Search - Mike Bloomfield :: Between Hard Place & Ground

For SERIOUS fans only...

tin2x | Staten Island, NY USA | 12/14/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"When exactly this stuff material was recorded, where, or who else is on it is something that someone with better knowledge than I will have to supply. The liner notes don't give ANY clue. What I can tell you though is that this is NOT The Takoma/Fantasy release of the same name. It's a bunch of live recordings which the listing on the back rates as 7 out of 10. I might say it's a bit worse than that. On "I'm Glad I'm Jewish" and a few other numbers you can hardly make out the vocals at time. One way or another they're drowned out by an acoustic guitar! Which by the way is too bass heavy too.This is a release by Magnum America, a British company. Their other Bloomfield release which I have is "Gospel Truth". That is apparently just a recording of a speeded up live LP! Look at the comments made by another reviewer and myself. It also features singers other than Bloomers and his usual running mates (Gravenites, Troy). That release is a travesty.This one isn't necessarily much better but ultimately, in comaprison, this one isn't so bad either. It just isn't so good, and while I didn't give them outstanding reviews in many ways the two Laserlight CDs ("Gospel Of The Blues", "The Root Of Blues") are far superior. He plays a little (yes, only little) more electric guitar on this CD as opposed to on those releases, but if you want to know what the buzz is about you need to stick to the famous releases, like those with Paul Butterfield, Al Kooper and The Electric Flag.Before I forget the correct track listing isn't accurate here for the release on either the domestic or import listing. It is:
1) Eyesight To The Blind
2) Linda Lu
3) Kansas City Blues (the same version, but not performance as on "The Root Of Blues")
4) Medley: Darktown Strutters Ball/Mop, Mop/Call Me A Dog
5) I'm Glad I'm Jewish
6) Great Gifts From Heaven
7) Lord, Though I Am With Thee
8) Jockey Blues
9) Between A Hard Place And The Ground
10) Uncle Bob's Barrelhouse Blues
11) Wee Wee Hours
12) Vamp In C
13) One Of These DaysIf someone knows where this performance was recorded I'd love to know. But anyway if you don't have it, I'd really urge you to stay away unless you are an insane completist. Like some other releases this doesn't really shine any extra light on the guy. Sure it's a fun little set, and FAR superior to "Gospel Truth" but I'm not sure that means you should buy it. Most people are into Bloomfield for electric guitar prowess and on this set you get an album that's half just a guy and his acoustic guitar. The electric stuff is better. There are moments of "Wee Wee Hours" that work nicely, but I don't think there is anything you couldn't really get on "Live At The Waldorf" which, while there is a fair amount of slide, also has better audio for when Mike solos in his more lyrical vein.Ultimately you have to make the decision. If you have Bloomer's classic CDs, and the major label releases (well, on "Triumvirate" that's up to you) I would consider this as an option if you still want more of the guy. Just be aware you're buying half a CD at best and you won't be disappointed.Since I've got it I won't get rid of it, but whether or not I'd replace it if it got lost or stolen is something I'm not too sure about..."