Not his finest moment, but plenty of nice playing--probably in pain and taking something for it. Butter is regarded as a god among harp players, much like LW, but was just a man, with the travails that come with the territory. That bass player should not have worn that headband.
No, this is definitely not quite right. He´s way below the mark, and you can also hear that on the completely lacklustre interpretation of "The thrill is gone" from the same concert, where the thrill really is gone. Probably a pick-up band, no amp, and a genrelly bloated and tired-looking appearance. (Most certainly due to an un-healthy lifestyle.) That he still had something to give on a good day is hinted at in this recording from two years later:
Last Edited by Martin on Jun 16, 2017 6:50 AM
One good reason to post this less-than-satisfactory performance video is to remind us that our harmonica heroes and innovators are not gods. They have feet of clay. The "masters" have/had on and off nights just as we all do, though for some of them an "off" night could surpass one of our "on" nights.
It doesn't detract from Butterfield's overall mastery of his harmonica approach and his stylistic innovation. It reminds us that we are just musicians making music, perhaps worthy of recognition, but not to be elevated to mythic worshipful proportions. ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Jun 17, 2017 6:36 AM
@dougharps: Forgive me if this is a wimpy comment, but I agree with you entirely. A hunnert percent. The somewhat infantile adoration from people -- not uncommon on this forum -- is almost disturbing at times. It´s like, "Once you were great and thus you could do no wrong at any time in the future," and it does not promote critical listening. And the un-promotion of critical listening does not promote good playing.
He was sick. His guts were rotting and was probably on pain killers. At least he made the gig and did the gig. He died a few weeks after the BB King gig.
butter was in his prime in 1966 however i was not aware of him. the clip i posted was my introduction to him. i wondered what all the hoopla was about.
Ha ! I remember the big rage with Snoopy and the Red Baron cartoons. I think Paul was in his Prime from about 66 to the mid 70's. His Live album recorded at the Whisky in I think 70 or 71 was fantastic. He was into a little more jazz but was still playing a lot of harp. A later album than that was " Better Days " with a killer line up of players. I think " Better Days " was his last great album. He hadnt gotten sick yet and was didnt use the horn section as much.
