It’s a bit embarrassing: these days, when blues greats are remembered, the late Mike Bloomfield tends to be overlooked, although forty-five years after his untimely passing, the American master’s legacy continues to amaze. And there’s no better proof that he remained stunning to the end than the recording made at the Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz on January 31st, 1981 – a mere fifteen days prior to Bloomfield’s death. There are no later documents of Mike’s stage performances, although he did play into February, so this soundboard report made for a fascinating bootleg which has circulated for years and is about to turn legit.
To be released on October 9th, “Dark Road Blues: Santa Cruz 1981” captures Bloomfield in his element, delving deep into his chosen idiom and accompanying himself on guitar and piano. Mike ignored the pieces from his latest platters, 1980’s "Living In The Fast Lane" and “Cruisin’ For A Bruisin'” that would be out on his last day on Earth, in favor of standards from the repertoire of Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rodgers and other pioneers. A must-have offering.
Dark Road Blues: Santa Cruz 1981
1. Dark Road Blues
2. Mean Mistreater Mama
3. I Don’t Know
4. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
5. Kansas City Blues
6. T.B. Blues
7. Country Mechanic
8. Frankie & Johnny
9. Fool For A Cigarette / Feelin’ Good
10. Come On In My Kitchen
