Paul Butterfield Blues Band

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was a pioneering American blues-rock group that played a pivotal role in the popularization of blues music and the merging of blues with rock during the 1960s.

Formed in Chicago in the early 1960s, the band's short but influential career left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Here is a detailed history of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band:

Formation and Early Years (1963-1964):

1. Paul Butterfield, a harmonica player and singer, and Jerome Arnold, a bassist, initially formed a band in Chicago, Illinois, in 1963. They shared a passion for blues music and set out to create a band that would pay tribute to the Chicago blues scene.

2. The band's early lineup included Paul Butterfield on harmonica and vocals, Jerome Arnold on bass, Elvin Bishop on guitar, Sam Lay on drums, and Mark Naftalin on keyboards. This lineup was characterized by a mix of white and African American musicians, which was relatively unusual at the time.

3. The band quickly gained recognition in the local Chicago blues scene, and their performances at clubs like Big John's and Mother Blues became highly regarded.

Debut Album and Early Success (1965):

4. In 1965, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band released their self-titled debut album, "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band." The album featured a mix of traditional blues tunes and original compositions and showcased Butterfield's exceptional harmonica playing and gritty vocals.

5. The album received critical acclaim and was instrumental in bringing blues music to a wider, predominantly white audience. It is often considered one of the first successful blues-rock albums.

"East-West" and Lineup Changes (1966):

6. In 1966, the band released their second album, "East-West," which incorporated elements of Indian music and Eastern philosophy into their blues-rock sound. The title track, "East-West," is particularly notable for its extended improvisational style.

7. Elvin Bishop left the band before the release of "East-West," and Mike Bloomfield replaced him on guitar. This lineup change significantly affected the band's sound.

Peak of Success (1966-1967):

8. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band enjoyed tremendous success during this period, performing at prestigious venues like the Fillmore Auditorium and sharing the stage with iconic acts like The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix.

9. Their live performances were known for their energy and improvisation, and they played a crucial role in the development of the psychedelic blues and rock movement of the late 1960s.

Decline and Disbandment (Late 1960s):

10. Internal conflicts and issues with substance abuse began to plague the band in the late 1960s. Mike Bloomfield left the group again, and other lineup changes followed.

11. The band released a few more albums, including "The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw" and "In My Own Dream," but they couldn't replicate the earlier success.

12. By the end of the 1960s, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band had disbanded due to various personal and creative differences among its members.

Legacy:

13. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band's impact on the blues and rock genres was significant. They helped bridge the gap between the African American blues tradition and the burgeoning white rock scene.

14. Their pioneering blend of blues, rock, and jazz, as showcased on the "East-West" album, influenced countless musicians and bands, including The Allman Brothers Band and The Derek Trucks Band.

15. Paul Butterfield, with his exceptional harmonica skills, remained a respected figure in the blues scene until his untimely death in 1987.

In summary, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band was a groundbreaking group that contributed to the fusion of blues and rock music in the 1960s. They played a vital role in introducing blues to a wider audience and left an enduring legacy in the world of music.