Customer Reviews

Better Days

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most of those who will read this are already aware of the late Paul Butterfield's ability on harp,vocals,and band-leading, but perhaps some don't know as much about the other band members: Amos Garrett is a true wizard-guitarist, bending and sliding multiple strings into perfectly in-tune moving chords ,(usually only playable by two guitarists together), without devices. . Some readers will better remember him as the solist on 'Midnight At The Oasis' by Maria Muldaur,(formerly married to Jeff).The late Ronnie Barron, on piano and vocals, was a contemporary of Mac Rebenak,(Dr.John). There's a legend that Mac originally was going produce Ronnie as Doctor John,before deciding to do it himself. The truth of this rumor doesn't matter, what does is how believable it is after hearing Ronnie Barron. Chris Parker has been a major session drummer ever since this recording, perhaps best known from the 'Saturday Night Live' band. With all of their individual talent, they play as a cohesive unit, musically, more so than the original band, (which depended more on hot solos).

This album sounds as good today as when it came out 25 yrs ago.I always thought Paul was a step ahead of everyone else, perhaps a musician's musician. Better Days stands out for me as one of his better works; it's still movin' and groovin'

This is one of my most favorite non-acoustic blues albums ever. The cover of Walkin' Blues is such a rocker! Amos Garret's guitar playing is unique. But the real treat is Butterfield's harp playing. I've always thought he belonged to the Count Basie school of playing: you don't need to play so many notes if you know exactly the right notes to play. I just wish that the CD came with that big harmonica poster that came in the album. An ex-girlfriend got that years ago.

Yes, I'm old enough to call it an album, as I do own the LP that I bought in the 70's, but too many parties and it isn't in the same pristine condition it was 30 years ago. Butterfield rocks and this is the album with my favorite PB tune, Buried Alive in the Blues. Really worth a few late night listens....

This album is a Japanese Reissue CD. We should be thankful that the Japanese realize what the best American music is/was as this is among the greatest blues or popular music records ever released. It is one of my own top ten non-classical albums of all time.

Better Days was Butterfield's highest quality band. At this point, he had refined his sound from the mid-60s Bloomfield era (which is the period most listeners identify him with).

On Better Days, all of the musicians are first rate session people. For example, Amos Garrett is widely recognized as one of the most talented guitarists ever to pick up a Telecaster.

The tunes are varied, Bearsville production and engineering is nonpareil.

Although the entire album is incredible, "Walkin Blues, Send Me Someone to Love, Highway 28, Done Alot of Wrong Things" particularly stand out.

Highest recommendation for blues.

As a harp player, Paul Butterfield's approach to harp here is still the most phenomenal and enjoyable harmonica ever recorded. I love the slower, tonally intricate work on "Nobody's Fault But Mine". It is powerful but intimate at the same time and was a huge inspiration for my MUCH more modest efforts on the instrument. In addition, the work of Amos Garrett and the others here is awesome. Certainly one of my top ten recordings, possibly top five.

Every track on this CD is an absolute gem. I'm a completist by nature and have every Paul Butterfield release. This is by far my favorite.

I've had this recording before, but it was stolen. I had to buy it again. Paul Butterfield is a great harmonica player, and this CD shows his talent. The recording is smooth and the band is great on this one. A must have for blues or harmonica enthusiast. Trivia Note: Paul had the glossy picture for the harmonica on the CD cover attached to the inside of his harmonica case.

Paul Butterfield has always done a great job; bought this new in LP in 70's, some cleaning scag stole it in 90's; worth spending twice for it

I have this in vinyl, almost wore the darn thing out back in the day. Recently purchased the cd so I can listen in my car. Every track is wonderful, but my favorite is Buried Alive in the Blues. They don't make music like this anymore.