Guitar King: Michael Bloomfield's Life in the Blues - Definitive

In this review of Guitar King: Michael Bloomfield's Life in the Blues, David Dann presents a deeply researched biography that will most appeal to serious blues fans and music historians. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its meticulous session-by-session detail and more than seventy interviews that vividly reconstruct Bloomfield's work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Electric Flag, the Super Session, and studio contributions to Bob Dylan and film soundtracks. This review finds the narrative both well paced and written with a true blues tone throughout, making it a rewarding read for those who want depth over a surface survey.

Key Features

• Extensive research: Over seventy interviews and careful archival work provide a richly sourced account of Bloomfield's life and career.
• Session detail: Every studio session and major performance is described in a way that clarifies Bloomfield's contributions to seminal recordings.
• Chronological narrative: The book follows Bloomfield's life from early years through major bands and collaborations, making the story easy to follow.
• Contextual coverage: Dann frames Bloomfield's work within the wider blues-rock scene and highlights collaborations with well known artists and film projects.
• Readable prose: The writing style balances scholarly detail with an engaging pace that keeps the story moving for general readers.

Who It's For

Guitar King is best for readers who already appreciate blues and rock history and want comprehensive, documentary-style detail about a key figure in 1960s and 1970s American music. Musicians, collectors, and music historians will value the session listings and eyewitness interviews that illuminate Bloomfield's technique and career choices.

Readers seeking a brief overview or a lightweight coffee-table book should look elsewhere; this is not a pictorial scrapbook or quick primer. Casual fans who prefer short, anecdotal biographies may find the depth and documentary focus more than they need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressively detailed research offers rare firsthand insights into Bloomfield's studio and stage work.
• Engaging, chronological narrative preserves the blues tone while remaining readable for nonacademics.
• Clear coverage of major collaborations highlights Bloomfield's role on landmark records such as Highway 61 Revisited and Super Session.

Cons

• The depth and documentary focus may feel dense for readers seeking a brief or heavily illustrated biography.

Specifications

Title	Guitar King: Michael Bloomfield's Life in the Blues
Author	David Dann
Format	MP3 CD Format
Subject	Biography / Blues musician
Coverage	Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Electric Flag, Super Session, studio work with Bob Dylan and film soundtracks
Research	Based on more than seventy interviews

Our Verdict

Guitar King is a definitive, well written biography that delivers exceptional value for readers who want a documentarystyle portrait of Michael Bloomfield. Its depth of research and clear chronological storytelling make it the go-to choice for musicians, historians, and committed blues fans who want to understand Bloomfield's artistic life and contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this focused on Bloomfield's recordings?
Yes. The book gives detailed accounts of studio sessions and landmark recordings throughout Bloomfield's career.

What format is the product?
The product is offered in MP3 CD format as noted in the product details.

Does the book include interviews?
Yes. Dann draws on more than seventy interviews with friends, relatives, and band members to reconstruct events.