Born in Chicago - Rick Danko & Paul Butterfield (79.10.12.1.J)

Paul Butterfield - Harmonica, Vocals
Rick Danko - Bass, Vocals
Blondie Chaplin - Guitar, Vocals
Rick Belke - Guitar
Tom Stevenson - Piano
Ron McRory - Drums
Terry Williams - Video Director
Thomas Lofstrom - Technical Director
Steve Ramsey - Camera

[@Waltzenfree]

Saw this set at Keystone Palo Alto, Bob Corona's Place just south of The City. What a night. Paul and Rick were livin' fast The music and the times were magic. They could have gone all night. I remember them doing this Punky song "Love You to Much". Man were those guys on.

[@JuniorSamplesUndead]

In the mid 80s, I snuck in the Keystone through the kitchen door to see Johnny Winter. I think I was 15.

[@vanceowen8174]

Hellva Band...Danko and the Man....

[@hankwilsonjr]

This is how you want to remember Butter!!

[@billkammerzell9082]

No Harp player was ever a great as Paul Butterfield.

[@markzelepugas6046]

BULLSHIT

[@candacemonette2769]

I was blessed to have grown up in San Francisco and even more so I had the privilege of seeing this amazing player. He had it all and It is some of my favorite memories ever. Thanks for the music Mr B. I love you still. Candie M. 7/20/23

[@JaxStone-fd3qx]

Greatest blues harp ever.

[@markzelepugas6046]

Not really he can play but there are cats that can outplay him in one note

[@clarkewi]

Nobody plays harp like Butterfield - a master.

[@gangoffour6690]

No, The Master !

[@johnscialfa7391]

agree

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

Aman

[@wilcorrigan2970]

Would be true if James Cotton never existed.

[@clarkewi]

@@wilcorrigan2970 Or Little Walter. Or Big Walter. But Butterfield was friends with all those guys in Chicago. He was their excellent student.

[@markschwartz3949]

That Sweet Butter Sound.Doesn't get any better

[@rhiwbob7793]

Categorisation is irrelevant where Paul Butterfield was concerned. It's like trying to bottle lightning. Thanks for this.

[@ron2shoes980]

Yeah, can't improve on that. Used to use his music to attract people to my booth on the fair circuit. They might not have been interested in what I was selling (jewelry and t-shirts) but time and again I watched them stop dead to listen to Butterfield. They were as entranced as I am.

[@joecebu2791]

@@ron2shoes980 Great memory

[@jeffholand3126]

The Master a few months before he died. R.I.P. FRIEND

[@tommystephenson5377]

I was playing with this band for two years. We had almost everyone that was in The Last Waltz join us while we were together. Richard Manuel as well as Levon, played with us during the two years of shows. Blondie Chaplin was a great addition to the band as well. You people who are saying something something regarding the tempo of this song, telling US to watch it..... well “Butter” started his songs..... not any of us!!! Remember, there were certain substances that were not too conducive for slower tempos, and that’s all the news that’s fit to print!!!

[@duckman531]

Was Richard a sad man? He was always so quiet, never really a part of rest of the members.

[@housemanproductions5870]

Maybe I should stop reading the comments on blues songs because it seems that every time some argument about whether it's blues or not breaks out. Then everyone starts bragging that they know what true blues is and saying that other people don't know shit about it. Artists like BB King love to collaborate and play with all types of players, blues or not. They don't worry about such trivial crap. Just enjoy the music.

[@Hairyblues]

+Houseman Productions The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits! And you know what?! I love the fruits too!!

[@jonnybeck6723]

Well... being a blues X-pert myself, I happen ta know just Eggs Ackley what the blues is are wuz etc., etcetera... Wanna buy an egg? cheers

[@housemanproductions5870]

+Hairyblues Well put! Music world needs more likeminded and open minded opinions

[@joecebu2791]

@@Hairyblues As long as you aren't a fruit! 😂

[@gangoffour6690]

Great quote I read once. “ I can’t tell you what the blues is but I know it when I feel it” ! Yeah.

[@keyjam9]

He has an inner metronome that is flawless.

[@congamc1]

I've been listening to Paul Butterfield since 1964 and all I have to say is never ever ever have I heard anyone play armonica like this he is just the most incredible I think Charlie Musselwhite is probably the closest that I can tag in his Arena for greatness. We miss you what else can I say there will never be another like you God bless you wherever you are

[@Waltzenfree]

I saw Mark Ford, when the Ford Brothers moved down to San Jose. I believe Mark was only 16, Robben Ford was 21. Mark was pretty damn hot. Robben was on fire.

