Everything I've ever heard about Bloomfield leaving The Butterfield Band was
that mainly he was exhausted from touring, because of insomnia that he was
plagued with from childhood. As a fellow insomniac I am certain that a life
on the road would be impossible, short stints have left me completely out of
balance with diet and sleep, and it will only snowball over time. I'm sure
Bloomfield was eager to peruse his "American Music" band idea, but at the
same time everything I've read about him says he was a reluctant bandleader.
A man of many contradictions, to say the least. According to many band mates
and friends, although a frequent user of heroine, Bloomfield was never a
hardcore addict. My guess is he was like many Americans was self medicated,
and either decided he was ready to exit, or miscalculated the dosage. I have
the bio, along with a 45 year collection of interviews, articles, and a
couple of up close personal encounters. There are contradictions in the
written words as always. He was one of the really great guitar players of
our time, that's what I know for sure.
Elvin Bishop was getting solo's along with Bloomfield, he wasn't relegated
to strictly rhythm playing. I prefer to think of it more as first and second
chair than lead and rhythm.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mick Zaklan" <mzaklan@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2013 8:05 AM
Subject: [Norton AntiSpam][Harp-L] Bloomfield bio, Smokey Joe, and "Georgia"
I own the Bloomfield bio, "If You Love These Blues". Kind of reminds
me of other bios I have on Little Walter, Stan Getz, Art Pepper, Bill
Evans, and Chet Baker. Basically the story of hardcore addicts with
musical genius.