Butterfield was definitely a bluesman who was fluent in the many idioms that came from blues, especially soul, jazz and gospel. The man's sound, in fact, is distinct from the other blues oriented acts of the time--Cream, Hendrix, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top--in that after the first two Butterfield Blues Band albums, which introduced guitar heros to the world, guitars were deemphasized and a horn section was introduced. There is nothing especially "rockish" about Butterfield's body of work; he is closer in spirit to BB King in style and presentation, and , to stretch the point, Art Blakely's Jazz Messengers. At the core of Butterfield's music was the blues, plain and simple. He was a bluesman. ---------- Ted Burke http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
Paul straddled the blues and jazz with his touring band that is captured on that semi hard to find Paul Butterfield Live (2 album set). His drummer and bass player were 2 jazz dudes from Detroit. I met them years later when I was hangin' w/the Motown Jazz Community. They had nothing but good things to say about Paul and the music they made together. ---------- The Iceman
All valid and interesting points, guys. But what say ye about the Butter/Danko video that I posted? There's some seriously rockin' harp in there, IMO. In THIS context, he's definitely not trying to be a jazz guy.
Stop trying to pigeon hole a gifted musician who was obviously capable across genres. Was he "this" and not "that" is, sorry, always the wrong question, and misses whatever point could possibly make sense when trying to speak meaningfully about a talented artist.
No offense. It's just that this sort of question always misses the point, and is still asked with incredibly baffling frequency. If you want to try to understand a truly gifted artist, or frankly anyone, really, you're gonna have to settle into a more expansive, inclusive, paradoxical, even truly, deeply humorous way of seeing, listening, relating, hearing and being. Otherwise.........well, you just miss the point entirely.
Last Edited by on Jan 31, 2013 4:21 PM
Paul was the alltime best at playing any genre.He just had it bigtime,but I love when he rocks.He attracted great musicians,and inspired them to reach down deep.That kind of talent comes by once in a blue moon,he is top 5 harp man forever.Great guitar players are untouchable in their own minds,some let him share the stage.
Mn yeah he was the best blues rocker,paid his dues to Chicagoes Best,and from a buddy of mine who was there,nobody could keep up with him,when he cut it loose live.
Okay, guys, let me re-phrase this: I do not now -- nor have I ever -- given a s**t what label anyone puts on Mr. Butterfield. I agree 1,000% that those are silly discussions. My thread title was intentionally provocative; a bit tongue-in-cheek, if you will.
What I meant to say was: THIS IS A PRETTY DAMN COOL VIDEO OF BUTTER AND RICK DANKO, ISN'T IT!?
Distractions aside, it looks like we can all pretty much agree that Butterfield was one hell of a harpman. ---------- Ted Burke http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
