1968
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg or Michael Fonfara, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, bar; Nick Gravenites, v; plus Richie Havens, sitar; Paul Beaver, moog syn; Bobby Notkoff, Julius Held, Leo Daruczek, George Brown, Charles McCracken, vi; Sivuca, g.
San Francisco, CA(?); January 1968
Killing Floor “A Long Time Comin’,” Columbia CS-9597
Texas
Another Country
Wine
Easy Rider
“Wine” may have been recorded in September 1967. “A Long Time Comin’” was not released until early April 1968. Norman Dayron created the voice and tape effects on "Another Country."
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Cheetah, Venice, CA; Early 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; January 25-27, 1968
Sweet Talkin' Woman Live performance
She Should Have Just
Messin' with the Kid
Goin' Down Slow
The Night Time Is the Right Time
I've Been Loving You Too Long
Hold On, I'm Comin'
You Don't Realize
Medley: Sweet Soul Music/Keep A-Knockin'/The Things That I Used to Do/ Fannie Mae
Herbie Rich may be the vocalist on "Sweet Talkin' Woman."
Personnel as January 25.
Unknown venue and location, CA(?); Early 1968(?)
My Baby Wants to Test Me Live performance
You Don’t Realize
Killing Floor
Groovin’ Is Easy
These four tunes have been issued by various labels as “The Best of the Electric Flag,” “Small Town Blues” or “The Electric Flag Live.” They appear to be sound board recordings which some sources attribute to the Flag’s May 18 Santa Clara Pop Festival appearance. Aural evidence indicates, however, that they originate from some other gig, probably a club appearance. “My Baby” may be a topical blues by Bloomfield, describing the state of his marriage in early 1968. “Killing Floor” is mislabeled as “I Should Have Left Her” on some issues.
Personnel as January 25.
Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 2-4, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as February 2.
Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, CA; February 8, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as February 2.
Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA; February 10, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Jimi Hendrix was the headliner at this concert. Harvey Brooks and Buddy Miles jammed with Hendrix after Jimi's sound check. One source reports that Bloomfield, Brooks and David Crosby also joined Hendrix to jam, possibly during Jimi’s performance.
Personnel as February 2; add Stemzie Hunter, bar, as.
Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 17-19(?), 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
*MOBY GRAPE
Jerry Miller, g; Michael Bloomfield, p; Bob Mosley, b; Don Stevenson, d.
New York, NY; Early February(?) 1968
Marmalade “Grape Jam,” Columbia MGS-1
“Grape Jam” was included as a premium with Moby Grape’s “Wow.” Al Kooper, who plays piano on another title on the recording, was inspired by “Grape Jam” to record “Super Session.”
*JIMI HENDRIX
Hendrix, g, v; Noel Redding, b, v; Mitch Mitchell, d; plus members of the Electric Flag.
Scene Club, New York, NY; February 20, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Flag members who sat in with Hendrix during this performance probably included Buddy Miles, but Bloomfield may have performed as well. He was producing the following James Cotton recording in New York on February 20.
*JAMES COTTON
Cotton, hca, v; Luther Tucker, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, org; Alberto Gianquinto, p, v; Robert Anderson, b, v; Francis Clay, d; John Court, tmbrn.
New York, NY; February 20, 1968
Worried Life Blues “Pure Cotton,” Verve FTS-3038
Fallin’ Rain
The Creeper
Bloomfield is credited with providing “advice and enthusiasm” on this John Court-produced session. He also plays organ on “Fallin’ Rain” and rhythm guitar on the other two titles.
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, bar, as; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, org, bar; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Anderson Theater, New York, NY; February 23, 24, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as February 23(?).
Cafe Wha, New York, NY; February(?) 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
A fan recalled this gig but gave no specific date. It’s included in the chronology here but may have occurred on the Flag’s first visit to New York in November 1967 or during its last appearance in June 1968, or could have taken place in 1974 with the reunited Flag.
AL KOOPER’S rock band with horns, Blood, Sweat & Tears, releases “Child Is Father to the Man” in February 1968. Another rock/horn band, the Chicago Transit Authority, will not issue its debut recording until April 1969.
Personnel as February 23.
Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA; March 2, 1968
Hey Joe Live performance
Higher & Higher
Drivin’ Wheel
Other unknown titles
Personnel as February 23.
Second Fret, Philadelphia, PA; 1968(?)
Unknown titles Live performance
This appearance was reported by fan, but the date is uncertain.
Personnel as February 23.
Cafe Au Go Go, New York, NY; March 7-17, 1968
Hey Joe(?) Live performances
Uptight(?)
Other unknown titles
Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop jammed with members of the Flag at the Cafe Au Go Go on March 17; Bloomfield apparently did not participate. An ad in the Village Voice for this appearance touts the Flag’s “soon to be released” Columbia recording with a version of the album’s cover that omits the female model.
*MURRAY “THE K”
Murray Kaufman, int; Michael Bloomfield, v.
WOR Studios, New York, NY; March(?) 1968
Interview Radio broadcast
Bloomfield was reportedly interviewed by Murray “the K” on his program at about this time (probably on his radio show). Bloomfield raved about Blood, Sweat and Tears.
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Herbie Rich, bar, org; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Unknown venue, Detroit, MI; March 19, 1968(?)
During their stay in Detroit, probably on the weekend of March 19, the Flag was robbed by two gunman (drug dealers according to Albert Grossman) who took Peter Strazza hostage after stealing his watch. They then tied up Stemzie Hunter and Herbie Rich and took their clothes and money, but were unable to rouse Buddy Miles and Bloomfield who slept through the whole affair in an adjacent room in the motel. Grossman had to wire them funds so the band could fly home.
Personnel as above.
Unknown TV studios, Los Angeles(?), CA; Aired March 30, 1968
Unknown titles TV broadcast
According to the Chicago Tribune TV listings, the Flag made an appearance on the John Gary Show on this date; it was probably recorded at an earlier time. The show was also rebroadcast on June 2, 1968.
Personnel as above.
Cheetah, Venice, CA; March 31, April 1, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as March 31.
Winterland Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 3, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as March 31.
Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, CA; April 6, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
BLOOMFIELD is interviewed in late February 1968 for a two-part article that appears in the April 6 and 27, 1968 issues of Rolling Stone. He is outspoken on race and music, blues and rock and roll, critical of the San Francisco music scene, and is hailed as “one of the handful of the world’s finest guitarists.”
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA; April 11, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
This show was part of a nine-day fair hosted by Teen Time U.S.A. Along with music performances, there was a teen battle-of-the-bands hosted by Fender and a teen beauty pageant.
Personnel as April 11.
Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA; April 12, 13, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as April 12; add Virgil Gonsalves, bar; unknown, tp.
Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 21, 1968
Uptight/Daytripper Bootleg CD
Drivin' Wheel
The Theme
Goin' Down Slow
Other unknown titles
René Aagaard reports that these titles come from a Carousel tape that has singer Erma Franklin recorded over a large portion of the Flag’s material. He speculates for that reason this Flag performance must have come from April 21 or earlier, a date that Franklin performed at the venue. Other sources say that the Flag guested on this Sunday show and that Flag members performed as part of Franklin’s band; aural evidence suggests that this is true. Marc Skobac has the dates as April 19-21 and the location as the Avalon Ballroom. “The Theme” is a variation on the Miles Davis composition and features baritone player Gonsalves and a second trumpet player (Doubleday takes the first solo).
Personnel as April 12.
Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 25, 1968
Stevie Wonder tune(?) Live performance
Other unknown titles
Frank Macias reported seeing the Electric Flag at the Fillmore around this time perform a Stevie Wonder tune he believed to be “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.” That song, however, was released by Wonder in 1970, so the band must have played a different Wonder composition, perhaps “Uptight.”
Personnel as April 12.
Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 26, 27, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Albert King was also on the roster for this performance.
Personnel as April 12.
Folk Music Festival, San Francisco State College, San Francisco, CA; April 28, 1968
It Takes Time(?) Live performance
Rock Me Baby(?)
Higher and Higher
Wine
Other unknown titles
Bloomfield later told interviewer Tom Yates that this festival concert was one of the Flag's best live performances. "I wish our record had been as good as that show," he said.
Personnel as April 28.
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; May 3, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
A poster for this performance only lists Michael Bloomfield and does not mention the Electric Flag, but an fan who attended the show said it was indeed a Flag performance.
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Cheetah, Venice, CA; May 10, 11, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as May 10.
Whisky A-Go Go, Los Angeles, CA; May 10-16, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Advertisements indicate that the Flag played both the Cheetah and the Whisky on May 10 and 11. Christopher Hjort reports that Eric Clapton caught the Flag’s set at the Cheetah on May 10.
Personnel as May 10.
Pops Festival '68, College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA; May 12, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
IN AN INTERVIEW published in the May 11, 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, Eric Clapton cites two major influences on himself as a person – Bob Dylan and Michael Bloomfield. He says Bloomfield’s “way of thinking really shocked me the first time I met him and spoke to him. I never met anyone with so many strong convictions.” In the same issue, columnist Ralph Gleason takes Bloomfield to task for statements made during Michael’s recent interview in the magazine. The column is entitled “Stop This Shuck, Michael Bloomfield.”
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Herbie Rich, org; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Santa Clara Pop Festival, San Jose, CA; May 18, 1968
Soul Searchin' Bootleg CD
Groovin' Is Easy
Hey Joe
Sweet Home Chicago
Killing Floor
Texas/Another Country
These titles were recorded by an audience member and probably comprise the Flag’s complete set though “Texas” and “Another Country” are incomplete. “Soul Searchin’” is mislabeled as “Soul Survivor” on some issues.
Personnel as May 18.
Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; May 17-19, 1968
Soul Searchin’ “San Francisco, 1968,” Bootleg CD
Milk Cow Blues
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.
Personnel as May 29 with Bloomfield definitely present; add unknown guitarist (Hoshal Wright?).
Fillmore East, New York, NY; June 7, 8, 1968
Soul Searchin' Live performances
Killing Floor
Other titles unknown
A New York Times review of this performance describes it as Bloomfield’s “farewell appearance” with the band. Rolling Stone reported that Bloomfield played this last gig as a favor to Bill Graham and that "it cost him dearly" to get out of the Flag, presumably in advance money owed Albert Grossman and other band-related expenses. According to John Kay of Steppenwolf, Bloomfield and the guitarist replacing him in the Flag performed together for this appearance (Steppenwolf shared the bill). Hoshal Wright was the Flag’s guitarist after Bloomfield left. Jimi Hendrix sat in with the Flag after the late show on June 8 but Bloomfield reportedly left the stage earlier and did not perform with him.
Personnel as June 8; omit Bloomfield(?).
Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; June 14-16, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel after June 8 probably didn’t include Bloomfield despite his name appearing with the Flag in advertisements.
Personnel as June 14.
Hippodrome, San Diego, CA; June 21, 22, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as June 14.
Kaleidoscope, Hollywood, CA; June 28, 1968
MILES DAVIS praises Bloomfield’s “Over-Lovin’ You” from “A Long Time Comin’” in the June 27, 1968 Downbeat magazine Blindfold Test by Leonard Feather. In a Rolling Stone interview from December 13, 1969, Davis comments that when Bloomfield “plays for blacks, his shit comes out black,” and that if one “put [Bloomfield] with James Brown, he’d be a motherfucker.”
*PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND/TEN YEARS AFTER
Members of the Butterfield and Ten Years After groups plus guests Elvin Bishop, Michael Bloomfield(?), g, v; Buddy Miles, v, d; Janis Joplin, v.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 5, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
According to Christopher Hjort, Bill Graham asked Bloomfield and others to join the Butterfield and Alvin Lee bands as guests for this, the opening night of the new Fillmore West, formerly the Carousel Ballroom.
Unknown titles Live performance
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Probably Hoshal Wright, g; Harvey Brooks, b; Herbie Rich, org; Buddy Miles, d, v; Marcus Doubleday, tp; Stemzie Hunter, as, bar; Peter Strazza, ts; Nick Gravenites, v, g.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 9-11, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as July 9.
Sound Factory, Sacramento, CA; July 26, 27, 1968
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as July 9.
Newport Pop Festival, Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA; August 3, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Although a fan reported seeing Bloomfield play with the Flag at the Newport Pop Festival, Michael had definitely left the band by this time. Frank Macias, who was at the show, confirms (to his great disappointment) that Bloomfield did not perform that afternoon and that another guitarist played with the Flag.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD JAM BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Nick Gravenites, v; members of the Ace of Cups, bckd vocals.
Palace of Fine Arts Festival, San Francisco, CA; August 31, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Bloomfield’s group was an unbilled addition to this festival. He invited the Ace of Cups up to perform a few tunes and they laughingly referred to themselves as “the Bloomettes.”
*BARRY GOLDBERG & FRIENDS
Goldberg, p, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Eddie Hinton, g; Charlie Musselwhite, hca; David Hood, b; Eddie Hoh, d; unknown horn section, vocal group.
Los Angeles, CA or Quin Ivy Studio, Muscle Shoals, AL; 1968
That’s Alright, Mama “Two Jews Blues,” Buddah BDS 5029
Maxwell Street Shuffle
Blues for Barry and ... (Dedicated to Big John’s)
Jimi the Fox (Dedicated to Jimi Hendrix)
On the Road Again
Bloomfield does not play on the other titles on this session. He is listed only as “The Great” on the original release. The album came out the winter/spring of 1969.
*MOTHER EARTH
Tracy Nelson, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; John Andrews, g; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Bob Arthur, b; George Rains, d. The Earthettes, bgnd v.
San Francisco(?), CA; 1968
Mother Earth “Living With The Animals,” Mercury SR-61194
Bloomfield is listed on this release as “Makel Blumfeld.” According to bassist Bob Arthur, Bloomfield recorded “Mother Earth” with the band in the studio while lying on his back the entire time. Thanks to Frank Macias for this information.
*WAYNE TALBERT & THE MELTING POT
Talbert, p, v; Curly Cook, Michael Bloomfield, g; Martin Fierro, d; Tacey Nelson(?), bkgnd v; others unknown.
San Francisco(?), CA; 1968(?)
Funky Ellis Farm “Dues to Pay,” Pulsar AR-10603
Talbert was part of the Mother Earth/Sir Douglas Quintet scene and issued three records as a leader. Bloomfield plays on this one title. Dr. John produced the recording. Thanks to Andrew Hawkey for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Roosevelt Gook, p; John Kahn, b; Skip Prokop, d.
Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; September 26-28, 1968
Opening Speech “The Live Adventures of ...,” Columbia CS 9742
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)
I Wonder Who
Her Holy Modal Highness
The Weight
Mary Ann
Together ’Til the End of Time
That’s All Right, Mama
Green Onions
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong
Finale – Refugee
Fat Grey Cloud “Super Session,” Columbia CK-64611
Bloomfield was unable to complete this gig due to another severe case of insomnia, causing Kooper to get Elvin Bishop and Carlos Santana as replacements. Paul Simon overdubbed the harmony part later in the studio on “59th Street Bridge Song.” Roosevelt Gook is a pseudonym for Al Kooper; Kooper overdubbed the piano parts later. “Grey Cloud” was Bloomfield’s nickname for Albert Grossman. Cover art for the album, according to Rolling Stone, was originally to be a picture of the group “jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.” The two-record set was released in late February 1969.
*JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND
Cotton, v, hca; Luther Tucker, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, prod, g, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Bob Anderson, b; Barry Smith, d; Joe Newman, tp; Garnett Brown, tbn; Bill Nugent, ts.
New York, NY; October 1968
The Coach’s Better Days “Cotton In Your Ears,” Verve FTS-3060
Back to St. Louis
With You on My Mind (LT, v)
Take Me by the Hand
Bloomfield produced this session and appears to play on the above titles. The blues “Tell Me Partner,” a Bloomfield composition recorded by Cotton here, was performed by Bloomfield and Al Kooper in New York on December 13 or 14.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Kleinhans Music Hall(?), Buffalo, NY; 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
This performance was reported to have taken place in 1968 by a fan. It could have been with Kooper or with & Friends, or, if it occurred earlier in the year, with the Electric Flag.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b, d.
Boston Garden, Boston, MA; Winter(?) 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Nick Gravenites, v.
Winterland, San Francisco, CA; Winter 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
*OTIS RUSH
Rush, g, v; Duane Allman, Jimmy Johnson, g; Nick Gravenites, Michael Bloomfield, prod; Mark Naftalin, org; Barry Beckett, kybds; Jerry Jemmott, b; Roger Hawkins, d; Memphis Horns.
Muscle Shoals, AL; Late November/early December 1968
Various titles “Mourning In The Morning,” Cotillion SD-9006
*ALBERT KING
King, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; 1968(?)
Unknown titles Live performance
Bloomfield sat in one night with Albert King at this popular Chicago club, according to its doorman, Phillip Webster. Michael kept playing alone when the band took its breaks and then he stayed onstage after King and his men had packed up. Michael then got Webster to drive him to a Southside club where he continued jamming for another two hours.
*CANNED HEAT
Probably Bob Hite, v; Henry Vestine, g; Al Wilson, g, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g; Larry Taylor, b; Fito de la Parra, d.
The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; November 30, 1968
Unknown titles Live performance
Bloomfield, visiting Chicago in November 1968, sat in with Canned Heat one evening. Robb Baker reported in the Chicago Tribune that Michael’s interplay with bassist Taylor was amazing. In an interview in The Seed earlier in the year, Bloomfield said the thing he missed most about the Windy City was O’Connell’s, a restaurant on Belleview.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Johnny Winter, g, v; Paul Harris, p; Jerry Jemmott, b; John Cresci, d.
Fillmore East, New York, NY; December 13, 14, 1968
Bloomfield’s Introduction “Fillmore East: The Lost Concert Tapes,” Columbia CK-85278
One Way Out
Introduction of Johnny Winter
It’s My Own Fault (JW, v)
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)
Tell Me Partner
That’s All Right, Mama
Together ’Til the End of Time
Don’t Throw Your Love on Me So Strong
Season of the Witch
Bloomfield’s Introduction Bootleg CD
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
I'm Ready
Tell Me Partner
Together ’Til The End of Time
Green Onions
For Anyone You Meet
The Weight
That's All Right, Mama
Bloomfield introduced guitarist Johnny Winter to the Fillmore audience – and ultimately to a lucrative Columbia recording contract – at one of these Fillmore performances. Michael had first met the albino blues artist in 1963 when Winter lived in Chicago for six months and performed for him at the Fickle Pickle.
*JANIS JOPLIN
Joplin, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Bill King, org; Brad Campbell, b; Roy Markowitz, Levon Helm, d; Marcus Belgrave, tp; Terry Clements, ts; others unknown.
Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; December 18, 1968
Untitled Shuffle Blues Rehearsal session
Piece of My Heart
Other unknown titles(?)
Keyboardist Bill King described the session as taking place during Joplin’s rehearsals with her new band, the Kozmic Blues Band. Joplin’s manager, Albert Grossman, asked Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites to organize the band starting in December 1968. Joplin debuted the group at the Stax/Volt Yuletide Concert in Memphis on December 21, 1968 with Bloomfield present.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; B.B. King, g, v; unknown b, d.
