                              

Bye, Bye, I’m Goin’                                    

Bells Are Gonna Ring                                              

I’ve Had It*                                        

Bedroom Blues                                                        

Your Hollywood Blues*++                                            

Go Home Blues*++ 

 

Bloomfield and Leo Kulka, owner of Golden State, organized the ad-hoc series of recording sessions for this album to fill time originally allotted to Columbia Records for a Bloomfield record date. Those Columbia recording sessions ended abruptly when Bloomfield and Kulka rearranged the microphones that the record company's engineers had set up for the date. After Columbia bailed on the project, the two called everyone they could think of in Mill Valley to come in and record. Kulka got a friend at MGM to release the results, just weeks before MGM (and Verve) went out of business. As a result, the album received no promotion and was almost immediately deleted from the catalog.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Fox Theater, San Jose, CA; April 20, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p, v.

KSAN FM broadcast, Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; April 22, 1973

 

Introduction                   “The Easter Sunday Guitar-Piano Duets” (Bootleg CD)

Better Stop Drinkin’ that Wine, Sonny Boy                                

(I Want You to) Love Me, Woman

Wintertime Blues

Spot Break

I’m Blue, Really Blue

TV Hymn

Minor Jam

I Will Always Love You

At the Cross

 

“Minor Jam” is announced as “I Wonder Why.” The program’s host was Tom Donahue; it comes from a series of live broadcasts that featured Ruben & the Jets, Jerry Garcia’s Old and In the Way, Van Morrison and Jesse Colin Young. According to Mark Naftalin, he and Bloomfield recorded extensively in duet and with various groups for Columbia in the early ‘70s. That material has unfortunately never been released. See 1974 for one listing.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin or Ira Kamin, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; others unknown.

Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA; 1973

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v, org; Mark Naftalin, p, org, vbs, marimba, acc, tbn; Barry Goldberg, org; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d; Nick Gravenites, v. Additional personnel included Jimmy Vincent, rhtm g; Howard Whales, kybds; John Wilmeth, tp, arr; Mel Graves, Ron Stallings(?), ts; Harry Mann, as; Hart McNee, bar; Chuck Bennett, tbn; Joe Bullock, Ollie Griffin, Tommy Tony, singers from the Church of God in Christ, bgnd v.
Columbia Studios, San Francisco, CA; 1973

 

Try It Before You Buy It                    “Try It Before You Buy It,” Columbia A 21265

Midnight on the Radio                                            

Your Friends                                                

Tomorrow Night                                                      

Let Them Talk                                                          

Been Treated Wrong                                              

When It All Comes Down                                       

Lights Out                                                     

Baby Come On                                                        

Shine On Love                                                         

When I Get Home 


The above titles were to be on the original release and were included on the Columbia Special Products limited release of the LP, possibly in 1980. Additional titles, below, were recorded during these sessions and several of those were released on "Bloomfield: A Retrospective" in 1983.

                                      

Why, Oh Why

TV Hymn

I’m Sinking

Take Me Fast

T&R Blues

Woodyard Street

Farewell Song

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, mand, v; unk. p, b, d*; others if any unknown.
Unknown studio, San Francisco, CA; 1973(?)

They Don't Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore             Demo recording
That's Why Love Is Blind
I'm Sinking No Matter How Hard I Try
Make a Way for Us
The Start of the End
Soaping Miss Dolly Down
Do It with Jerry Lee*
They Don't Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore, alt. take*

These original C&W-style tunes may have been recorded by Bloomfield in an effort to interest other artists in singing and recording them. The recording location and date are unknown, but they were probably done in San Francisco or Mill Valley in the early ’70s.


*KINGFISH

John Lee Hooker, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; plus members of Kingfish, probably including Dave Torbert, Matthew Kelly, Robbie Hoddinott, Chris Ward and others.

San Francisco, CA(?); 1973

 

Put Your Hand On Me, Baby              “Kingfish,” Relix RRLP 2005

 

*MATTHEW KELLY

Kelly, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.

Sausalito, CA; 1973(?)

 

Next Time You See Me                      “A Wing and a Prayer,” Relix RRLP 2010

It Ain’t Easy                                                        

 

*BOB GREENSPAN
Bob Greenspan, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.
Blossom Studios, Mill Valley, CA; 1973(?)

