Search - Mill Valley Bunch :: Casting Pearls

Has it all!

Wylie York | 01/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album's got it all! Blues, r&b, country, blues-rock, and ballads are all featured here. I bought this cd on a whim and the music floored me - though it took a few listens to fully appreciate it.



While Michael Bloomfield seems to be the creative force throughout, as well as, the glue that makes the concept work, there are many notable musicians featured here: Nick Gravenites, Barry Goldberg, Michael Shrieve, Lee Michaels, Mark Naftalin, John Kahn, The Ace of Cups, and The Pointer Sisters, among many others - though its hard to tell who is playing and singing when, as the individual songs are uncredited. The song writing on this album is exceptional, the singing is awesome, and the musicianship, which features a wailing (unlike much of his later stuff) electric guitar from Mike Bloomfield, is great. This is truely energetic and inspired music. It's hard to believe these various musicians, many of whom didn't normally play together, just threw these songs together in the studio. It's also hard to understand why this album is so obscure.



Its difficult to describe this eclectic compilation, it's that unique. If you like what I was able to put into words, buy this cd, I doubt you will be disappointed.



"

Not the Spontaneous Jam Session That Many Beleive

Stewart Hickey | Detroit | 11/16/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This legendary collection of studio tracks has some fine music on it, and is certainly worthwhile for fans of Mike Bloomfield and his musical friends. However, I strongly suspect that these tracks are from several different sources and sessions, and not neccessarily even having much in common in regards to their creation, other than that they are all offshoots of musical projects related to Bloomfield.

I'm pretty certain that the Nick Gravenites tracks were recorded with his early 70s band, Blue Gravy, and were likely intended for an album that was never completed. "Ooh,Ooh,Ooh,La,La,La" and "Bye, Bye, I'm Goin" are alternate versions of two songs that appeared on the 1972 Columbia album, Melton,Levy,& the Dey Brothers. This group featured Barry Melton of Country Joe & the Fish and recorded one album that was produced by Mike Bloomfield. The album has been reissued on the British Acadia Evangeline label, and anyone can corraberate this. I'm almost certain that "Letting Go Ain't Easy" is a Rick Dey song, and very likely an outtake song from Melton, Levy & the Dey Bros."

Typical early 70s set by Bloomfield and assorted friends

Rex Chickeneater | Armenia | 07/18/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Bloomfield performs here with some of his long-time collaborators, including Mark Naftalin and Barry Goldberg, as well as some stellar Bay Area soul and rock artists such as the Pointer Sisters and Spencer Dryden. The music sometimes sounds a lot like a cross between his first solo effort, the disappointing "It's Not Killing Me," and the also disappointing re-grouped Electric Flag's "The Band Kept Playing." Some of the songs on this album, however, plainly out-rock those other efforts, making this a worthwhile listen. Probably the weakest part of the album are the vocals by the men singers, especially Bloomfield. Too bad Jellyroll Troy wasn't along on this one! The production values are very good, with a fold-out CD sleeve and nice, clear sound for the music."