Michael Bloomfield: the Rise and Fall of an American
Guitar Hero – Ed Ward (Chicago Review Press)
If you’ve paid even passing
attention to bluesy rock then you’ve likely heard the late guitarist Michael
Bloomfield’s masterful licks; if not directly than via the legion of legendary
players that he spawned, influenced or inspired.
Originally published in 1982, Michael Bloomfield: the Rise and Fall of an
American Guitar Hero, by Ed Ward has been remixed and remastered for a
completely updated publication featuring a foreword by ZZ Top guitar slinger
Billy Gibbons. Ward, the longtime contributor and rock ‘n’ roll historian for
NPR’s Fresh Air program and numerous print publications writes lovingly of
Bloomfield’s guitar virtuosity without slipping too far into fanboy status.
Bloomfield’s is a cautionary tale
that is so familiar to so many in the rock realm because it’s been repeated so
many times. A young guy flashes on the scene and scores early success only to
fall prey to the temptation of chemical abuse and his shining star flashes out
too soon; Bloomfield succumbed to a drug overdose at the age of 38, almost
ancient by rock standards, but still too young.
Ward details Bloomfield’s career
in a way that he makes the case for his stature and legacy among the most
influential guitarists of not only his era, but of all time. His flight path
through the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, playing with Bob Dylan, founding
Electric Flag and recording the seminal Super
Session album are among his many transcendent credits the Ward uses to make
a case that is pretty hard to argue against.
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