Paul Butterfield's - Better Days 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Bearsville Rhino Records, incl. Insert

Released in 1973, "Better Days" marked a significant turning point for blues harmonica legend Paul Butterfield. The early 70s saw the blues genre facing challenges as rock music diversified and audiences' tastes evolved. With "Better Days," Butterfield embraced these changes while remaining true to his blues roots.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

By 1973, Butterfield had already cemented his place as a blues pioneer. His earlier work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band had helped introduce electric blues to a wider audience and had influenced countless musicians. With "Better Days," he assembled a new band and embarked on a musical exploration that blended traditional blues with elements of rock, folk, and country.

Musical Genre and Sound

"Better Days" is a roots rock album with a strong blues foundation. Butterfield's harmonica playing remains at the forefront, delivering soulful solos and emotive melodies. The band's instrumentation includes electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums, creating a rich and textured sound. Songs like "New Walkin' Blues," "Broke My Baby's Heart," and "Buried Alive in the Blues" showcase the album's eclectic mix of blues, rock, and folk influences.

Production Team and Recording Studio

"Better Days" was co-produced by Butterfield himself and Geoff Muldaur, a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for his work in folk and blues music. The album was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, a renowned facility that had hosted numerous influential artists.

Born in Chicago in 1942, Paul Butterfield emerged as a pivotal figure in the blues revival of the 1960s and continued to shape the genre throughout his career. His powerful harmonica playing, soulful vocals, and innovative approach to blending blues with rock, folk, and soul music made him a trailblazer in the American music scene.

Early Life and Blues Immersion (1960s)

Butterfield's passion for blues music ignited in his youth, fueled by the vibrant blues scene in Chicago. He frequented clubs where he witnessed legendary blues musicians, immersing himself in the raw energy and soulful sounds of the genre.

In 1963, Butterfield formed the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, which quickly became a cornerstone of the blues revival movement. The band's lineup featured a diverse group of talented musicians, including guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop, bassist Jerome Arnold, and drummer Sam Lay.

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band's self-titled debut album in 1965 was a groundbreaking release, blending traditional blues with electric instrumentation and a rock sensibility. The album's success propelled the band to national prominence, and they became regulars at major music festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival and Monterey Pop Festival.

Musical Evolution and Collaboration (1970s-1980s)

In the 1970s, Butterfield embarked on a solo career, experimenting with different musical styles and collaborating with a wide range of artists. His solo albums, such as "Better Days" (1973) and "Put It in Your Ear" (1976), showcased his evolving sound, incorporating elements of rock, folk, and soul into his blues foundation.

Butterfield also collaborated with other influential musicians during this period. He joined forces with "The Band" for their iconic "The Last Waltz" concert in 1976, and he recorded and toured with Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall, and Muddy Waters.

Legacy and Influence

Butterfield's impact on the blues and rock genres is undeniable. His innovative approach to blending blues with other musical styles helped to expand the genre's boundaries and reach new audiences. His powerful harmonica playing and soulful vocals inspired countless musicians, and his collaborations with other artists further solidified his place as a blues icon.

Butterfield's musical journey was cut short by his untimely death in 1987, but his legacy continues to resonate. His music remains a testament to his passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to the blues. He is remembered as a pioneer who helped to shape the sound of American music and whose influence continues to inspire musicians today.