The Butterfield Blues Band has been critically acclaimed as one the greatest electric blues bands ever! Lead by singer & harmonica player Paul Butterfield, their albums have stood the test of time as classics of the 60's and early 70's. Sometimes I Just Feel Like Smilin', was their fourth album, originally released in 1971. It features saxophonist David Sanborn. It was the last album the band recorded for Elektra Records.
Paul Butterfield does not over burden the album by constantly hammering on his harmonica. He sprinkles the right amount and lets the rhythm, the horns, the vocals round out the entire album. It strikes a very, very balanced approached in the instrumentation. I think this is one of his best, this one is a fuller rounded album.
I think Paul was a genius in not over doing it on the harp. Some harp players just blast away on an entire album. Not here. Just look at the liner notes and who is on this album. Empressive list and the talent jumps out when you listen. This is a perfect album it is a winner.
by Jimi Z
Tracks
1. Play On (Butterfield, Elefante, Livgren) - 3:34
2. 1000 Ways (Hicks) - 4:48
3. Pretty Woman (Sondheim) - 3:48
4. Little Piece of Dying (Butterfield) - 3:30
5. Song for Lee (Butterfield) - 3:46
6. Trainman (Dinwiddie) - 5:47
7. Night Child (Butterfield, Dinwiddie, Harris, Hicks, Peterson) - 4:26
8. Drowned in My Own Tears (Glover) - 5:18
9. Blind Leading the Blind (Butterfield) - 4:02
Musicians
*Big Black - Conga, Percussion, Vocals
*Paul Butterfield - Harmonica, Piano, Vocals
*Merry Clayton - Vocals
*George Davidson - Drums
*Brother Gene Dinwiddie - Flute, Saxophones, Tambourine, Vocals
*Oma Drake - Vocals
*Venetta Fields - Vocals,
*Bobbye Hall - Bongos, Conga, Percussion
*Ted Harris - Composer, Piano
*Rod Hicks - Bass, Vocals
*Clydie King - Vocals
*Trevor Lawrence - Saxophone
*Steve Madaio - Trumpet
*David Sanborn - Alto Saxophone
*Ralph Wash - Guitar, Vocals
*Dennis Whitted - Drums, Vocals
Paul Butterfield's back pages
1964 -1969 Paul Butterfield's Blues Band (Their first 5 albums by request)
Marios... words cannot express the joy your shares have brought me. Thank you so much for rocking my little corner of the free world.
ReplyDeleteRick
Very Nice! Thanks so very much.
ReplyDeleteMarios, I can't keep up with you! I'm just commenting on this, and you've already posted "Strawberry Jam."
ReplyDeleteBesides the talented core of the group, Paul Butterfield albums always contain a line-up of all-star musicians, and this one is no exception. The sound sample is a laid back instrumental blues number that proves it's not always how loud you play or who has the most spotlighted solos, but that the best bands always played fluidly and effortlessly, not forced.
Thanks for another great Butterfield post Marios, and onward to Strawberry Jam!!!
Thank you very much, Marios!
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible to get the PBBB files as MP3 files? Thanks!! Dan
ReplyDeleteThanks again Marios, for posting some great Paul Butterfield albums! I really feel they convey the laid-back feel of the late 60s - early 70s. I would like to request the first 5 Butterfield albums, if you have the time and the inclination to do so. Either way, it's much appreciated what you've already shared. Hope to see more down the line.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had everything from this great band, but then I discovered this, thanks to this essential blog, and it just may be the best! (The blog or the album? BOTH!!)
ReplyDeleteBIG thanks Marios, for blowing my mind AGAIN!!
Thanks for everything!!! Such an amazing blog! Is there any way you could re-up the Butterfield Blues Band Live album from 1970?? Many thanks!!
ReplyDelete.....Re-Smilin'.....
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