ELECTRIC FLAG --Best of the Electric Flag (1967 POST PAUL BUTTERFIELD- CD
FLOATING WORLDThe short-lived but successful Electric Flag was formed in 1967 by guitarist Mike Bloomfield after he'd left The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, ostensibly to give original guitarist Elvin Bishop, in Mike's words, "A little space." Undoubtedly he had also become uncomfortable with Paul Butterfield's position as bandleader and was anxious to lead his own band. When Bloomfield left, he brought vocalist Nick Gravenites with him. The rest of the original group was a collection of seasoned professionals from some of America's most successful bands. Drummer Buddy Miles had done session work with Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, bassist Harvey Brooks had been with Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Judy Collins. Keyboard player Barry Goldberg had previously played with Steve Miller and Mitch Ryder, Peter Strazza on tenor saxophone had also played for Miller. Trumpeter Marcus Doubleday had backed The Drifters, Jan And Dean as well as Bobby Vinton. Herbie Rich, a well seasoned session man, completed the ensemble on baritone sax .