Fillmore East, New York, NY; December 25, 1968
How Blue Can You Get? (BBK, v) Live performance
Other titles unknown
This appearance may have actually been on December 27 and 28, as advertised in the New York Times. The Times, however, also gave the same dates for the Felt Forum show, below.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Paul Harris, p; Jerry Jemmott, b; John Cresci, d.
Felt Forum, New York, NY; December 27, 28, 1968
Unknown tiles Live performances
1969
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; John Kahn, b; Bob Jones, d; Rienol Andino, conga; John Wilmeth, tp; Noel Jewkes, ts; Gerald Oshita, Snooky Flowers, bar; Nick Gravenites, v.
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; January 30, 31, 1969
Killing My Love “My Labors” (Nick Gravenites), Columbia CS 9899
Gypsy Good Time
Holy Moly
Moon Tune
Wintry Country Side
Work Me Lord
Born In Chicago
“Work Me Lord” and “Born in Chicago” were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. "Born" may the same as one of the versions below.
Personnel, date, location as above with Taj Mahal, v, hca, and Jesse Ed Davis, g, added.
It Takes Time “Live at Bill Graham’s Fillmore West,” Columbia CS-9893
Oh, Mama
Love Got Me
Blues on the Westside (Telephone Blues)
One More Mile to Go (TM, v; JED, g)
It’s About Time
Carmelita Skiffle
If I Ever Get Lucky
Stronger Than Dirt
"Live ..." was released in October 1969. "Lucky" and "Dirt" were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. "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 may have different music in some places on the soundtrack than the original theater release. 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. Kamin told Bill Keenom that Bloomfield called him when he was in Chicago to record some original songs for a “demo.” This may have been that session and the demos were rehearsals for Michael’s Columbia record, “It’s Not Killing Me.” Bloomfield plays solo piano on the remaining titles and does a version of “Michael’s Lament” which he’d composed for the album, a project he would start in May. Micheal was probably in Chicago in preparation for the following session 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.
*‘THE ACOUSTIC FLAG’
Michael Bloomfield, g, banjo, v; Mark Naftalin, p, acc, v; unknown, d; Ira Kamin, John Kahn, Nick Gravenites, v; Ace of Cups, bkgnd v.
Reed Street, Mill Valley, CA; 1969
On the Rock Where Moses Stood Private recording
She Thinks I Still Care
Are You Lonely for Me, Baby
Mary Don’t You Weep
I’ll Change Your Flat Tire, Merl
Hello My Lover Wherever You Are
This tape was made in Bloomfield’s basement by film maker Danny Seymour. It has Michael and friends singing some classic tunes with much gusto and humor. Seymour, the son of celebrity photographer Maurice Seymour, later worked with Robert Frank on “Cocksucker Blues,” a film about the Rolling Stones. He died at sea under mysterious circumstances in 1972 or ’73. Seymour gave this session its humorous title. Thanks to Mark Naftalin for this listing.
*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
Bloomfield and Gravenites discovered this neighborhood bar and thought it would be a good place to play – a club not unlike Big John’s back in Chicago. They arranged with owner Freddie Herrera to present music there, and soon Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite and eventually Jerry Garcia were regular performers.
*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 (*).
1970
BLOOMFIELD enters a difficult period and loses interest in playing for a period of 12 to 18 months beginning in 1970. He continues to perform, though only sporadically, alternately indulging in drugs and then trying to quit them. He later states that during this time 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
Other unknown titles
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
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
That's 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; "Memphis" is a Tom T. Hall 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
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 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; Joel 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.
*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.
*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 tepid talent as a singer.
*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.
*MIKE BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; July 6-8, 1972
Unknown titles Live performances
Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this date.
*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; Jack Walroth(?), 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
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Desiderata Cabaret, North Tahoe, CO; August, 11, 12, 1972
Unknown titles Live performances
*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.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; unknown, hca; unknown, b; George Rains, d.
Tulagi’s, Boulder, CO; August 28-30, 1972
Linda Lou Live performances
Other unknown titles
Thanks to John Ivey for this date. He recalls that Bloomfield played "Linda Lou" on piano.
*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; Jack Walroth, 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 performance
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.
*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; Jack 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 GROUP
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds, v; Kip Maercklein, b; Rick Schlosser, d.
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; Jack 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, 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
*MIKE BLOOMFIELD AND BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown, probably as above.
Fieldhouse, University of Iowa(?), Iowa City, Iowa; October 20, 1973
Unknown titles Live performance
This concert was headlined by the Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders Band and was promoted as being at the “U. of I. Fieldhouse.” Whether that was the school above, or the University of Illinois or some other institution is unclear. The date also conflicts with the Town & Country gig, so it is uncertain whether it or the Ben Lomand appearance actually happened.
*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;
Lotti Golden, 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 it is actually Lotti Golden. She sounds very similar to the singer on the December 13, 1973, & Friends performance, but that singer is introduced there as “Dee Dee Sharp.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Tulagis, Boulder, CO; November 16, 17, 1973
Texas Live performances
Unknown titles
Comedian Steve Martin was the opening act for this show. John Ivey 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. John recalls that on November 17, 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/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds, v; others unknown.
Maples Pavilion, Stanford University, Stanford, CA; December 1, 1973
Unknown titles Live performance
Hot Tuna was the headliner for this show. Albert King was also appeared.
*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/AL KOOPER
Kooper, kybds, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Alvin Lee, g.
New York, NY; April(?) 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 on August 3 and on different dates through November 1974 and was probably recorded in April when Michael appeared at the Bottom Line.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Al Kooper, org, p; Michael Bloomfield, g; Barry Goldberg, org, v; 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. Goldberg 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
Children, My Children
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.
Columbia Studios, San Francisco, 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 Last Night “The Electric Flag Live,” Bootleg CD
It’s Not the Spotlight
I Found Out*
Never Be Lonely Again*
Losing Game
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. Bloomfield does not play on these titles*.
*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
Earthquake Country Live performance
Other unknown titles
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. The Flag’s set, however, was indeed recorded.
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 & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Doug Kilmer, b; George Rains(?), d.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; August 9, 10 or 11, 1974
Unknown titles Live performance
This was a free concert.
*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
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
As I Woke Up This Morning “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” TV show
What in the World Has Come Over You
Love Affair
The Band Kept Playing
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 titles are taken from an video listing for this performance and may not be entirely correct.
*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 club's owner, Stan Grozina, 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. His blue Telecaster was also lost along with the Sunburst. Thanks to John Picard for some of this information.
*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.
1975
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; probably Nick Gravenites, v, g; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; January 7, 11(?), 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
Toby Byron recalls that the Flag made only one trip to Hawaii in January and so the January 11 Winterland date for & Friends is questionable.
*THE ELECTRIC FLAG
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Roger Troy, b, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Mark Adams, hca; George Rains, d.
HIC Concert Hall, Honolulu, HA; January 10, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as January 10.
Lahaina, Maui, HA; January 12, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
A newspaper report in January 1975 states that the Electric Flag “will still record but they won’t tour.” Buddy Miles is on the road with his band, Barry Goldberg won’t fly and Bloomfield is doing “soundtracks for pornographic movies,” the article says.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d; Jeremy Steig, fl.
Bottom Line, New York, NY; January 24, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel same as above, omit Steig, Goldberg.
Bottom Line, New York, NY; January 25, 1975
You’ve Been Wrong Bootleg CD
Introduction
Orphan’s Blues
Blue Highway
Buried Alive in the Blues “Mike, Nick & Mark,” Bootleg CD
I’ll Never Get Over Losing You
Lights Out
Lonely Days, Lonely Nights
My Labors
Wine
After a While, After a While
Tomorrow Night
Personnel same as above, add Paul Butterfield, hca, on some titles
Bottom Line, New York, NY; January 26, 1975
How Long Can This Go On? Live performance
Blue Highway
Buried Alive in the Blues
I’ll Never Get Over Losing You
Lights Out
You've Been Wrong for So Long
My Labors
Wine
BLOOMFIELD goes into the hospital sometime in 1975 to have an operation on his thumb. It may have been to remove a painful bone spur.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; February 27-29, 1975
Unknown titles Live performances
*CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE
Musselwhite, v, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g; Barry Goldberg, p, org; Tim Kaihatsu, g; Karl Severeid, b; Larry Martin, d; Ray Advisee, rds.
Los Angeles, CA; 1975
Stranger “Leave the Blues to Us,” Capitol 11450
Business Man
Skinny Woman
Key to the Highway
Candy Kitchen
Long As I Have You
Just Take Your Time
Early in the Mornin’
Bloomfield may not play on all the above titles.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Gymnasium, College of Marin, Marin County, CA; April 5, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
The Sons of Champlin and Roger Troy‘s band, Roger Troy & Co., also performed on this gig.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Paul Butterfield, hca; others unknown.
Record Plant(?), Sausalito, CA; April 22, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.
Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, CA; May 10, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
John Mayall was the headliner for this show.
*KGB
Michael Bloomfield, g; Barry Goldberg, kybds; Rick Grech, b; Carmine Appice, d; Ray Kennedy, v.
Los Angeles, Sausalito, CA; June or July(?) 1975
Let Me Love You “KGB,” MCA 2166
Midnight Traveler
I’ve Got a Feeling
High Roller
Sail on Sailor
Workin’ for the Children
You’ve Got the Notion
Baby, Should I Stay or Should I Go
It’s Gonna Be a Hard Night
Magic in Your Touch
“KGB” was released in February 1976. By March, Bloomfield had criticized Appice and Grech in an L.A. Times article and had announced that he would not tour with the group. After sending a lengthy letter to MCA explaining his desire to resign from the group, KGB split for good.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, comp, g(?); others unknown.