[@ninacobella]

Yes miss Charlie musselehite saw both of them in berkely

[@scotty30300]

Wish he was still alive.

[@baliscotsurf]

gawd damn he could DRIVE a band. Rick is pumped at his musicianship..u can tell hes havin a blast

[@antoniodias4718]

Blondie Chaplin was a member of The Beach Boys for a short period, The Great Rick Danko was a founder member of The Band

[@RosehillJewelry]

Almost forgot how great this man was and seeing Blondie Chaplin as a youngster was a reminder that all of we oldsters are aging some of us better than others.

[@joecassano41]

This guy was totally off the charts

[@TCS_Aquatics]

"Gah damn it could he blow though! Man he could blow." ~Levon Helm on Paul Butterfield

[@DRFW1962]

Paul sings like he plays. He's not a great traditional singer but his phrasing is suberb. That's why the harp solos are so seamless and the gorgeous backline don't miss a step. But then that solo. Peerless. Switching from the chords to the off melody. Genius.

[@rodgarnay51]

Paul had some serious pipes too.

[@tacey505]

listen to all his albums and tell me about his lousy voice, he had a glorious vocal ability

[@laopan888]

Whatever a traditional singer is, Butter maybe wasn't-but he was a blues wailer of the first water, tore your heart right out of you.

[@SavantSvant]

Whatever are you talking about, don't think you know much about singing.

[@gabrieln3613]

Gorgeous backline? Did you miss Paul B. turn around ab out 5 times telling the drummer to slow the F. down? This version of Born in Chicago was break-neck speed and the drummer was playing it more like an upbeat Bluegrass Polka beat. Based on other comments it would appear your transmission to articulate observations about his singing are not connecting with others.......my guess since you don't seem to be criticizing directly. Anyway, my observations as a 48 year harmonica player who was full-time pro by age 20 and have worked with tons of pro Blues Musicians (including opening for Elvin Bishop one of his original guitar players) who would all say Paul Butterfield was a superb Blues vocalist.

[@gangoffour6690]

You don’t think about the blues, you just feel it man 👍🏼

[@heavynumbertaco]

the wonders of cocaine and alcohol.Man that was a hell of a time to be alive.Paul Butterfield's solo at Woodstock was the reason I became a harp player

[@rodgarnay51]

You must be referring to Everything's Gonna Be Alright.

[@Stevewatson3]

That’s a religious performance.

[@heavynumbertaco]

Absolutely. Pull it up and watch it. It’s perfect. San born in sax Buzz But Paul was incredible. And he never gets the props he should for what a great singer he was. Top ten best blues singers of all time. Right there with Muddy BB Johnny Winter Freddie King. He sung his ass off and influenced every harp player since Little Walter influenced him

[@bobberry5809]

danko is a madman! holy shit this is almost punk rock!

[@theresaheyer537]

fantastic..just wow...

[@user-cs8sx3fi1y]

Born in Chicago from Nick The 'Greek' Gravenites. RIP, Paul and Rick.

[@llee8325]

Nick still performs locally sometimes. Mid-80s, health isn't good.

[@rorybeavins6047]

What a show that must have been!

[@tyronejohnson7979]

REST IN POWER BRO...

[@pkotowski]

Wow this is incredible!

[@michaellunburg8567]

Paul was the greatest harp player in the history of the blues.

[@alcornwest]

Yes, and then, there's Jason Ricci. End of story - when it comes to Modern Blues.

[@justfelix6171]

White or not Paul Butterfield still plays fucking amazing blues harp.

[@Kinsale1333]

Actually, Paul believed that that honor was reserved for Little Walter Jacobs and/or Big Walter Horton.

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

I’m a Paul Butterfield fan from Australia

[@joego7924]

Alan Owl Wilson was pretty good too!

[@williammaurer9450]

Butter could bring it. He's way under appreciated, IMO. This is some of the best and 'early' killer white boy blues. Love it!!!

[@larrygeetar9309]

Sadly, both Butterfirld and Danko succumbed to their demons. Paul Butterfield Blues Band with Mike Bloomfield was the best blues band of all time. And we lost Bloomfield to HIS demons, too. It was the best of times, It was the worst of times ...

