I would hope that those that may know a little more about this tape can post their insights and comments below to supplement my profile review.
The Japanese Seymour Records seems commited to preserving the tunes and bringing classic bootleg recordings to collectors in somewhat reasonable and classy presentations. This set, released in November 2006, showcases a really great audience recording of what can only be identified as a core group of the Mike Bloomfield & Friends line-up that performed around San Francisco quite frequently in a larger faction during the 70's - but also toured the country infrequently as well. The line-up here includes Mike Bloomfield on Guitar, Mark Nafatlin on Piano, Organ & Vocals, Roger "Jelly Roll" Troy on Bass & Vocals and George Rains on Drums. The legendary Dion Dimucci (yes, that Dion of "The Wanderer" fame) joins the band for the second set and encores which really infuses some fun energy and drives some great performances of some 50's & 60's tunes to round out the core show.
Disc One is simply straight-up Chicago Blues and we get some really mean guitar work from Mr. Bloomfield. If you just listen, you would swear the band sounds quite like Taj Mahal! The only thing that sort of dogs the first set here is that the setlist doesn't allow for much variation in musical format so all the compositions just sound the same - or extensions of the previous tune. Great stuff though!
As I mention above, it's the second set and encores on Disc Two that the party seems to be lit with the guest appearance by the incomparible Dion. They kick-off the collaboration with what they know best, the obvious choice of "The Wanderer" and then everyone in attendance makes the positive I.D on our guest and you feel the vibe change and it's on with a handful of classics.
This is a sweet tape and a very nicely packaged set at that. The label information on both the red printed CD's and the back cover states, "Red Label Series for collectors of Mike Bloomfield." Which I think is kind of cool because here is another tragic Rock N' Roll story in Mike Bloomfield and there just isn't enough of him making the rounds. What a great talent and anytime we have somebody committed to providing the attention and documentation - it's all good. I attempted to see if this is a re-issue of another title/effort and couldn't come up with anything
The first 100 copies of this set feature a bonus CDR which apparently is supplied or produced by "Zooey Records", and featuring a December 13, 1973 live tape from "The Great American Music Hall"...which we have identified as being in San Francisco. A nice inclusion!. While the sound of this tape doesn't quite match our feature concert here, it's pretty good with the balance weighing heavier out of the left channel though all instruments are audible and I would rate the quality about a 7.5/10. Unfortunately, I couldn't positively identify any sort of setlist to include in this review and I'll throw it out to our avid collecting community to potentially assist in filling the gaps.
The packaging artwork is of high quality printing, providing us with a very dignified or classy case to house this really nice show. We are told on the back cover that it's an "Excellent Audience Recording" and that is very true. A real bonus on a show that seems to be in relatively low circulation, maybe even uncirculated in this completed form.