San Francisco, CA; Summer 1975
Unknown titles “Sodom and Gomorrah” soundtrack
Bloomfield composed incidental music around this time for several pornographic films by the Mitchell Brothers, including the one above which was released in September 1975 and the shorts “Hot Nazis” (fall 1974), “Rampaging Dental Assistants” and “Marzoff and Day” (1974). He also did music for the “Ultracore” series of shorts in December(?) 1974. Much of the music was created by working from scene descriptions; in many cases, Bloomfield never saw the actual films. Norman Dayron produced the recordings. Michael was reportedly paid $3,600 per hour of soundtrack music.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, v.
Bloomfield's or Norman Dayron's home(?), Mill Valley, CA; 1975(?)
M.O.R.
This is Bloomfield's lengthy synopsis of a proposed screenplay concerning a young comedian who is gifted but has difficulty connecting with the general public and is coerced into selling out at the expense of his family and artistic integrity. The ending of the story is unfortunately missing. The story's parallels to Bloomfield's own career are striking. It was recorded by Norman Dayron.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, v, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b; unknown, d; Frank Biner, v*.
KSAN broadcast, Record Plant(?), San Francisco, CA; 1975(?)
Soul Serenade variation Live performance
Unknown blues instrumental
Unknown instrumental
Declaration Day Blues
Heartbreak
Women Lovin’ Each Other
Maudie*
Oh, Money*
I Got the Blues*
This broadcast, found by Peggy McVickar, has an uncertain date and location. Bloomfield performed the first three titles in duet with Mark Naftalin and then with a quartet and guest vocalist Frank Biner. The date for the broadcast has been listed as early as 1971, but it is more likely to be from the mid-'70s.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, v, g; others if any unknown.
Family Light Music School, Sausalito, CA; September 18, 1975
Unknown titles Seminar/workshop
Bloomfield gave a lecture demonstration entitled “On the Blues,” part of a week-long series of workshops and performances on blues at the Sausalito music school. Others in the program included Taj Mahal, Dave Alexander and Mark Naftalin.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, v, g; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.
Family Light Music School, Sausalito, CA; September 19, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.
Pauley Ballroom, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; October 1975
Kansas City Blues Live performance
Other unknown titles
Bloomfield performed “Kansas City Blues” as a solo. Thanks to Corry Arnold for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; others unknown.
Redwood Acres, Eureka, CA; October 31, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
This concert was billed as “The Great Pumpkin."
Personnel as October 31.
Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA; November 1, 1975
Unknown titles Live performance
This concert was billed as “The Great Quake,” using a variation of the poster for the October 31 show. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this listing.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; Roger Troy, b; others unknown.
San Francisco(?), CA; November 6, 1975
Unknown titles Radio broadcast(?)
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; others unknown.
Savoy, San Francisco, CA; December 26, 27, 1975
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.
Probably Reed St., Mill Valley, CA; Mid-1970s
Glamour Girl Private recording
I Want to Go Home
You Can Make It if You Try
Yesterday I Met the One I'm Gonna Marry
Georgia (fragment)
It Was a Dream
Red Sails in the Sunset
Baby, Come On
I Know You Don't Love Me No More
The Band Kept Playing
Other unknown titles
This is another of Bloomfield’s many informal Reed St. recordings. The titles, where unknown, were suggested by the lyrics.
1976
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains or Bob Jones, d; others unknown.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; January 6, 7, 1976
Move Over Live performances
Bring Your Sweet Self on Home
Crazy Jake
Blue Highway
The Band Kept Playing
Other unknown titles
Norman Dayron recorded & Friends at the Old Waldorf between frequently in1976 and 1977, so these titles have been included here although their actual dates are unknown.
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel probably as above.
Joshua Ives Celebration, Philip Menn Arena, Austin, TX; February 14-16, 1976
Unknown titles Live performances
This three-day festival featured Bloomfield as a headliner along with Booker T., Link Wray, the Rowan Brothers and nearly 40 local bands. Michael probably played on Saturday, February 15.
Personnel probably as above.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; February 17-21, 1976
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel probably as above.
Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; February 27-29, 1976
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kbds; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains(?), d.
Pipeline Tavern, Seattle, WA; March 10, 1976
Thinking ‘Bout My Family Bootleg CD
Buried Alive in the Blues
Don’t Come to My Party
Blue Highway
Small Walk-in Box
Women Lovin’ Each Other
One of These Days
Meet Me in the Bottom (partial)
My Labors
Six Weeks in Reno
It’s About Time
Your Friends
Do Your Work at Night (Kid Man Blues)
Gypsy Good Time
Goodnight Irene
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kbds; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Great Southeast Music Hall, Atlanta, GA; April or May 1976
Killing Floor Live performance
Other unknown titles
This performance was reported by Jim Smith and another fan. The exact date is uncertain but the year is believed to be 1976; Asleep at the Wheel was also on the bill. After one of the shows on this three-night gig, Bloomfield went to a nearby restaurant called Richard's Cafe and played blues on the piano there for several hours to the delight of all.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, comp, g(?); others unknown.
(?); Mid-1970s(?)
Unknown titles Film soundtrack
In a May 1976 interview, Bloomfield could not remember the name of this film for which he provided the soundtrack. He did say that it was a “ski movie.” Michael Melford reports that he did a soundtrack with Bloomfield for the National Film Board of Canada at the Chess studios, and perhaps this is that film.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, comp, g(?); Ira Kamin, kybds; Anna Rizzo, v; others unknown.
Blossom Studios, San Francisco, CA; 1976
Andy's Bad Soundtrack for “Andy Warhol’s Bad”
Other unknown titles
Rod McKuen volunteered to provide music for this production free of charge (supposedly because of his infatuation with Carroll Baker), but arrangements had already been made with Bloomfield for the score. Because Bloomfield and producer Norman Dayron had no way to view the rough cut of the film that Warhol sent them, they worked from written scene descriptions and timings. Rolling Stone reported that Michael was supposed to appear in the film. He did attend the party for the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad” at actress Susan Tyrrell’s home in that city on March 26, 1977.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p, org, v*; unknown, b, d.
Unknown venue, location; 1976(?)
All the Love I Want Private recording
19 Years Old
Untitled instrumental
Just Because
Wolverton Mountain*
Don't Be Foolin' with Me
God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)
Basin Street Blues
Mary Ann
Trouble in Mind*
The Band Kept Playing
The venue for this show may have been the Neutral Grounds Coffee House in New Orleans. Though the tape is dated 1976, Bloomfield and Naftalin were in town for the New Orleans Blues and Heritage Festival on April 24, 1977, and may have played a gig at the coffeehouse which had opened earlier that year. That may also explain the two New Orleans-based tunes in the set.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, org, b, d, v; Nick Gravenites, g, v; Ira Kamin, org, p; Eric Kriss, p; Doug Kilmer, Roger Troy, b; Tom Donlinger, David Neditch, d; Ron Stallings, ts; Hart McNee, bar.
Blossom Studios, San Francisco, CA; 1976,
Blues/Gospel Introduction “If You Love These Blues, Play ’Em as You Please,” Guitar Player 3002
Hey, Foreman
Narrative #1
WDIA
Narrative #2
Death Cell Rounder Blues
Narrative #3
City Girl
Narrative #4
Kansas City Blues
Narrative #5
Mama Lion
Narrative #6
Thrift Shop Rag
Narrative #7
Death In My Family
East Colorado Blues
Blue Ghost Blues
Narrative #8
The Train Is Gone
Narrative #9
Altar Song
This album was released in December 1976. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Recording category.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, narration.
Unknown studio, San Francisco, CA; 1976
Story Recording session
This tale, concerning a trip to East St. Louis, IL, with Big Joe Williams in July 1964, was later published in High Times magazine with illustrations by Robert Crumb, and later appeared in book form with the title “Me and Big Joe.” It was originally recorded by Norman Dayron.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
College of Marin Fine Arts Theater, Marin County, CA; May 16, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/SUNNYLAND SLIM
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Sunnlyland Slim, p; Nick Gravenites, v; others unknown.
Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; May 16, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA; May 23, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
Charlie Musselwhite was also on the bill for this date; it’s unclear whether he and Bloomfield performed together or each had separate bands.
*BARRY GOLDBERG & FRIENDS
Goldberg, p ,org; Michael Bloomfield(?), g; others unknown.
Shrine Auditorium(?), Los Angeles, CA; 1976(?)
On the Road “... Live,” Buddah BDS-5684
Chicago My Hometown
I Got a Woman (Dedication)
That's Alright, Mama
Milk Cow
Taste of Honey
Josephine
Suzie Q
Medley (California Earthquake)
Blue Suede Shoes
Details on this Goldberg release are again sketchy; Bloomfield is present on some of these titles, and sings on “That’s Alright, Mama.” These titles may come from the same date and location as Goldberg's 1969 "... and Friends" recording.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kbds; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; June 18, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kbds; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.
Inn of the Beginning, Cotati, CA; June 18-20, 1976
Unknown titles Live Performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Longbranch, Berkeley, CA; June 24, 1976
Unknown titles Live Performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mike Michaels, hca; Ira Kamin, p; Doug Kilmer, b; Bob Jones, d.
Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY; June 25, 1976
Introduction Live Performance
Kansas City Blues*
Big City Woman*
Death Cell Rounder Blues*
Big Chief from New Orleans
Unknown title
Rockin' in the Same Old Boat
Women Lovin' Each Other
Mary Ann
Shake, Rattle and Roll
This was a midnight blues concert on the opening night of the Newport Jazz Festival. Also featured were Muddy Waters, Bobby Bland and Fats Domino. These tunes were played on acoustic guitar *.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Gary?*, hca; Dan?, p.
