Mike Bloomfield

:For the astronaut, see Michael J. Bloomfield

Related Topics:
Astronaut - Michael J. Bloomfield

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Mike Bloomfield (July 28, 1943 – February 15, 1981) was an American musician, guitarist and composer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was a session musician who became famous through his work with Bob Dylan during his first explorations into the "electric Dylan" phase. Bloomfield's sound was a major part of Dylan's sound, as featured especially on Highway 61 Revisited. His guitar style bridged blues influence with rock and folk.

Related Topics:
July 28 - 1943 - February 15 - 1981 - American - Musician - Guitar - Composer - Chicago, Illinois - Session musician - Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited - Blues

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From age 16 to age 21, Bloomfield made a name for himself as a guitarist on Chicago's south side, had studio session work under his belt, a recording contract with Columbia Records and had an invite to join the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He played with Paul Butterfield from 1964 to 1966, then formed Electric Flag in 1967. After the band released the album A Long Time Coming, Bloomfield left the group in 1968. He also made an impact through his work with Al Kooper on the album Super Session in 1968. He continued with solo work and back-up work from 1969 through 1980.

Related Topics:
Columbia Records - Paul Butterfield - 1964 - 1966 - Electric Flag - 1967 - 1968 - Al Kooper - 1969 - 1980

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Bloomfield's most famous work, East-West (1966), performed with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, was one of the first experiments in fusing blues and indian-style raga music, and helped to create the signature sound of late-60s Californian rock acts. According to fellow band member Mark Naftalin, Bloomfield brought the piece to the band following an LSD trip. The piece's use of drones and modal scales was a marked difference to conventional blues improvising.

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On the February 15, 1981 Bloomfield was found dead in San Francisco. The cause of death was ruled an accidental drug overdose.

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He used Fender guitars, but is most commonly associated with the Gibson Les Paul. His use of the Les Paul influenced many others to use it in much the same way, using the front pickup and making judicious use of the guitar's inherent long sustain. He was also well-renowned for his vibrato.

Related Topics:
Fender - Gibson Les Paul - Vibrato

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He is considered by many to be one of the most influental and pioneering white American blues guitarists.

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