Mike Bloomfield Triumvirate CD - Import

These guys may or may not have gotten together in a cynical attempt to create a roots music supergroup, but their sole album is in fact a lot better than its lack of commercial success might suggest. Each member has a signature specialty--Hammond's in country blues, Bloomfield's at the more modern Chicago variety, with Dr. John the epitome of New Orleans second-line R&B piano--and the material is split accordingly.

Hammond, however, is the designated frontman and he's up to the task, although Dr. John's evocatively gruff vocals are missed. Among the highpoints are a sensitive reading of the blues classic "It Hurts Me Too," with terrific horn charts and strong soloing by Bloomfield, and a spooky version of John Lee Hooker's "Groundhog Blues," which has the distinction of being the one song here where all three styles are convincingly meshed.

Digitally remastered edition featuring a studio meeting of three blues greats! Mike Bloomfield was a legendary guitarist well known for work with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bob Dylan. John Hammond Jr, son of the legendary impressario and producer, grew up with all the greats around him and learned their techniques quite well, adding his own special licks. Dr. John is the legendary New Orleans keyboardist and singer who at the time of this recording had just had a Top 40 success with "Right Place, Wrong Time". The trio laid down this slab featuring a couple of original songs by Dr. John and covers of Little Walter, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and more.