Unknown location, OR; 1976(?)
It's Only a Paper Moon*
Nine Pound Hammer*
Death Cell Rounder Blues*
Blues on Top of Me*
In My Time Dying*
Spike Driver Blues*
Jockey Blues*
Baby, Come On
Darktown Strutters Ball
I Am with You Always
Ain't Nobody's Business What I Do
Dark Road Blues
Great Dreams from Heaven
Knockin' Myself Out
Battle Cry of Freedom
Diddy-Wa-Diddy (partial)
Kansas City Blues
Blue Ghost Blues (partial)
"Blues on Top of Me" is a variation of Muddy Waters' "Can't Be Satisfied" with various Robert Johnson lyrics. Bloomfield announces "Battle Cry of Freedom" as an appropriate choice to play "for the bicentennial year," thus dating this performance as 1976. The club has the sound of a small coffee house, an ambiance quite unlike the bar atmosphere of Portland's Earth Tavern. The venue may well have been one local to San Francisco, as MB can be heard greeting friends named "Raymond" and "Françoise" after "Battle Cry." "Gary" may be actually Harry Duncan, a harmonica player and friend from Bloomfield's early Chicago days.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v.
Reed St., Mill Valley, CA(?); mid-1970s(?)
Journey's End/John Henry Private recording
Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
Reno Nevada
Flowers Bloom
What's the Matter Now?
Bloomfield accompanies himself here with some uncharacteristically low-key slide playing. Titles, where unknown, are taken from the lyrics.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & HIS FABULOUS ORCHESTRA
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Bob Jones, d; others unknown.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Civic Center, San Francisco, CA; July 10, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
This was a gala celebration put on by the San Francisco Art Dealers Association, and Bloomfield and Norman Dayron decided to call the band his "fabulous orchestra" to poke fun at the city's art elite. Thanks to Bob Jones and Peggy McVickar for this listing.
*JEMIMA JAMES
James, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g, dobro, p; Gary Vogensen, g; Barry Lowenthal, d.
San Francisco, CA; July 12, 1976
Book Me in Your Dreams “Book Me in Your Dreams,” Labor 7062
Takes a Man Like You
Havana Cigar
James, the great granddaughter of philosopher William James, was a singer from Colorado who met Bloomfield when she was living in San Francisco in a building next to the Old Waldorf. Michael arranged to back her on this session, recorded at Blossom Studios.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mitchell Woods, p, org; Doug Kilmer, b; Bob Jones, d, g, v; Terry Baker, d; Marsha Ann Taylor, v, el p.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; July 18, 1976
Went Down to the Station Bootleg CDs
Orphan’s Blues
Daddy Was a Jockey
I Feel So Bad
Love Walk
Introduction
Try It Before You Buy It
When I Was a Cowboy
Diddy-Wa-Diddy
Mama’s Blues
Movin’ Down the Back Road, Baby*
Come and Sit Beside Me*
The Only Man*
Love Me or Take Me*
Wine
This concert was a benefit performance that appears to have had two sets. Jones is the vocalist on “I Feel So Bad” and “Love Walk;” Taylor is the vocalist and electric pianist on “Mama’s Blues,” “Back Road” and “Sit Beside Me.” Omit Bloomfield, add Jones on guitar and Baker on drums on these titles (*).
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & Friends
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others probably similar to above.
Winemasters’ Guild Winery, Woodbridge, CA; July 24, 1976
Unknown titles Live Performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Ira Kamin(?), kybds; Doug Kilmer(?), b; Bob Jones, d, g, v*; unknown bckgnd v.
Catalyst Club, Santa Cruz, CA; September 5, 1976
Louisiana Blues Live performance
Unknown title
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Don't You Lie to Me
Linda Lou
I Feel So Bad*
Unknown title
Rockin' in the Same Old Boat*
Big Chief from New Orleans
Women Lovin' Each Other
Kansas City
Kid Man Blues
Try It Before You Buy It
Unknown title
Uncle Bob's Midnight Blues
Maria Elena
Mr. Pitiful*
Thanks to Peggy McVickar and Jeff Samuels for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; Dan(?), g.
Reed St.(?), Mill Valley, CA; Mid-1970s(?)
A Fool for You Private recording
What Would I Do?
Show Me the Sunshine
The Night Time Is the Right Time
Bloomfield sings a few Ray Charles tunes on this tape, accompanied by an unknown guitarist, who perhaps may be Dan Hicks.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others probably similar to above.
Winemasters’ Guild Winery, Lodi, CA; July 24, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Percy Mayfield(?), g, v; Ira Kamin, p; Doug Kilmer, b; Bob Jones, d.
San Francisco Blues Festival, McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA; August 7 or 8, 1976
Women Loving Each Other “SF Blues Festival,” Jefferson BL 602
Big City Woman
KC Shuffle
Other unknown titles
Bloomfield may have performed with Mayfield and jammed with Luther Tucker & the Mess Around All Stars during this festival.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Bill Rhoades, hca; Rod Kesey, g; Chris Porter, b; Mike Martin, d.
WOW Hall, Eugene, OR; September 3, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
This sold-out, two-set performance was billed as a solo appearance and Bloomfield did play a portion of the show on unaccompanied guitar and piano. But he was also backed up by the Bill Rhoades Blues Band, a local group brought in to play behind Michael and the concert's other featured player, Sonny Rhoades. Thanks to Peggy McVickar and Bill Rhoades for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p(?), v; others unknown.
West High Auditorium, West High School, Anchorage, AK; September 17, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as above.
Herring Auditorium, Lathrop High School, Fairbanks, AK; September 18, 19, 1976
Unknown titles Live performances
John Lee Hooker was also on the roster for these two concerts, produced by Uranus Limited and billed as “Blues in Alaska.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Antone’s, Austin, TX; September 29(?), 1976
Unknown titles Live performances
*THE BAND
Robbie Robertson, Michael Bloomfield(?), g, v; Garth Hudson, kybds; Richard Manuel, kybds, v; Rick Danko, b, v; Levon Helm, d, v.
Winterland, San Francisco, CA; November 25, 1976
Unknown titles Live performance
Some reports claim Bloomfield made a guest appearance during the Band’s last public performance but did not make it into Martin Scorcese’s 1978 film of the gala concert, “The Last Waltz.” But aural evidence indicates that he did not appear. Peggy McVickar speculates that reviewers may have mistaken Bob Margolin – who was present and who resembled Bloomfield – for Michael. Bob Greenspan recalls that he was staying at Bloomfield's house on November 25 and that even though Michael had been invited to play at the farewell gig, he decided to stay home instead. Bob said Michael spent the night playing guitar by himself in his room.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v*, g; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b, v+; Bob Jones, d, v**.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; December 19, 1976
Buried Alive in the Blues* “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866
Your Friends+
How Long Can This Go On?+ Private recording
Six Weeks in Reno*
Crazy Jake*
I Feel So Bad**
Bloomfield & Friends were regulars at the Old Waldorf, performing there nearly every weekend in 1976 and 1977. Norman Dayron has said that he recorded & Friends there over a 6-month period, probably in 1976.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
WXRT, Chicago, IL; December 23, 1976
Unknown recordings Radio broadcast
Bloomfield was a featured artist along with Yes on this station. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Cole Cafe, San Francisco, CA; throughout late ‘70s
Unknown titles Live performances
1977
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Beull Neidlinger, b; Buddy Helm, d.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA; January 1, 1977
Eyesight to the Blind “I’m with You Always,” Demon Fiend-92
Men’s Room
Frankie & Johnny*
I’m with You Always*
Jockey Blues/Old Folks Boogie
Some of These Days*
Don’t You Lie to Me
Hymn Tune*
Stagger Lee*
I’m Glad I’m Jewish*
A-Flat Boogaloo
“Men’s Room” is an anecdote related by Bloomfield about a sign he noticed in McCabe’s rest room. It’s likely that several of the above titles were recorded on May 13 or December 2 or 3, 1977. Those sessions probably produced other titles which were released as “Between a Hard Place and the Ground” on Magnum Midline (different from the recording of the same name on Takoma). They are:
Kansas City Blues*
Darktown Stutters Ball/Mop Mop/Call Me a Dog*
Greatest Gifts from Heaven* (Great Dreams of Heaven)
Lord, Though I Am with Thee*
Between a Hard Place and the Ground
Uncle Bob’s Midnight Blues (When I was a Cowboy)
Wee Wee Hours
Vamp in C
“Vamp in C” is a loose interpretation of King Curtis’ “Soul Serenade.” Some of the above tunes plus additional titles from these sessions were also released on a bootleg entitled “Initial Shock” and are described as having been “recorded live between 1977 and 1979.” The extra titles are:
Women Lovin' Each Other
Linda Lou
Blues in B-Flat
Cherry Red
Hully Gully
Wings of an Angel (Prisoner's Song)
Walking the Floor Over You
Junko Partner
Knockin' Myself Out
Prescription for the Blues
You Must Have Jesus
“Blues in B-Flat” is a duet between Bloomfield and Naftalin. These McCabe’s titles (*) are performed by Bloomfield on solo acoustic guitar.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Kooper, v, org; others unknown.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; January 7, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
This show, originally scheduled for January 7 and 8, was advertised as a “Super Session” reunion. Kooper, however, had planned to showcase his new band and was only going to do a 15-minute segment with Bloomfield. The audience expected a recreation of the jam album and registered its disappointment vociferously. Kooper, furious with the Waldorf’s management, cancelled the Saturday show as a result.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Barry Goldberg, Mark Naftalin, p; Ira Kamin, org; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b, v; Doug Kilmer, b; George Rains, Bob Jones, d; The Originals, ts, bar.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; 1977(?)
