The Paul Butterfield Blues Band cover

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Album 1965

About this album

Sound: "Electric blues drenched in raw emotion, featuring passionate harmonica and soulful vocals that capture the spirit of 1960s Chicago."

Where they were

Released in October 1965, this debut album positioned The Paul Butterfield Blues Band as a significant force in the blues revival movement. It came after Butterfield had established himself as a skilled harmonica player and bandleader in the Chicago music scene, paving the way for his pioneering role in introducing blues to a rock audience.

Why it matters

The album is notable for its impact on the blues genre and its crossover appeal, reaching #123 on the Billboard 200 chart. It has been credited with influencing the development of electric blues rock and helped to bridge the gap between traditional blues and the burgeoning rock scene of the mid-60s.

Essential tracks

  • "Born in Chicago" — This opening track features a powerful combination of Butterfield's expressive harmonica and gritty vocals, setting the tone for the album's raw energy.
  • "I Got My Mojo Working" — A classic blues standard reinterpreted with a lively tempo and intricate musicianship, showcasing the band's tight rhythm section and Butterfield's commanding delivery.
  • "Blues With a Feeling" — This track highlights Butterfield's ability to convey deep emotion through his harmonica playing, encapsulating the essence of blues while appealing to broader audiences.
  • "Shake Your Moneymaker" — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies the band's blend of traditional blues with a more commercial sound that resonated with younger listeners.

Release Date

October 1, 1965

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Born in Chicago 3:08
  2. 2 Shake Your Moneymaker 2:28
  3. 3 Blues With a Feeling 4:24
  4. 4 Thank You Mr. Poobah 4:07
  5. 5 I Got My Mojo Working 3:34
  6. 6 Mellow Down Easy 2:51
  7. 7 Screamin' 4:36
  8. 8 Our Love Is Drifting 3:34
  9. 9 Mystery Train 2:36
  10. 10 Last Night 4:18
  11. 11 Look Over Yonders Wall 2:26