Introduction
"Put It in Your Ear" is a 1976 album by the legendary American blues musician, Paul Butterfield. Launched by Bearsville Records, this was Butterfield's 5th studio album and marked a substantial departure from the sound that he had actually ended up being known for in the 1960s, as part of the extremely influential "Paul Butterfield Blues Band". Although "Put It in Your Ear" was met mixed evaluations by critics, the album remains an intriguing display of Butterfield's ever-evolving musical design and a testimony to his unlimited potential and scope as an artist.
Background and Production
Following the dissolution of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 1971, Butterfield shifted his focus to producing music as a solo artist. His first three solo albums, "Paul Butterfield's Better Days", "Sometimes I Just Feel Like Smilin'" and "Golden Butter: The Best of the Butterfield Blues Band", all fared reasonably well. Nevertheless, by the time "Put It in Your Ear" was released, Butterfield's career had actually begun to lose momentum as audiences struggled to accept his brand-new musical instructions.
"Put It in Your Ear" was produced by guitar player Henry Glover, who had previously worked with blues innovators such as Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. Glover, an accomplished R&B manufacturer, motivated Butterfield to push the limits of conventional blues and experiment with new sounds and designs. As an outcome, the album's ten tracks draw from a plethora of different genres, including funk, jazz, rock, and reggae.
Album Composition and Style
"Put It in Your Ear" opens with "You Can Run however You Can't Hide", a powerful track that features a gripping wah-wah guitar and a scorching harmonica solo by Butterfield. The album's second track, "The Animal Walk", is a seductive funk number that showcases Butterfield's distinct singing stylings.
Among the album's highlights, "Highway 28", is an emotional, horn-driven tribute to the roads and highways of America. The song features poignant lyrics about longing and escape, delivered with Butterfield's unique vocal tone. "Highway 28" is followed by "Keep Your Hands Out of My Pocket", which is a cover of a Sonny Boy Williamson II classic. Paul Butterfield pays homage to the tune's roots by directing the raw, earthy spirit of the original recording.
The album's closing track, "Take Me to the River", is a rendition of Al Green's song and showcases the powerful, emotional quality of Butterfield's voice over a reggae-tinged rhythm. Although slammed by some for its experimentation, "Put It in Your Ear" consists of minutes of undeniable radiance that mean the far-reaching capacity of Butterfield as a musician.
Reception and Legacy
"Put It in Your Ear" received combined evaluations from critics, who frequently regreted the departure from his classic blues sound. Some fans lamented the loss of the rawer, more standard blues that had made The Paul Butterfield Blues Band popular. Others, however, appreciated the risk-taking and versatility displayed on the album.
Eventually, "Put It in Your Ear" might not have actually gotten the prevalent praise that a few of Butterfield's previous work had garnered, but it remains an essential piece of his discography, highlighting his development as an artist and his determination to check out brand-new musical terrain. As time has passed, the album has amassed a more pleased audience, with fans and critics alike recognizing its speculative significance within the context of Paul Butterfield's storied profession.
Artist: Paul Butterfield
Paul Butterfield. Born December 17, 1942 in Chicago, founder of the legendary Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Explore his journey, passion & influence on contemporary blues with famous quotes.
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