Ready for Your Love                          Demo recording
Crazy Mama
Wiggle
Sure Do Miss You
Baby What Can I Do (short)
Baby What Can I Do
College Boy (without tag)
College Boy (with tag)

Living in the Back of My Truck
Swat Those Mosquitoes

Bob Greenspan, a high school friend of Bloomfield’s, did a demo tape of his original songs with the guitarist that Michael then took to Columbia in an effort to interest the label in signing him.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/JON CRAMER
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Jon Cramer, p, v.
Probably Reed St., Mill Valley, CA; 1973(?)

Heart Like a Wheel (fragment)             Private recording
Some of These Days
Angie
Little Wing
Bye Bye Baby (fragment)

These tunes are home recordings by Bloomfield and Cramer, done in Michael's bedroom at Reed St. Jon picks the tunes until Michael becomes bored and insists on playing a blues at the end of the tape.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Dave Bartlett, d.
PNC (Pine) Gardens, Vancouver, BC; May 31, 1973

God's Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)         Live performance
Wolverton Mountain
Other unknown titles

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.

Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL; June 1, 1973

 

I Yi Yi                                                Live performance

God's Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)

Mary Ann

Other unknown titles


 This date, Bloomfield’s first real gig in Chicago in nearly four years, included three other bands in addition to & Friends. A review in the Chicago Tribune said that the band was “nearly blown off the stage” by Corky Siegel’s group, and that Bloomfield “did not seem to interested in dazzling the crowd ... with his famous guitar skills.”

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Bob Heberman, b; Dave Bartlett, d.

Rivoli Theater, Indianapolis, IN; June 2, 1973

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


 Personnel as above.
Memorial Auditorium, Louisville, KY; June 3, 1973

Unknown titles                                       Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Kip Maercklein, b; unknown, d.
Hump ’n’ Hannah’s, Milwaukee, WI; June 5-9, 1973

Unknown titles                                     Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; June 22, 1973

 

Linda Lu                                               Private recording
I Wonder Who
Children, My Children
Mary Ann
Just Because*
Shake, Rattle and Roll
God's Song (incomplete)
Born in the Country
The Image of Me*
The Band Played On/Announcements


Bloomfield’s group was a last-minute replacement for It’s a Beautiful Day.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Freddie Roulette, lap stl g; Dann Glenn, b; Applejack Walroth, hca; John Chambers, d.
River City, Fairfax, CA; June 1973

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

Thanks to guitarist and author Dann Glenn for this listing.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Kip Maercklein, b; unknown, d; plus guests Ben Sidran, kybds; Curley Cooke, g; Clyde Stubblefield, perc; Tim Davis, v.

Under the Sun Festival, Warner Park, Madison, WI; July 1, 1973

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance


 A newspaper review of this eight-hour outdoor festival said that Bloomfield had “specifically requested” that certain Madison-area musicians join & Friends for a jam. The ad-hoc group reportedly rehearsed for the show the night before.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b; unknown, d; Nick Gravenites, v.
The Palladium, Los Angeles, CA; July 8, 1973

Unknown titles                                      Live performance

The Doobie Brothers were the headliners for this show.

Personnel as above.

Lion's Share, San Anselmo, CA; July 28, 1973

Unknown titles                                         Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/JOHN HAMMOND/DR. JOHN

John Hammond, g, hca, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v*; Dr. John, kybds; unk. horn section, choir.

Royce Auditorium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Aired August 3, 1973

 

Interview                                            “In Concert,” TV show

Intro/Cha-Dooky-Doo
The Band Kept Playing*
I Yi Yi

 

This appearance was probably recorded earlier in the year. The show may have been “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” but it was billed in the New York Times TV listings as above.

 

Personnel same or similar to above.

Paramount Northwest Theater, Salem, OR; August 11, 1973

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance

 

BOB DYLAN drops in on Bloomfield at his home in late August 1973 and the two play tunes from Dylan’s upcoming recording session. Despite a lengthy and affable visit, he decides against using Bloomfield for the recording that results in “Blood on the Tracks.” Bloomfield later cites Dylan’s odd D-tuning and rapid run-through of the tunes for preventing him from picking up their unusual changes.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD GROUP

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

The Matrix, San Francisco, CA; August 23-25, 1973

 

Unknown titles                           Live performances

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; unknown, hca; others unknown.
Tulagi’s, Boulder, CO; August 28-30, 1973

