Electric Flag: an American Music Band - A Long Time Comin’
Mike Bloomfield formed the Electric Flag in 1967 and it was a short-lived band. Never a megastar like Clapton or Hendrix; Bloomfield was a trailblazing guitarist and is best known for his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bob Dylan; he played on classic albums like Highway 61 Revisited.
Bloomfield, vocalist Nick Gravenites, drummer/vocalist Buddy Miles, keyboardist Barry Goldberg, and bassist Harvey Brooks together with a 5 piece horn section created a jazz-blues fusion that remains unparalleled. The opening six tracks are first class: Killing Floor, Groovin’ is Easy and Texas are sensational and Wine will make you want to move.
This album was released the year before Blood Sweat & Tears and Chicago Transit Authority’s first albums; the three bands created a new sound by adding horns and had huge followings. I consider Electric Flag to be the strongest of them for its subtle difference; it blended music from the eclectic sources of Chicago, Memphis, Texas, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New Orleans and Nashville.
Mike Bloomfield’s guitar was never better than on this album. I first heard Bloomfield at high school in 1972 and bought the Super Session (1968) album he recorded with Al Kooper and Stephen Stills. I chucked in school soon after and have been a fan of Bloomfield’s ever since!
This album was trend setting and remains influential; it is among the best albums of the 60s. Highly recommended.
Original Release 1968
CD 1990
Label: Sony
