The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

This self-titled debut appeared in 1965, not long after some members of the band backed up Bob Dylan on his famous electric Newport Jazz Festival show. This, though, is pure Chicago blues, played by an interracial band featuring Butterfield on vocals and harp - one of the better white players to ever pick up the instrument (along with Magic Dick of the J.Geils Band) - Elvin Bishop and Mike Bloomfield on guitars, Jerome Arnold booming the bass, Sam Lay pounding the drums and Mark Naftalin on keys.

While most of the tunes are covers (or their adaptations of other songs) these cats still inject a wild passion and intensity to the proceedings and show their respect for their influences without overtly and slavishly copying them.

This is a damn solid rockin' blues album, filled with excellent playing and pure coolness. I know that many people say that their record East West is their best, but I frankly prefer the sounds included here. Get it and hear how good the blues can make you feel!