Texas Live performances
Other unknown titles

Comedian Steve Martin was the opening act for this show. John Ivey reported that this engagement lasted three nights. He also recalled that Bloomfield sat in the audience during Martin’s show, roaring with laughter. Michael later gave the audience a choice between two Electric Flag songs, “Killing Floor” or “Texas.” The latter tune got the nod.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; John Kahn, b; Dave Bartlett, d.
My Father’s Place, Roslyn, NY; September 7(?), 1973

Mary Ann                                   Live performance
That’s Alright, Mama
Other unknown titles


Personnel same or similar to September 7.
Peace Palace (Palace Theater), Woodbourne, NY; September 11, 1973
 
Unknown titles                             Live performance


Personnel same or similar to September 7.
Halifax Forum, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS; September 12, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


Personnel same or similar to September 7.
Graham Mountain Music Festival, Woodland, AL; September 15 or 16, 1973


Unknown titles                             Live performances


Personnel same or similar to September 7.
K-K-K-Katy’s, Boston, MA; September(?) 1973
 
Unknown titles                             Live performance

 
Personnel same or similar to September 7.
Orpheum Theater, Boston; September 21, 1973
 
Unknown titles                                Live performance

 
Personnel same or similar to September 7.
Bangor Auditorium, Bangor, ME; September 22, 1973
 
Unknown titles                             Live performance


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.   

Orphanage, San Francisco, CA; September 25, 26, 1973

Unknown titles                               Live performances


 Personnel probably as September 25.
Arlington Park Race Track, Arlington Heights, IL; September 29, 1973

Unknown titles                                Live performance

This evening show was part of a weekend of free concerts sponsored as a promotional sound equipment expo “Sound Experience” by Pacific Stereo. Also performing that evening was Paul Butterfield’s Better Days.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; October 2, 1973

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, Ira Kamin(?), kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA; October 6, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


 Prof. A. Peter Castro, a fan who attended this gig, recalled that it was part of a another weekend of free concerts sponsored by Pacific Stereo as part of their “Sound Experience” expo. Though newspaper ads listed El Chicano and Quicksilver in addition to & Friends for the Saturday night show, Castro recalled that Jerry Garcia & Merle Saunders, Hot Tuna, Charles Lloyd and several lesser known acts performed. Bloomfield came on late in the show and played longer than most, apparently at the request of the producers. The band would huddle for a few seconds, and then Michael would say, “Well, here's one more.” Eventually Bloomfield announced that the entire show was over, shocking the audience as several more groups were supposed to perform. It turned out that Pacific Stereo had distributed more tickets than the capacity of the Cow Palace, and those who couldn't get in had rioted, overturning a police car and causing other damage.


Personnel probably as above.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; October 13, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


Personnel probably as above.
Town & Country Lodge, Ben Lomand, CA; October 19, 20, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performances

 

*COPPERHEAD

John Cipollina, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; probably Gary Philippet, g; Jim McPherson, p, b, v; Hutch Hutchinson, b, v; David Weber, d.

7 Divinities, San Francisco, CA; Late 1973

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance

 

Bloomfield sat in with Cipollina’s band for this performance. The venue was also known as The Matrix.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b; Jerry Love, d.
Convocation Hall, Toronto, ON; November 11, 1973

Unknown titles                            Live performance


Personnel probably as November 11.
Kenmore Club, Boston, MA; November 13, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


Personnel probably as November 11.
Century Theater, Buffalo, NY; November 15, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance

The Marshall Tucker Band also performed at this show.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b; Jerry Love(?), d;

Bobby ?*, v.
My Father’s Place, Roslyn, NY; November(?)1973

Mary Ann                                             Live performance
Who’s Loving You Tonight?
Further On Up the Road
Drowning in My Own Tears
 I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight*
Baby Let Me Kiss You/Sissy Strut
Sweet Little Angel/Jelly Jelly
Working Man Blues

The singer on “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” is listed as Kathy MacDonald by most sources, but is introduced as something like “Bobby Gold” and sounds like the same singer from the December 13, 1973, & Friends performance, introduced there as “Dee Dee Sharp.”


