If You Love These Blues, Play 'Em As You Please

Absolutely the best guitarist ever , had he stayed clean .

Many readers are likely guitar players and search out this album in an effort to hear Bloomfield's instructional segment, "If You Love These Blues", originally released in conjunction with Guitar Player Magazine. If this is what brought you to this link, purchase the CD. You'll need to play these Blues, if you please, strictly by ear. There is no explanation of technique, no tablature, no Amazing Slow Downer and little explicit instruction at all. It's more as though your buddy is a great Blues guitarist who just cleaned up from a bender and he invites you over to check it out as he gives up the goods.The second section of the disc is relaxing, as Michael plays slide over lovely comping, and it gives a person a chance to catch their breath before playing through the first section of the disc again. I deduct one star.Like many, I was drawn to the CD because I wanted to hear Michael's purist Blues guitar playing without the restraints of any commercial expectations. What I got was a revelation as to the power of Bloomfield's commitment to Blues. The axe work is fantastic, but merely an equal component to the spectacular vocals as Bloomfield reveals his innermost passion within this soulful expression of American music. Yes, Nick Gravenites has a "better" voice, as featured on the track, "Mama Lion", but Bloomfield lays all to waste as he digs down deep to get to the heart of the matter with acoustic tracks like "Death Cell Rounder Blues" and electric gems like "City Girl" and "Death in my Family". This record continues to move me and it will likely remain in my car's disc changer until I give up the ride.As is the case in many genres of art, often the most troubled soul offers the most brilliant work. That is certainly the case here. This is the Blues, uplifting but inherently melancholic. It's a unique recording.

What's not to like? This guy displays his virtuosity on the guitar by playing every known blues style under the sun (acoustic and electric). And he plays it clean! There is very little in the way of electronic effects. It's pure, unadulterated Michael Bloomfield doing what he loved to do. You don't even have to be a fan to enjoy this.When I first listened to this CD, I said to myself "This is so much better than Super Session. I can't believe that critics point people towards Super Session when something this good is available.". Super Session was good too, but it was rather hodge-podge (some of it sounds like cheesy, porno music), and only half of it is Bloomfield on guitar, the other half is Steven Stills. If you want to know what Bloomfield was all about, this is the CD to own. It is raw, personal, and 100% authentic.After listening to this, I am proud to say that I'm from Chicago, and I think that it is truly a tragedy that this artist died so young. He clearly had more to give. And there is no question in my mind that he was in the same league with Eric Clapton, maybe even better in some ways.

If you love Bloomfield, then you should have a copy of this CD. Bloomfield plays in the styles of those who influenced him--it's very interesting and wonderful to hear him play not only different styles, but different guitars with each one. I like that he identifies the guitar and amplifier used on each tune. I'd prefer that information was simply provided in the liner notes instead of hearing him announce each one. The announcing of each piece makes it unlike other CDs that just go from song to song. It's like taking a class in electric guitar blues history. That's OK the first few listenings but...maybe I'll burn a copy and edit out the talk. But, I digress: this is a special piece of work by a master and you won't hear him play this way elsewhere--and he plays wonderfully, so it's a "must have."

I had really wanted the first recording (lp) on this CD, on which Mt Bloomfield seems to enjoy playing and explaining the various style of blues guitar. As such, it is what I wanted and I would give it 5 stars..The second half parf the CD has Mr. Bloomfield showing off his wonderful chops, but I never listen to that half. It's not why I bought the CD.So, I docked the CD one star because I have to pay attention to avoid the entire CD.

This is not only Michael Bloomfield's best two albums conveniently bound together on one disc, this is practically the whole history of American Blues on display, courtesy of a master. Bloomfield was an amazing guitarist, to be sure, and was adept in a wide array of styles of playing the blues, whether he drew from the electric guitar-playing of B.B. King and T-Bone Walker, or the acoustic rural blues of countless Delta-bluesmen from the last century. But he was no mere copycat; you felt the passion Bloomfield invested in anything he played, regardless of the type of music. Also included are several guitar duets with Woody Harris on old gospel hymns, including a stirring rendition of "I Will Overcome," the hymn from which the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome" is derived.Michael Bloomfield's life was ended far too soon by drugs, and this great collection stands as a fitting example of what a talented musician he was.

This is an excellent showcase of Bloomfield’s virtuosity. The 9 bonus tracks are a great treat as well and worthy of the purchase all on their own.

See above.

Nice instructional session demonstrating various blues techniques. I love Bloomfield playing his standard no-effects, straight-up chicago blues guitar but this album demonstarates his versatility. Great price and fast shipping.

31 Tracks on single Cd & each song approx. 1 - 2 minutes long. A lot of talking before each track. In my opinion complete waste of money & rubbish.

初めてのブルームフィールドがこのCDなのはどうかと思うが、つい買ってしまった。優しく語りかけてくれるのでなんとなく言ってることもわかり易いです。英語が堪能な人なら言うまでもなく、ですが。ですが、お勧めするには人を選ぶと思います。興味がなければなんじゃこれ？って感じだと思います。

If you like easy blues. You found it. TERRIFIC.........

マイク・ブルームフィールドの実力が判るだけでなく、ブルースギターとはどういうものかを教えてくれる格好のテキスト音源。