Lights Out “Between the Hard Place and the Ground,” Takoma 7063
Between the Hard Place and the Ground
Big Chief from New Orleans
Kid Man Blues
Orphan’s Blues
Juke Joint
Your Friends
These titles, recorded by Norman Dayron and released in 1979, were done live at the original Old Waldorf or at the Record Plant and come from sessions recorded prior to those issued on “Live at the Old Waldorf.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
Oakland Auditorium, Oakland, CA; February 26, 1977
Unknown titles Radio broadcast
This was part of a 24-hour fundraising marathon for the Leukemia Society that was aired over KNEW. Also on the bill were Johnny Paycheck, Barry Melton and the New Riders.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; February 27, 1977
Dancin’ Fool “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866
Other unknown titles
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Doug Kilmer, b; Bob Jones, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; 1977(?)
Diddy-Wa-Diddy
*JOE TURNER
Turner, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Pat Campbell, b; Bob Scott, d; unknown sax.
Palms Cafe, San Francisco, CA; March 5, 1977
Flip, Flop and Fly Live Performance
Chains of Love
Corrine, Corrina
TV Mama
Honey Hush
Give Me an Hour in Your Garden
The Night Time is the Right Time
Shoo Shoo Boogie Boo
Every Day I Have the Blues
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Roll ‘Em Pete
Other titles unknown
This is Big Joe Turner the Kansas City singer rather than Joe Turner the pianist. Mark Naftalin was the music director for this performance and arranged to have it recorded. Norman Dayron was the engineer. These tunes may be included on the bootleg CDs “Blues Summit,” Pilz 449300-2; “Shake, Rattle And Roll,” Pilz 449319-2; or “Joe Turner Live,” P-Vine PCD-908.
Personnel as February 27.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; March 13, 14, 1977
Bye, Bye “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866
Farther Up the Road
Feel So Bad
Other unknown titles
These and later Waldorf titles were recorded by Norman Dayron at the new location for the Old Waldorf in San Francisco’s financial district.
Personnel probably as February 27.
Keystone Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA; March 23, 24, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, bjo, mand, ukulele, p, b, d, v; Mark Naftalin, p, acc; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Bob Jones, d; Anna Rizzo, Marsha Ann Taylor, bkgnd v.
Zoetrope Studios, San Francisco, CA; March(?) 1977
Peepin’ an’ a Moanin’ Blues “Analine,” Takoma B-1059
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Dunn
Frankie & Johnny
At the Cross
Big “C” Blues
Hilo Waltz
Effinonna Rag
Mood Indigo
Analine
"Analine" was released in late July 1977.
*LEVON HELM ALL STARS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Dr. John, p, v; Levon Helms, d, v; others unknown.
Sunfest, Lakeland, FL; April 2, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance(?)
Bloomfield was mentioned as a member of Helm’s all-star band in a report in the St. Petersburg Times. Whether this band ever existed, or if the festival ever happened, is unknown.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD ALL STARS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; John Cipollina, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b, v; Bob Jones, d, v.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; April 20, 1977
I Don’t Want No Wife Bootleg CD
Move On Over
It's Too Late
Feel So Bad
Mr. Pitiful
Tell It Like It Is
When I Was a Cowboy
Women Loving Each Other
Try It Before You Buy It
Too Much Monkey Business
This performance was part of a multi-group benefit for the San Francisco prisoners' fund.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Tom Donlinger, d.
Camino Theater, University of San Diego, CA; April 22, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
This show was commemorated on T-shirts issued to USD concert staff. Bloomfield can be seen wearing one in a photo in “If You Love These Blues” by Wolkin & Keenom. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this information.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others probably similar to above.
Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA; April 24, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
Naftalin and Bloomfield were scheduled to play a half-hour set each, but presumably they performed together for at least part of the program.
Personnel probably as above.
Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; April 21-24(?), 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
This gig was advertised in the L.A. Times, but it is uncertain whether Bloomfield actually appeared due to his performance in New Orleans on April 21.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g; probably Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; April 28-30, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; others, if any, unknown.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA; May 13, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; May 16, 1977
The Sky Is Cryin’ “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866
Farther Up the Road
Bad Luck Baby
Other unknown titles
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Nick Gravenites, v; Roger Troy, b; Bob Jones, d.
Alpen Glow Tavern, Hayward, CA; May 20, 21, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
Keystone Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA; May 23, 24, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; Bob Jones, d, v.
Rainbow Tavern, Seattle, WA; May 26, 1977
Burried Alive in the Blues Live performances
Other unknown titles
Thanks to Brent Pellegrini for this listing.
Personnel probably as above.
MacArthur Court, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR; May 27, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
Rio Theater and Dance Company, Rodeo, CA; June 3, 4, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
This group was called the “Berkeley All-Stars” in advertisements.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g; Nick Gravenites, v, g; Mark Naftalin, p; Roger Troy, b, v; Bob Jones, d, v.
Starwood, Santa Monica, CA; July 21, 1977
Brown Paper Bag Live performance
Heartbreak
Other unknown titles
Thanks to Peggy McVickar for finding this show.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, kybds, b, perc, v; Mark Naftalin, p, synth; Clay Cotton, kybds; Barry Goldberg, org; Mark Adams, hca; Roger Troy, b, v; George Rains, Dwight Dailey, Bob Jones, d; Frank Biner, v; Sons of Kings, v; Anna Rizzo, Church of God in Christ Singers, bkgnd v; Duke Tito and the Marin County Playboys, Toots Suite, hns.
Blossom & Zoetrope Studios, San Francisco, CA; 1976-77
Maudie “Living in the Fast Lane,” Waterhouse 11
Shine on Love
Roots
Let Them Talk
Watkin’s Rag
Andy’s Bad
When I Get Home
Used to It
Big “C” Blues
The Dizz Rag
“Andy’s Bad” is a selection from Bloomfield’s soundtrack for the 1977 film “Andy Warhol’s Bad.” René Aagaard says that it is different from the tune used in the film, perhaps an alternate take. Producer Norman Dayron candidly described this release, issued posthumously in 1981, as “a bunch of leftover shit I hadn’t used” from earlier recordings. Some of the tunes – “Shine On Love,” “When I Get Home” and “Let Them Talk” – come from Bloomfield’s Columbia sessions for “Try It Before You Buy It” and were not produced by Dayron. “Fast Lane” was originally going to be titled “Producer's Choice.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; August 12, 13, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel same or similar to above; possibly add Ray Kennedy, v.
Starwood, Santa Monica, CA; October 21, 22, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BLUES BAND & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; David Shorey, p; others unknown.
Club Blue Note Concert Hall, Salt Lake City, UT; October 28, 29, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.
Rathskeller, Humbolt State University, Arcata, CA; November 11, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Dave Shorey, g; Soma Marshall, b; Bob Jones, d, v.
Unknown club, San Francisco, CA; probably several dates in 1977 or 1978
Unknown titles Live performance
These gigs were recalled by drummer Bob Jones as being in a venue on Haight St. A photo exists of the band playing at the club, but its name remains a mystery.
Personnel same or similar to above.
The Other Cafe, San Francisco, CA; November 27, 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others(?) unknown.
Coffee Gallery, San Francisco, CA; 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; unk., melodica; Dave Shorey(?), b; Bob Jones, d, v*.
Bodega, Campbell, CA; 1977(?)
Big Chief from New Orleans Private recording
You Must Have Jesus
Guitar King
Nobody's Fool
Blue Ghost Blues
19 Years Old
Shake, Rattle & Roll (incomplete)
You Took My Money
Little Sheba
Feel So Bad* (beginning missing)
The date is uncertain for this show, but the year is probably 1977. A melodica (or harmonica) player can be heard in the background throughout much of the performance.
Personnel same or similar to above.
River City, Fairfax, CA; Mid- to late 1970s
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel same or similar to above.
My Father’s Place, Roslyn, NY; 1977
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, p; John Hiatt, b(?); others if any unknown.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA; December 2, 3, 1977
Unknown titles Live performances
1978
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, v.
KSAN, San Francisco, CA; Aired January 31, 1978
Interview with Bob Simmons Radio broadcast
*COUNT TALENT & THE ORIGINALS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, bjo, b, perc, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Nick Gravenites, v; Roger Troy, b, v; Soma Marshall, b; Bob Jones, d; Clay Cotton, cl; Jerry Martini, as; Dennis Marcellino, ts; Max Haskett, tp; Anna Rizzo, Marsha Ann Taylor, bkgnd v.
Xandu Recorders, San Francisco, CA; 1978
Love Walk “Count Talent ...,” Takoma/Clouds 8005
You Was Wrong
Peach Tree Man
When I Need You
Sammy Knows How to Party
I Need Your Loving
Bad Man
Saturday Night
You’re Changin’
Let the People Dance
Bloomfield and producer Norman Dayron were given $50,000 by Henry Stone of TK Records, this recording’s original release label, to create “Count Talent.”
*COUNT TALENT & THE ORIGINALS(?)
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b, v; others, including horns and two female backup singers, unknown.
Tulagi's, Boulder, CO; April 7, 8, 1978
Unknown titles Live performance
John Ivey attended this performance and has confirmed that it occurred on the above dates. An additional show was listed for April 6, but that may have been a typographical error in the ads for Bloomfield's appearance. John recalled that the show took place just prior to the release of Bloomfield’s “Count Talent” album. Michael was wearing a white suit similar to the one he is seen in on the album’s cover.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Ira Kamin, kybds; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; June 24, 1978
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; David Shorey, acc.
Reed St., Mill Valley, CA; probably summer 1978
Auld Lang Syne Recording for Takoma
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Other unknown titles
Dave Shorey told Bill Keenom that he and Bloomfield recorded a number of traditional tunes at Reed St. for a proposed Takoma Christmas record. The label eventually decided not to do the album and instead gave Michael money for sessions that eventually were released as “Michael Bloomfield.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Jon Cramer, v, p.