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.
Tulagis, Boulder, CO; November 16, 17, 1973

Unknown titles                                    Live performances

Thanks to John Ivey for information on this performance. John recalls that on one of these two nights an unknown singer/guitarist, whom Michael introduced as a "guy he went to prep school with," played an opening set and sat in with Bloomfield for one tune. That singer was probably Bloomfield's high school friend Bob Greenspan.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Nick Gravenites, v; others unknown.
Sophie’s, Palo Alto, CA; November 19, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD GROUP
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Nimbus, San Francisco(?), CA; November 24, 25, 1973

Unknown titles                             Live performances


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b; George Rains, d.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; December 6, 7, 1973

 

Unknown titles                           Live performances

 

The Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop bands were also on the roster for this performance. Prof. A. Peter Castro recalls that on one of these nights Bloomfield, Bishop and Butterfield jammed together, and included Nick Gravenites on a song or two. Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mike Henderson, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Mark Adams, hca; Peter Moran(?), b; George Rains, d; Dee Dee Sharp*, v; Jon Cramer, Bobby Summer, v.

Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA; December 13, 1973

 

Introduction/Linda Lou                                   Live performance

Who's Lovin' You Tonight?

Don't You Lie to Me

Chil’en, Chil’en, Chil’en

Oh, Darling

Glamour Girl

Just Want to Walk with You*

I'll Be Your Baby Tonight*

Just Like a Woman*

Evil Gal Blues*

Drivin' Wheel

If You Love the Blues


 Bloomfield plays a set and then invites others up to jam. Sharp sings these titles (*) while Cramer performs “Drivin’ Wheel” and Henderson and Summer take over on the final title.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Merced County Fair Exhibit Hall, Merced, CA; December 22, 1973

Unknown titles                     Live performances


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Gravenites, v, g(?).
Savoy, San Francisco, CA; December 26, 27, 1973

Unknown titles                     Live performances

Bloomfield and Gravenites played an acoustic blues set for the grand opening of Savoy, a new rock nightclub featuring “camp ’30s decor.” Country Joe headlined the shows.

  

1974

*MICHAEL D’ABO

D’Abo, v, p; Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Elliot Mazer, b; Denny Seiwell, d.
San Francisco, CA; January(?) 1974

 

Broken Rainbows                                 “Broken Rainbows,” A&M 3634


D’Abo was formerly the lead singer with Manfred Mann’s group. He was the vocalist on that band’s hit, “The Mighty Quinn.”  The album was released in May 1974.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; January 7, 1974

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance


 Personnel probably as January 7.
The Egress, Vancouver, BC; January 8-11, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performances

Bloomfield demonstrated his old trick of eating fire during these shows. Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.

 

Personnel probably as January 7.
Queen Elizabeth Theater, Vancouver, BC; January 12, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performance


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v**; Mark Naftalin, kybds, v+; Roger Troy, b, v*; George Rains, d
Western Washington State College, Bellingham, WA; January 18, 1974

Linda Lu**                                    Private recording
Sweet Little Angel*
Hard Bargain**
Shadows Told Me All*
Never Be Lonely*
I'll Always Feel the Same+
All the Love I Want**
You Can't Judge a Book*
So Fine+
Drown in My Own Tears*
Mary Ann**
Beautiful Mountain+
Stormy Monday* (partial)

The title for “Hard Bargain”was suggested by the lyrics. “So Fine” was first done by Bloomfield in 1966 with the Butterfield band with vocal by Jerome Arnold. The source for this recording was marked “January 12,” so it may actucally have come from the Queen Elizabeth Theater show a week earlier.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.
Albert S. Goode Auditorium, Bakersfield, CA; January 26, 1974(?)

Unknown titles                            Live performance


Personnel as January 26.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 1, 2, 1974

 

Unknown titles                           Live performances


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; March 8, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.

Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA; March 9, 1974

 

Unknown titles                           Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Al Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Barry Goldberg, org; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d; with guest John Hammond(?), v, g.

Bottom Line, New York, NY; March 31, April 1, 1974

 

Don’t You Lie To Me                  “More Live Adventures,” Better Days 002 (bootleg)

Linda Lou                                                      

Sweet Little Angel                                      

Unchain My Heart                                       

Inside Information                                                   

Shadows Told Me All                              

Glamour Girl  

Heartbreak/Goin' to Kansas City                                              

Got to Use My Imagination                                                   

Bad Situation                                                           

Let Them Talk                                                          

I Smell Trouble                                                        

Lonely Song

If I Get Started All Over Again                                                 

Other unknown titles

 

This bootleg comes from a WNYU broadcast. Kooper and Goldberg were featured on March 31. Kooper is the vocalist on “Imagination.” John Hammond is listed as also having jammed with & Friends on March 31, but he must have appeared during an unrecorded set. The Bottom Line opened in March 1974.

