It's a shame that
Michael Bloomfield's recorded legacy is so spotty. Generally speaking, the blues guitarist's finest moments are found on the universally praised first two discs with
Paul Butterfield,
the Electric Flag's
A Long Time Comin' album, and the sporadic glimpses of greatness on his solo records. Unfortunately, there aren't many of those on
It's Not Killing Me,
Bloomfield's first solo LP released under his name in 1969. The main problem with this album is its lack of a powerful vocalist who could equally tackle blues, soul, and country. Singing was not one of the legendary guitarist's strengths, and he definitely wasn't capable of carrying that load over an entire record. Instead of focusing on
Bloomfield's guitar prowess and letting him arrange the American music he obviously loved so deeply, you get the impression someone at Columbia, or maybe even
Bloomfield himself, wanted to turn him into a hip frontman à la
Eric Clapton. It's especially odd considering the presence of blues belter
Nick Gravenites singing backup on this session, not to mention additional vocals by
the Ace of Cups and Diane Tribuno. It makes about as much sense as
Led Zeppelin having
Jimmy Page sing lead while
Robert Plant played tambourine!
It's Not Killing Me is recommended for completists only. ~ Al Campbell