The Other Cafe, San Francisco, CA; July 2, 1978
Kansas City Live performance
Death Cell Rounder Blues
Guitar King
I’m with You Always
Instrumental
Katie Mae
Come On in My Kitchen
Rx for the Blues
Junko Partner
Good Night Irene
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Frankie & Johnny
Little Sheba
Women Lovin’ Each Other
Snowblind
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v.
Norman Dayron's home, Marin County, CA; Filmed in 1978, released in 1979
Film appearance “The Wizard of Waukesha,” a film by Susan Brockman
This is a film about guitarist and inventor Les Paul. Bloomfield is briefly interviewed while playing a '60 Gibson Les Paul sunburst guitar borrowed from Robbie Dunbar. The producer for Michael’s segment was guitarist and sound engineer Robb Lawrence.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, kybds, bjo, acc, moog, v; Ira Kamin, p; David Shorey, Doug Kilmer, b; Bob Jones, d; Kraig Kilby, tbn.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco* or studio, Mill Valley, CA; 1978
Guitar King “Michael Bloomfield,” Takoma 7063
Knockin’ Myself Out
My Children, My Children (Chil’en, Chil’en, Chil’en)
Women Loving Each Other*
Sloppy Drunk*
You Took My Money
See That My Grave Is Clean
The Gospel Truth
Crisco Kid "Mike Bloomfield," Fuel 2000 Records 302 061 256 2
According to Norman Dayron, “Crisco Kid,” a disco-style song about “gay cruising,” was deemed inappropriate by Takoma and was not included in the original release. On “Grave” and “Gospel,” Bloomfield may play all the instruments.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Ira Kamin(?), kybds; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d.
Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA; August 31, 1978
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel same or similar to above.
U. of Southern California, San Diego, CA; 1978(?)
Unknown titles Live performance
Dave Shorey told Bill Keenom that Bloomfield and the band played a gig at this school that was televised using "three TV cameras." The date and year of the show are uncertain.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; Dave Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d.
Antone’s, Austin, TX; September 7-9, 1978
Big Chief from New Orleans Live performances
They Took My Money
Women Lovin' Each Other
Knockin' Myself Out
Snowblind
Linda Lou
She's 19 Years Old
Movin' Down the Back Road, Baby
Everything's Gonna Be Alright
Feel So Bad
Goin' Down the Street
Tell It Like It Is
Louisiana Blues
Don't You Lie to Me
Stranger in My Own Home Town
Time's Tough
Personnel probably as above.
Sweetwater, Los Angeles, CA; September 26, 1978
Unknown titles Live performance
*PAUL BUTTERFIELD/MIKE BLOOMFIELD/ELVIN BISHOP
Butterfield, hca, v; Elvin Bishop, Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; Roger Troy, b; Sam Lay, d, v; Snooky Flowers, bar.; Maria Muldaur, v.
Greek Theater, Berkeley, CA; October 1, 1978
Introduction Live performance
Born in Chicago
Our Love Is Driftin’
Everything’s Gonna Be All Right
Shake Your Money Maker
Get Out of My Life Woman
Paying the Price to Be Feeling Nice
Mystery Train
Little Brown Bird
Got My Mojo Working
Don’t You Lie to Me
This single-night performance was part of Chet Helm’s first “Tribal Stomp” concert and was billed as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band Reunion. The set was filmed for an intended movie, but the film was never released. Elvin Bishop is the vocalist on “Paying the Price” and the encore “Don’t You Lie to Me,” where he is joined by Maria Muldaur and Snooky Flowers; Sam Lay sings “Mojo.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d, v.
My Father's Place, Roslyn, NY; October 20, 1978
Feel So Bad Live performance
I'm Ready
Sweet Hurricane
Stand By Me
Rockin' in the Same Old Boat
Guitar King
Time's Tough
Maria Elena
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; probably Mark Naftalin, p; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d, v.
Bottom Line, New York, NY; October 22-23, 1978
Frankie & Johnny Live performances
Other unknown titles
This performance was reportedly filmed. Bloomfield may have opened the show with a solo acoustic set. Johnny Winter was in the audience and visited with the band one of the evenings.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.
The Savoy, San Francisco, CA; throughout 1978
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel similar to above.
Cole Cafe, San Francisco, CA; throughout 1978(?)
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/APPLEJACK
Michael Bloomfield, g, acc**, v; "Applejack" Walroth, hca, v*.
Reed St., Mill Valley, CA; probably late 1970s
How Can You Stand It? Private recording
Feel Like Trouble
I Can't Be Satisfied*
Jolie Blanc**
Unknown instrumental
Mean Old Blues
Various stories
Bloomfield and old Chicago friend Applejack play a few improvised tunes and reminisce about the Old Wells Record Shop and their Chicago days. Titles where unknown are suggestions drawn from the lyrics.
1979
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; David Kessner, p; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d, v.
Unknown venue, Ottawa, ON; January(?) 1979
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as above.
Unknown venue, Rouyn, QC; January 19, 20, 1979
Shake, Rattle and Roll Private recording
Maria Elena
Crosscut Saw
Rocking in the Same Old Boat (BJ, v)
Love Walk (BJ, v)
Personnel as above.
Unknown venue, Quebec City, QC; January 21, 1979
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as above.
Cafe Campus, Montréal, QC; January 22, 1979
The Sky Is Crying (BJ, v) Private recording
Sweet Hurricane (BJ, v)
Rocking in the Same Old Boat (BJ, v)
Love Walk (BJ, v)
Moving Down the Back Roads (BJ, v)
Snow Blind
Orphan Blues
This is the brief Canadian tour that Bloomfield complained bitterly about in his April 1979 interview in Guitar Player magazine. “It was hellacious,” was his observation, noting that “Nothing worked ... everything was frozen solid.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Austin Delone, p; David Shorey, b; Bob Jones, d, v.
Earth Tavern, Portland, Oregon: February 20, 1979
Big Chief from New Orleans Live performance
Blue Ghost Blues
Saturday Woman
She Took My Money
Kansas City Blues
Rock Me, Baby (incomplete)
Stand By Me
Feel So Bad
Moving Down the Back Road, Baby
IN THE SUMMER of 1979, Bloomfield checks himself into a state mental hospital and spends a month or more there attempting to overcome his dependency on the drug Placidyl.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g; Woody Harris, g.
Mill Valley, CA; July 9-13, 1979
I’ll Overcome “Bloomfield/Harris,” Kicking Mule KM-164
I Must See Jesus
Great Dreams of Heaven
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
I Am a Pilgrim
Farther Along
Have Thine Own Way
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Peace in the Valley
These titles were recorded in producer Norman Dayron’s living room.
Personnel as above.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA; October 12, 1979
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; chorus including Anna Rizzo, others*.
Boarding House, San Francisco, CA; May 12, 1979.
Money Honey Private recording
Sea of Love
Beat Up Motherferyou
I Can't Be Satisfied
Shining On
Maria Elena
My Home Town
I'm Leaving Baby
Sugar Bee
Prescription for the Blues
John, John on the Battle Ground*
Honky Tonk Angel
Whining Boy
Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
I'm a Fool for a Cigarette
Come On in My Kitchen
These titles come from two casual sets played by Bloomfield as an opener for Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks. Norman Dayron recorded them, and Bloomfield played guitar along with a recording of himself on piano for “Maria Elena.”
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; William Mylar, g.
The Other Cafe, San Francisco, CA; 1979.
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & CHICAGO BLUES POWER
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Ron Butkovich, g, bkgnd v; Applejack Walroth, hca, v*, bkgnd v; Steve Mallory, b; Bill Wilson, d; King Perkoff, ts, bkgnd v; Hart McNee, bar, bkgnd v.
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA; December 1979
Lights Out Live performance
Honky Tonk, Pt. 1
Guitar King
Sunshine Special*
S'il Vous Plait Boogaloo
No Signifying*
We Don't Need No Music
Every Night They Play the Blues
Chicken Shack (outro)
Chicago Blues Power was the name Bloomfield gave to his back-up band. According to Steve Mallory, the band performed on and off with Bloomfield for about a year at various venues including the Sweetwater Cafe in Mill Valley and Cal State U. in Chico, CA.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others unknown.
The Sleeping Lady, Fairfax, CA; 1979(?)
Unknown titles Live performance
A fan reported that Bloomfield was too drunk to perform during this gig and that he refused to play guitar, sitting at the piano and singing incoherent songs while his band eventually left the bandstand. The patrons at the club demanded their money back and the management reluctantly complied.
IN THE WINTER of 1979, Bloomfield moves to New York City to be near Christie Svane. She gets him an apartment on Desbroses Street which he shares with her mother.
*KINKY FRIEDMAN
Friedman, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
The Lone Star, New York, NY; December 1979.
Unknown titles Live performance
1980
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others, if any, unknown.
The Lone Star, New York, NY; 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel probably as above.
The Ear Inn, New York, NY; Spring(?)1980
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello, v.
The Main Point, Bryn Mawr, PA; April 5, 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as above.
The Bottom Line, New York, NY; April 7, 8, 1980
Don’t Brush My Teeth Live performances
John, John on the Battle Ground
A Wedding in Cherokee County
Come On In My Kitchen
In My Time of Dying
Knockin' Myself Out
Prescription for the Blues
Other unknown titles
This performance was filmed for French television. Audience member Michael Capasse joined Bloomfield along with three others on the vocal for “John, John.” Harris told Jan Mark Wolkin that Michael was very nervous prior to the show because he’d learned that former Blues Project guitarist Danny Kalb was in the audience. As result, Harris said, Bloomfield’s playing was exemplary. He also stated that following this show, he and Bloomfield performed in Boston; Amherst, MA; Washington, DC; the Quiet Knight in Chicago; and at McCabe’s in Santa Monica, CA.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; others, if any, unknown.
