American guitarist Michael Bloomfield was just another in a long line of superstar musical talents that left us way too soon due to a life fueled by drug addiction. After a highly respected career that saw the Chicago born musician play & record with the likes of Paul Butterfield, Electric Flag, Al Kooper, Stephen Stills, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters, and many others, Bloomfield was found dead in his car in 1981 at the young age of 37. Living in the Fast Lane was originally released shortly after his death, and contains ten tracks culled from various sessions throughout his career as a solo artist, with musicians that included Mark Naftalin, Roger Troy, and George Marsh.
Those new to Bloomfield's talents will find a wealth of his tasty blues lick splattered throughout these accessible songs, which range from soul, R&B, rock, pop, jazz, gospel, and gutsy blues. From the upbeat "Sammy Knows How to Party", to the heart wrenching blues of "Let Them Talk", complete with stinging guitar licks and powerful horns, there are plenty of standout tracks here to savor. Mike pulls out his acoustic guitar for some bluesy country pickin' on "Watkin's Rag", tears into some slide on the pulsating, funky "Used to It", and again uses his slide to rip into the honky tonk blues of "Big C Blues". There's even some sizzling jazz licks on the quirky "The Dizz Rag", another example of just how well rounded a player Bloomfield was.
As part of this reissue from Angel Air Records, there is a scorching bonus track called "Maudie", which just might be the hottest tune in this set. Chock full of blistering blues rock solos and passionate vocals, it's a potent cut to round out this nice little set that works as a great testament to the greatness of Mike Bloomfield. While not the best place to start if you are new to the guitarist (check out this earlier solo work, recordings with Paul Butterfield, and the Electric Flag stuff first), this is a mighty fine complement to his brilliant discography.
Track Listing
1
Sammy Knows How to Party
2 Shine On Love
3
Roots
4
Let Them Talk
5
Watkin's Rag
6
Andy's Bad
7
When I Get Home
8
Used to It
9
Big C Blues
10
The Dizz Rag
11 Maudie (bonus track)
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