[@notsydbarrett]

It comes with the territory... Being on the road... Too much time with nothing to do... but there are lots of drugs and booze. It takes it's toll.

[@stanmillable]

Yes, that life. Hangin around, playing, drinking and drugging.

[@bradpipal]

Nick Gravenites, author: "Born In Chicago."

[@ronlukace9527]

Just to be with you

[@rodgarnay51]

A great singer in his own right, and if you've never heard Nick Gravenites' My Labors and More, you should. It features Bloomfield at his absolute best.

[@laurencecooper7476]

so cool

[@drumsleuth]

Blondie stand down and bow to the great Paul Butterfield .Paul could play any music not just blues and he had some great bands.RIP

[@rodgarnay51]

My favorite musician of all time.

[@littledebs58]

GREAT BLUES MUSIC FROM MY HOMETOWN!!!

[@walkintom502]

born in chicago 1271 hahah u got me ... anyway... i'm absolutely mindblown by this performance. words can't describe. really.

[@user-ww5bp5xg2h]

Thank you, it is brilliant, storming rock n roll, message from OLD GOLDEN AGE👍👍👍👍👍🥁🎸🎤Such a drive storming out there🌪🌪🌪

[@mikekaatman3194]

Musicians...not media puppets...glorious!!

[@happychildhood591]

Well said Mike, well said...!

[@buckminsterfuller7252]

One of my best musical memories was seeing these two guys play a small gig in the mid 80s as a duo. They were already two of my greatest musical heroes, and to see them in a small intimate setting with just one acoustic guitar and harmonica was awesome. Incidentally, they switched off a song or two with Butterfield playing guitar and Danko taking the harmonica. That was unexpected, but so cool.

[@mikekaatman3194]

You are a lucky man..damnn..

[@crispybacon5616]

Wow his harp style & passion amaze me.

[@harpguy6490]

Oh my god, THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!

[@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother]

The call, and response between Butter, and, Blondie is classic.

[@WolfSongStudio]

That just looks like WAY too much fun.

[@fredflintstone2958]

How did I never hear of these guys? I must have been livin' in a cave....I just stumbled on to them, today.

[@joecebu2791]

If you're younger, it's understood.

[@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother]

Keep digging. There's more.

[@christineblack4654]

holy crap that solo at 2:02??? OMG. and that ending? God I wish I could have seen this guy live.

[@TubeworksVideoChannel]

I saw him a few times with different groups he was always amazing.

[@randypotter7442]

Paul Butterfield was an awesome bluesman. I would rather concentrate on his body of work than focus on his demise. His body of work was stupendous. He lived the blues.

[@rodgarnay51]

One thing KZbin has shown lately has been the difference between Bloomfield and Butterfield as their careers headed downhill. Bloomfield's playing clearly declined, while Butterfield's didn't in the least. He was just usually surrounded by inferior musicians.

[@randypotter7442]

Totally agree. I wish that I had picked up a copy of Butter's last album when I worked for Record Theatre. His last album was on Amherst Records which was part of Record Theatre. Bloomfield 's playing on a Country Joe McDonald album (released in the early 90's on Fantasy, I think) was pretty good though. Wish that they were still around nevertherless. Thanks ! Randy

[@butterfielddocumentary6262]

You might be interested in knowing there's a Butterfield doc premiering soon: Horn from the Heart: The Paul Butterfield Story. Find us on Facebook & Twitter @ButterfieldDoc or at www.hornfromtheheart.com ❤️

[@rodgarnay51]

By all means folks, please go see this movie. It is powerful and does a great job of documenting Paul's brilliance, influence on music, and his decline. The interviews are great. It is an extremely well-done movie. I'm so grateful the producers made a movie of this caliber about my greatest musical hero.

[@johnosborne2989]

Two legends. ❤❤❤

[@dacethejackofhearts7209]

Two absolute legends! RIP

[@trompel1]

3

[@MrIdowindows]

Yea baby...............roll it out!

[@chbartle]

That is some blazing harp. Total command, incredible tone. Wow.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Chris Bartle Best part when he starts solo guitar player with dudefro watch his facial expressions when Butters lets loose and starts rippin..He's thinkin HOLY SHIT THIS MUST BE HOW OLD FRIEND MIKE BLOOMFIELD FELT BACK IN DAY

[@leighcecil3322]

Now that's a band... 😲 Wow ... they don't make music like that anymore..👍

[@MaryGerdt]

Fantastic!

