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Recent issues of classic jazz, R&B, soul and mid-60’s, as well as the resurgence of lounge and exotica that struck the mid-90’s, has done much to increase the profile of the inimitable Hammond B-3 organ.

The instrument, though unwieldy, continues to be a mainstay in the line-ups of popular roots-oriented touring acts to this day.

Although proven versatile, one style where the instrument has been under represented, both in the past and present, is that of hard-core Chicago blues. Perhaps the major practitioner of the B-3 in this style, Barry Goldberg, is the subject of this compilation.

The material included here is and all-star reunion of the sorts of famous blues players Goldberg had played with in his early days on the Chicago scene.

Goldberg started out in the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band (with Steve Miller on guitar and vocals) in the mid 60’s. He moved to Charlie Mussel white’s Southside Chicago Blues Band where he performed on that artist’s landmark debut album, STAND BACK! It was in this band that he met future guitar god, Harvey “The Snake” Mandel.

Mandel was to remain in Chicago doing sessions until he moved to the West coast and a solo career, then joining Canned Heat and finally John Mayall’s new West coast Hippie Blues Band with his bass player Larry Taylor.

Goldberg also relocated to the West coast where he would meet up with Mandrel for an unbelievable after-hours gig at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium. The show was also to feature special guest, legendary blues guitarist, Mike Bloomfield.

This release spotlights half a dozen tracks from the Shrine date. Blues fans should take particular note of the incendiary guitar playing of Bloomfield and Mandel along with the passionate keyboard work of Goldberg. This live session also features the rock-solid drumming of “Fast Eddie” Hoh.

Mike Bloomfield has roared onto the scene as the lead guitarist for a groundbreaking Paul Butterfield Blues Band. That Band’s first two albums set a standard for all aspiring bands that would follow. He then ventured into the rock field by starting The Electric Flag with Goldberg and future Hendrix drummer, Buddy Miles. Although recordings by this group scored well on the album charts, obviously pleasing rock audiences, neither Bloomfield nor Goldberg lost their love for the blues. (Goldberg’s current under appreciated status is a bit puzzling when one considers his association with such a popular commercial enterprise as the Electric Flag.)

A rave up version of “Sweet Home Chicago” starts off our disc with a rare lead vocal by Bloomfield along with his urgent guitar playing. (The selection of this song is most apt considering that it is being performed by genuine displaced Chicagoans.)

Next up is a rockin’ version of the Fat Man’s “Hello Josephine”, with bassist White Bob Jones on vocal. Bob’s vocals are also featured on “Woke Up This Mornin’’” (a variation on the traditional “Milk Cow Blues” theme.)

Of particular interest are the two instrumental tracks, “Messa Da’ Blues” (with it’s dramatic tempo changes) and “I got to Love My Woman” (a rollicking variation on Brother Ray’s theme). Also of note is the masterful slow blues “Long Hard Journey”.

After the Shrine show, Goldberg’s next venture involved a recording session back in Chicago laying down a variety of tracks. Amongst the notable cuts are the nutriments “More Soul” (with brilliant Mandel guitar work) and the R&B-ish “Low Down Funk (featuring a horn section under the direction of Ray Strazza, who also takes a fine sax solo).

Next, local Chicago soul singer Bobby Jones steps up to the mic to do Jimmy Reed’s “Big Boss Man” and a deep-soul “I’m Losin’ You”, with the addition of Charlie Musselwhite on backing harmonica.

Goldberg’s feature in this session is the fun “You Got Me Cryin’” (reminiscent of the vintage Bill Doggett sound).

Our last couple of tracks showcase the Charlie Musselwhite Band recorded in L.A. with Robben Ford on guitar. They do their own unique arrangements of the Stone’s “Brown Sugar” and the Architect of Rock ‘n Roll’s “Directly From My Heart”. Both feature great harmonica work by Musselwhite.

…And there you have it blue’s fans: a long-lost piece of musical history which bridges the gap between the modern blues movement of the 60’s and the 70‘s rock era, along with the dispersion of the music’s key players from Chicago to the West coast. So, have a listen to the “original” Chicago Blues Reunion and enjoy!
                                                                                                                             Martin Gonales (a.k.a Daddy Roland Strong)

***WOW! …All this great music now re-mastered for compact disc at an unbelievable price from blues friends at Kent Entertainment. A reissue of an original Cherry Red/Record Man Production by Morey Alexander. Re-mastered by Michael Mancini. ©(P) 2005 Kent Records.

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