The Other End, New York, NY; July 4, 5, 1980
Unknown titles Live performances
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; others, if any, unknown.
The Main Point, Bryn Mawr, PA; July 12, 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Bob Greenspan, g.
No Exit Cafe, New York, NY; 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
Bob Greenspan recalled this performance in an interview with Bill Keenom. He said it occurred sometime in 1980, and that Bloomfield was booed off the stage, presumably because he refused to play “Super Session” material.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD TRIO
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; probably Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello, v.
101 Greene St. (Greene Street Cafe), New York, NY; July 31-August 3, 1980
Unknown titles Live performances
Personnel as above.
Jonathan Swift’s, Cambridge, MA; Summer(?) 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
BLOOMFIELD travels to Europe for a tour of Italy and Scandanavia in the late summer of 1980. His poor health and a mixed reception from audiences who are expecting him to recreate the Super Session sound combine to make the trip a difficult one.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello, v; Fabio Treves, hca, v.
Mascheroni, Italy; September 1980
Shake, Rattle & Roll Live performance
Mean Mistreater
Sloppy Drunk
Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)
Kathleen (Catholicism Made Easier)
Look Over Yonders Wall
Country Mechanic
Farther Along
At the Cross
Instrumental
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
John, John on the Battle Ground
According to Harris, his and Bloomfield’s performances were frequently filmed while they were playing in Italy; this one is probably the one issued on an 80-minute Italian video. Thanks to René Aagaard for many of these and the following listings.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello, v.
Firenze, Italy; September 8, 1980
Bloomfield Introduction Bootleg CD
She’s Gone, Gone, Gone
Alabama Women
I Was Born in the Woods and Schooled in the Lion’s Den
Bartender’s Blues
Tryin' to Get to You
Spike Driver’s Moan (partial)
Frankie & Johnny
Jesus on the Mainline
Louise
At The Cross
Great Dreams of Heaven
Finger Fat
Knockin’ Myself Out
I'll Overcome
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
Country Mechanic
Personnel as September 8.
Unknown venue, Italy; September 9, 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
Personnel as September 8.
Naples, Italy; September 12, 1980
Bloomfield Introduction Bootleg CD
Dark Road Blues
Prison Bound
Have You Seen Somebody
Bartender’s Blues
Knockin’ Myself Out
Tryin’ to Get to You
Better Stop Drinkin’ that Wine, Sonny Boy
Frankie & Johnny
Feelin’ Good/In a Brand New Automobile
Finger Fat
Louise
Great Dreams of Heaven
Great Dreams of Heaven, reprise
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
Shake, Rattle ’n’ Roll
Personnel as September 8.
Mestre Teatro, San Marco, Italy; September 13, 1980
Bloomfield Introduction Bootleg CD
Dark Road Blues
Arkansas Moonshine Baby
Chains of Love
Bartender’s Blues
Tryin’ to Get to You
Frankie & Johnny
Feelin’ Good
Look Over Yonders Wall
Louise
Over the Rainbow
Finger Fat
At the Cross
I'll Overcome
Great Dreams of Heaven
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
Knockin' Myself Out
Personnel as September 8.
Castel d’Azzano, Verona, Italy; September 14, 1980
Bloomfield Introduction Bootleg CD
Dark Road Blues
Alabama Woman
Chil’en, Chil’en, Chil’en
Bartender’s Blues
Tryin’ to Get to You
Hey, Good Lookin’
Frankie & Johnny
Feelin’ Good
In a Brand New Automobile
Louise
Over the Rainbow
Finger Fat
Over the Rainbow
I'll Overcome
Knockin' Myself Out
Gonna Need Somebody on My Bond
Country Mechanic
Closing Remarks
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, p, v.
Palasport Stadium, Torino, Italy; September 15, 1980
Dark Road Blues Mama Barley 0001
Prison Bound Blues
*FABIO TREVES BLUES BAND
Treves, hca; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Claudio Bazzari, Chuck Fryers, g; Silvano Borgatta, p; Tino Cappelletti, b; Dave Baker, d.
Palasport Stadium, Torino, Italy; September 15, 1980
Shake, Rattle & Roll Mama Barley 0001
Five Long Years
Don't You Lie to Me
The Yonker Blues
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello.
Mariahissen, Stockholm, Sweden; September 23, 1980
Linin’ Track Live performance
Frankie & Johnny
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Other unknown titles
Personnel as September 23.
Uppsala Musikforum, Stockholm, Sweden; September 24, 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, kybds, v; Jon Cramer, p; Harry Oden, b; Tom Rizzo, d; Ben Perkoff, ts; Derrick Walker, ts, hca; Hart McNee, bar.
San Francisco, CA; October 27-November 29, 1980
Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’,” Takoma TAK-7091
Linda Lou
Papa-Mama-Rompah-Stompah
Junker’s Blues
Midnight
It’ll Be Me
Motorized Blues
Mathilda
Winter Moon
Snowblind
Producer Norman Dayron has said that he objected to releasing Jon Cramer's "Snowblind" on this recording, but Bloomfield insisted that it be included. Tom Rizzo is Anna Rizzo's brother.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown
Unknown venue, San Jose, CA; 1980(?)
Unknown titles Live performance
A fan recalled attending this performance, describing it as one of Bloomfield’s last, with only 50 people in the audience.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown
Pete’s Tavern, Bellingham, WA; November 16,1980
Unknown titles Live performance
This two-set show was billed as Bloomfield’s “only Northwest appearance.” Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this listing.
*BOB DYLAN
Dylan, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.
Warfield Theater, San Francisco, CA; November 18, 1980
Dylan Introduces Bloomfield “Farewell Bloomfield,” Bootleg CD
Like a Rolling Stone
The Groom’s Still Waiting at the Altar
*THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Taj Mahal, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; Tom Stern, g; Markie Sanders, b; Doug Corrigan, d; Darol Anger, Ed Neff, vio; Joe Goldmark, ped stl; Nancy Hill, Tom Stern, Lee Parvin, bkgnd v.
San Francisco, CA; Late 1980
Blue Sea Blues “The Usual Suspects,” Tomistoma G8R
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/WOODY HARRIS
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Woody Harris, g; Maggie Edmondson, cello.
The Childe Harolde, Washington, D.C.; December 11, 1980
St. James Infirmary Live performance
Amazing Grace
Kansas City Blues
Other unknown titles
Jan Mark Wolkin, who was at this gig, recalled that an audience member asked Bloomfield to play a Beatles song in memory of John Lennon, who had been killed a few days earlier. Michael politely declined, saying he didn’t have any Beatle songs prepared, but then played “Amazing Grace” and dedicated it to Lennon.
Personnel as above.
Town Meeting House, Chester, CT; December 12, 1980
Sloppy Drunk Bootleg CD
Women Lovin’ Each Other
You Took My Money
Rx for the Blues/Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
I Think He’s Hiding
He Gives Us All His Love
God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)
Frankie & Johnny
Come Back Baby
Great Changes
Snowblind
Auburn Ravine*
How Green Was My Valley*
Reflections in the Water*
Nightsoil*
At the Cross**
Hi-Lo Waltz **
Over the Rainbow**
I'll Overcome**
Finger Fat**
These titles (*) are played by Harris and Edmondson alone, while these (**) are played by all three musicians.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, p, v.
Ira Kamin's home, Mill Valley, CA; December 31, 1980
Unknown titles Live performance
Ira Kamin recalled in an interview with Bill Keenom that the last time he saw Bloomfield was when Michael came to Ira's birthday party on New Year's Eve 1980. He was "so messed up," friends carried him in and then later had to carry him out. He spent the entire night playing piano.
1981
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.
Catalyst Club, Santa Cruz, CA; January 31, 1981
Don’t Brush My Teeth “Last Call,” Bootleg CD
Dark Road Blues
Mean Mistreater
I Don’t Know
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
Roll On, Buddy/Kansas City Blues
TB Blues
Country Mechanic
Untitled Short Instrumental
Frankie & Johnny
Feelin’ Good
Come On in My Kitchen
*DOUG SAHM
Doug Sahm, v, g; Michael Bloomfield, g; Speedy Sparks, b; other members of the Sir Douglas Quintet.
Catalyst Club, Santa Cruz, CA; February 1981
Unknown titles Live performance
The Sir Douglas Quintet shared the bill with Bloomfield at the Catalyst Club. Bloomfield sat in one evening and performed “a few Dylan tunes” with the band.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Bob Greenspan, g.
Belly-Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA; February 1981
Unknown titles(?) Live performance
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p(?), v.
San Francisco State College, San Francisco, CA; February 7(?), 1981
Unknown titles Live performance
Bloomfield performed a solo acoustic set at SFSC’s student union approximately one week before he died. Thanks to Bryan Barrow for this listing.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.
KSAN-FM, San Francisco, CA; February 13, 1981
Interview with Tom Yates Radio series on guitarists
Portions of this interview aired in 1981(?) on one of 36 hour-long programs called “Guitar: A Rock Episode.” The series also featured Duane Allman, Ted Nugent, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton and Robin Trower, and were produced by TM Special Projects of Dallas. A dozen radio stations around the country and Canada were signed to air the shows.
*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD
Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.
Student Union, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA; February 15(?), 1981
Unknown titles Live performance
A fan reported this gig as occurring on the day Bloomfield died. It may have actually been earlier in February. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this information.
MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD dies of an overdose on February 15, 1981 in San Francisco. He is 37 years old.