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p, org, v; Roger Troy, b; George Rains, d.
Wooden Goblet, Waterbury, CT; April 3, 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance

Personnel as April 3.
Crystal Lake Ballroom, Crystal Lake, CT; April 4, 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance

Personnel as April 3; add Dion DiMucci, v, g.
Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, FL; April 5, 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p, org, v; Roger Troy, b; George Rains, d; Dion DiMucci, v.

Gusman Hall, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL; April 6, 1974


 Introduction                                        “Trust Busters,” Bootleg CD

Mary Ann                                                                  

Sweet Little Angel/Cocaine Blues                                                           

Linda Lou                                                                  

Shadows Told Me All                                               

Inside Information                                                 

Chil’en, Chil’en, Chil’en                                                      

Lonely Song                                                              

I Smell Trouble                                                                    

Dion Introduction                                  Bootleg CD

The Wanderer    

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On                                                                 

Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love                                              

Big Mama’s Gone                                                    

Work Song                                                                

Blues Medley: Jelly Jelly/Stormy Monday                                 

Lonely Song                                                         

Instrumental Finale (encore)


 Mark Naftalin recalled that this performance was separate from Bloomfield’s Electric Flag recording sessions in Miami around this time. Dion, backed by Bloomfield’s band, was the opening act for the April 5 and 6 shows.


 Personnel as April 6; omit DiMucci; add Mike Silverman, g.
Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; April 8, 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance


 Jesse Colin Young was the headliner for this concert of two shows. Audience member Corry Arnold recalled that Silverman was called up to jam with & Friends while Bloomfield switched to organ.

  

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.
Town & Country Lodge(?), Ben Lomond, CA; April 19, 20, 1974(?)

Unknown titles                                                 Live performances


 Personnel as above.
Unknown recording studios, Sausalito(?), CA; 1974

Jewish Song                                                     Columbia recording session
Other unknown titles

This was one of a number of sessions that Bloomfield and Naftalin recorded for Columbia in the early- to mid-’70s. Naftalin described “Jewish Song” as “really experimental,” akin to those portions of “East-West” that Bill Graham described as like “Bar Mitzvah music.”


*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, org, p; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Marin Recorders, Marin County, CA; May 17, 1974

Unknown titles                                          Rehearsal

Toby Byron recalled that the Electric Flag was rehearsing for its upcoming Miami recording sessions for Atlantic Records on the date when there was a deadly shoot-out with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army in Los Angeles. Producer Tom Dowd directed the rehearsals.

 

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; George Terry, g; Barry Goldberg, org, p; Richard Newell, hca; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Richard Tee, Alby Galuten, kybds; Barry Beckett, mellotron; Nick Marrero, perc; the Bonnaroo Horns; the Muscle Shoals Horns.

Criteria Studios, Miami, FL; June or July(?) 1974

 

Sweet Soul Music                                 “The Band Kept Playing,” Atlantic SD-18112

Every Now and Then                                              

Sudden Changes                                         

Earthquake Country                                               

Doctor, Oh Doctor (Massive Infusion)                            

Lonely Song                                                 

Make Your Move                                                     

Inside Information                                     

Talkin’ Won’t Get It                                     

The Band Kept Playing                                           

I Was Robbed                                        “The Electric Flag Live,” Bootleg CD


 The reconstituted Flag's Atlantic album was released in late November 1974. A greatest hits recording, entitled "Old Glory," was also released that month by Columbia. In January 1973, it was reported in a Hayward, CA newspaper column that Buddy Miles, Bloomfield and “other members of the Electric Flag” were getting together at the just-opened Record Plant studios in Sausalito “to see what happens.” Though these were actually sessions with Al Kooper, the seeds for a Flag reunion may have been planted then. There was some doubt as to whether the band would be called the Electric Flag, as Albert Grossman was given ownership of the name as part of the settlement of funds owed when the original Flag broke up in 1968. Recording sessions were in Miami at producer Jerry Wexler’s request and took place over three weeks. Nearly 20 tunes were ultimately recorded.


 *THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
Toronto Island Blues Festival, Toronto, ON; July 13 or 14, 1974

                                                          Performance cancelled?


