The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, California – February 4–20, 1966
Electric blues ignites the sunset strip
In February 1966, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band brought their electrifying Chicago blues sound to the heart of West Hollywood with a two-week residency at the iconic Whisky a Go Go. Fresh off the release of their debut album, the band—featuring Paul Butterfield on harmonica and vocals, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop on guitars, Mark Naftalin on keyboards, Jerome Arnold on bass, and Billy Davenport on drums—delivered high-energy performances that captivated audiences and solidified their reputation as trailblazers in the blues-rock genre.
The intimate setting of the Whisky a Go Go allowed the band to connect deeply with their audience, showcasing their improvisational prowess and dynamic interplay. Their performances during this residency were instrumental in introducing the raw power of Chicago blues to the West Coast, influencing a generation of musicians and fans alike.
Historical Significance and Context (1996)
Bridging Musical Worlds:
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was among the first racially integrated bands in the United States, breaking barriers in the music industry. Their fusion of traditional blues with rock elements played a pivotal role in bringing blues music to a broader, more diverse audience.
Catalyst for the Blues Revival:
Their performances at the Whisky a Go Go contributed significantly to the 1960s blues revival, inspiring countless musicians and helping to lay the groundwork for the burgeoning psychedelic rock movement. Their innovative approach to blues music highlighted its versatility and relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Artwork Details
Framed: Yes
Frame Size: 485×605×20mm
Print Size: 305×460mm
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, California – February 4–20, 1966
Electric blues ignites the sunset strip
In February 1966, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band brought their electrifying Chicago blues sound to the heart of West Hollywood with a two-week residency at the iconic Whisky a Go Go. Fresh off the release of their debut album, the band—featuring Paul Butterfield on harmonica and vocals, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop on guitars, Mark Naftalin on keyboards, Jerome Arnold on bass, and Billy Davenport on drums—delivered high-energy performances that captivated audiences and solidified their reputation as trailblazers in the blues-rock genre.
The intimate setting of the Whisky a Go Go allowed the band to connect deeply with their audience, showcasing their improvisational prowess and dynamic interplay. Their performances during this residency were instrumental in introducing the raw power of Chicago blues to the West Coast, influencing a generation of musicians and fans alike.
Historical Significance and Context (1996)
Bridging Musical Worlds:
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was among the first racially integrated bands in the United States, breaking barriers in the music industry. Their fusion of traditional blues with rock elements played a pivotal role in bringing blues music to a broader, more diverse audience.
Catalyst for the Blues Revival:
Their performances at the Whisky a Go Go contributed significantly to the 1960s blues revival, inspiring countless musicians and helping to lay the groundwork for the burgeoning psychedelic rock movement. Their innovative approach to blues music highlighted its versatility and relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Artwork Details
Framed: Yes
Frame Size: 485×605×20mm
Print Size: 305×460mm