Billboard magazine reported that the Flag was scheduled to appear at this festival, but a poster from the event does not list the band.


 *MUDDY WATERS & FRIENDS

Waters, v, g; Johnny Winter, Michael Bloomfield, Phil Guy, Bob Margolin, Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, g; Junior Wells, J.P. Gordon, hca; Pinetop Perkins, Dr. John, p; Calvin Jones, Rollow Ranford, b; Buddy Miles, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, d; Koko Taylor, Nick Gravenites, Willie Dixon, v.

WTTW Studios, Chicago, IL; July 18, 1974

 

Blow Wind Blow                       “Blues Summit in Chicago,” PBS Soundstage show

Five Long Years (excerpt), conversation                                

Long Distance Call                                      

Messin’ With the Kid                                               

Stop Breakin’ Down                                                                           

I‘m a Man                                                     

Wang Dang Doodle                                     

Walkin’ Through the Park                                      

Hoochie Coochie Man                                            

Sugar Never Was So Sweet                                              

I’ve Got My Mojo Workin’

Down By the River                              

 

This first national "Soundstage" show was organized by producer Ken Ehrlich as a tribute to Muddy Waters and aired over PBS affiliates on October 12(?), November 10 and December 3, 1974. The various combinations of musicians who performed during the course of the show – including Muddy's working band – were largely directed by Bloomfield, who played with each group throughout the program. Bloomfield, Winter, Miles, Dr. John, Wells and Gravenites were each paid $500 to appear. "Down By the River," a feature for Buddy Miles, was cut from the final edit of the show.


*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
Ozark Music Festival, Sedalia, MO; July 19, 1974

Unknown titles                                     Live performance


 A newspaper account and photos indicate that the Flag did perform at this festival – it was their first public gig after reforming. The Flag was one of the first acts to perform, opening the festival on Friday. NBC may have filmed all the performances for airing on the Midnight Special, though this is unconfirmed. The program’s frequent host, Wolfman Jack, acted as the festival’s MC. Because a much larger crowd attended the event than was anticipated by the promoters and much damage was done to the fairgrounds and surrounding properties, Sedalia authorities and the state eventually indicted the producers. NBC’s films, if there were any, were reportedly confiscated by the court as a result of the legal action. A 12-hour radio series created from the festival was advertised in the November 9, 1974, issue of Billboard, but it is not known if it was ever aired or if it contained selections by the Flag.

 

Personnel as July 19.
Civic Auditorium, Chicago, IL; July 25, 1974

Unknown titles                                       Live performance


 Personnel as July 19.
San Jose Festival, Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA; July 27, 1974

Unknown titles                                   Live performance

 

THE IRS goes after Bloomfield, probably in the summer of 1974, for non-payment of taxes from for 1968-72. He is forced to seek financial assistance from his father, Harold Bloomfield, while Susan Smith works to straighten out the mess. His need for quick cash probably explains why Michael agreed to tour with the reconstituted Electric Flag.
 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER

Kooper, kybds, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Alvin Lee, g.

New York, NY; Aired on August 3, 1974

 

Interview                                  “Speakeasy,” TV show hosted by Chip Monck

Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Untitled Slow Blues
Uber den Wellen

Alvin Lee of Ten Years After also appeared on this show and sat in with Bloomfield and Kooper. The three all played each other’s instruments and then Michael demonstrated his fire-eating routine. The show aired nationwide on different dates through November 1974 and was probably recorded in April when Michael appeared at the Bottom Line. 


*THE ELECTRIC FLAG(?)
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; August 9, 10 or 11, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performance

This was a free concert and may have been an & Friends gig.


*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; Late summer 1974                        


Unknown titles                                Live performance

 

A photo of Bloomfield from the Stanford set was used as a promotional picture for Atlantic Records to hype the reconstituted Flag’s release on that label.


Personnel as August 9. 
Fans Stadium, Decatur, IL; August 24, 1974

Unknown titles                                Live performance

Personnel as August 24.
Nassau Coliseum, Nassau, Long Island, NY; August 30, 1974                        


Unknown titles                                Live performance

 

Allen Bloomfield recalled seeing the Flag at this Nassau Coliseum show. They opened for the Band.

 
Personnel as August 24.
Cape Cod Coliseum, Cape Cod, MA; August(?) 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance
 
A fan reported attending this show which also included James Cotton and John Lee Hooker.


Personnel as August 24.
Pine Knob Theatre, Clarkston, MI; September 1, 1974

Unknown titles                                 Live performance
 

Personnel as August 24.

Bottom Line, New York, NY; September 4-7, 1974

 

Unknown titles                                 Live performances

 

Guitarist Leslie West attended one of these performances and afterwards he and Bloomfield jammed at West’s sister’s club on Long Island. Buddy Miles was given a party on his 27th birthday (September 5) by the management of the Bottom Line. Richard Newell (King Biscuit Boy) opened the Bottom Line shows.


Personnel as August 24.
Convocation Hall, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; September 14(?), 1974

Unknown titles                                       Live performances

Billboard reported that the Flag played this show (again with King Biscuit Boy) “on Saturday” following their Bottom Line gig.

Personnel as August 24.

Roxy Theater, Allentown, PA; September 1974(?)


 Unknown titles                                     Live performance

 

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG(?)

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.

Speedway Meadows, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; September(?) 1974

 

Unknown titles                                    Live performance

 

MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.
Savoy, San Francisco, CA; October 1975

Kansas City Blues                               Live performance
Other unknown titles

 Bloomfield performed “Kansas City” solo. Thanks to Corry Arnold for this information.


 *THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA; October 5, 1974

 

Groovin' Is Easy                                    Live performance

Other unknown titles

 

Personnel to have been same or similar to October 5.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; October 13, 1974

 

Performance cancelled


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

New Edgewater West, Oakland, CA; October 26, 27, 1974


 Unknown titles                                     Live performances


 *ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
Los Angeles, CA; Aired November 1, 1974

Interview(?)                                 “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” TV show
Unknown titles

This appearance was probably recorded in October 1974. It was also listed simply as “Rock Concert” and aired on this date in Chicago and on various dates nationally through May 1975.


 *THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Buddy Miles, d, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; November 1(?), 2, 1974

 

Killing Floor                                         Live performances

The Band Kept Playing

Unknown titles


Personnel same or similar to November 2.
UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA; 1974

Unknown titles                                     Live performance

 

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g; Nick Gravenites, Mike Henderson, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b; George Rains, d; Jon Cramer, v.

KSAN broadcast, Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; November 10, 1974

 

Orphan’s Blues                                             Bootleg CD

Six Weeks in Reno                                       “Live at the Record Plant,” Bootleg CD

Love Me or I’ll Kill You Baby                                             

What Time Is It?                                                                 

Tell Me You Care                                                                 

Buy Me Some Time (JC, v)                                                

Shadows Told Me All                                                           

Blues Medley: Sweet Little Angel/Jelly Jelly                            

Don’t You Lie to Me (MH, v, g)                                         

Shine On Love                                                                     

Let Them Talk                                          Bootleg CD

 

“Orphan’s Blues” was released on “Between the Hard Place and the Ground,” Takoma 7070. “Blues Medley” was released in edited form on “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866.


 *MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; others unknown.
The Cave, Vancouver, BC, Canada; November 12-16, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performance

According to Mark Naftalin, Bloomfield left this gig after one night, leaving his guitar and possibly his equipment behind. Audience member Murray Sanders confirms that Michael was in fact a no-show on the second night of this gig. Michael’s guitar was later reportedly sold by the owner – who may have been Ken Stoffard – in an effort to recoup his losses. Some sources suggest that Michael wanted to see the November broadcast of the Muddy Waters PBS special he had taped that summer, and, as it was not airing in Vancouver, he went back to San Francisco. Though other sources cite the club as the the Egress and imply other dates and years, this is almost certainly the date and location for the loss of Bloomfield’s famed 1959 Les Paul. His blue Telecaster was also lost along with the Sunburst.


*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.
Maples Pavilion, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; December 1, 1974(?)

Unknown titles                                     Live performance

Albert King and Hot Tuna also performed at this show. Thanks to Toby Byron for this listing.


*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; George Rains, d; Tommy Bray, tp; Steve Lawrence, ts; Kenny Walther, tbn.
King’s Castle, Lake Tahoe, CA; December 31, 1974

Unknown titles                             Live performance


A syndicated columnist reported in December 1974 that Bloomfield, “ace guitarist with the reactivated Electric Flag, is playing with the idea of opening a chain of massage parlors.” These would cater exclusively to women, he goes on to say.

 

© 2011 David Dann