[@gorblimey61]

Smokin'

[@TTZN28G]

ポール・バタフィールドがまだまだ全盛期の時代の映像が観れて光栄です

[@brotzmannsax]

Butter was best blues harp ever.

[@rickkane7913]

Saw him 7 band in the early mid 80's in St. Paul. Learned more about the the blues in that one night than any other year. John Mayall, don't hate me!

[@williamgoldberg9527]

This is Chicago Blues. No argument.

[@LuvBlues64]

He's up there with the best harp players!!!!

[@rodgarnay51]

No he's not. He's WAY above all of them.

[@LuvBlues64]

Jonathan Garner.Judging by this video, I have to agree,he was on top form here!!!

[@ER-me1ii]

LuvBlues64 I hate whose the best arguments but I won't argue when someone says "Butter is best".

[@rodgarnay51]

Thanks. I do have a little Butterfield bias because it was Paul who got me interested in music in the first place. I modeled my harp approach after his (not trying to say I was in his galaxy), and he provided the band that remains my all-time favorite, especially live.

[@ER-me1ii]

Jonathan Garner I'm a rank amateur player but I do recognize greatness. He was my doorway to the blues.

[@gangoffour6690]

The greatest 👍🏼

[@jaysewall1]

Pure dynamite! Butterfield's sound, soul, vocals and energy-no one better yet. And he can play very selectively and still sound like the best harp player there ever was!

[@rodgarnay51]

In my opinion, Paul wasn't a harmonica player per se. He was a virtuoso musician who happened to play harmonica.

[@zogger5281]

Superb!

[@despinaluigini7991]

IMPRESSIONANTE !!!!

[@GlenMcBrideglenwez]

two magic men!!!!

[@sixstrings1490]

This guy (Paul) influenced me to learn Blues Harmonica, back in 1964, (yes I am old) and "Born in Chicago" is a song we played in my band, "The Houserockers" I think I still play good harmonica, but focus more on Lead Guitar. I realise these comments below are not exactly 'recent' but the Vid gave me a well needed kick in the butt to do more practice (Guitar and harmonica) That's my new year Resolution !

[@jeffholand3126]

Paul died a couple of months after this he was supposed to get back on tour for Ron Delsner but it never happened he played one more time with the Blues greats B.B.King etc you can see that on KZbin then he hooked up with Rick Danko and started playing small venues this is one and the Rythm of his heart stopped but the Rythm of his Blues will go on forever. R.I.P

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

please stop putting false information up and get your dates right or remove your comments kindly 😏

[@JeffGerber]

He died in 87.

[@laurencecooper7476]

awesome

[@emanuelestella5155]

Il migliore di tutti ok?

[@vitobarzuk4983]

Awesome!

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

Although Butter doesn't look too happy about the tempo upfront, this is one of the best performances I've ever seen!

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Dominique M Hi hon he was fine..He always had major interaction with people he played with..Some thought he was asshole to bandmembers but the truth is while his addictions got the better of him he was real down to earth nice guy..But what confuses some people is when he played it was with such intensity that it threw many off..😎😎

[@laureldowns1368]

Great, intense musicians are Always perfectionistic, which almost always gets interpreted by artistic slackers as being an asshole, when what the real musician wants is for the music to be meaningful and right and true and explorative.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Belshnickel Jones correct..Paul knew how to drive a band..He played with such intenseness in 70s he wound up in hospital doing some damage on the insides from such playing.. here though this 79 was Coke and plenty of it..

[@laureldowns1368]

I heard Paul's alpha male ways drove Bloomfield out of the band, which if true is a real shame, because those guys were really jelling and making breakthroughs musically at that time, imo. I think I remember Bloomfield saying Paul learned to be a hard ass from hanging out with Little Walter. All I know is that when I met him, he was a very nice, gracious guy.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Belshnickel Jones No..Drugs drove them both apart.. Paul came from the Chicago streets Mike came more from afluent area. There were clashes of egos but drugs were the biggest cause

[@rondesantis8618]

My Man!

[@robertosoggetti9167]

Oh my god......

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

Amazing how Paul can take a little harmonica and make it sound like a Les Paul blasting through and Marshall stack.

[@timmerw1963]

Awesome Ripper bass....

[@ladyspirit3364]

I still have a couple of Paul Butterfield Blues Band albums. Just an FYI... I went to school with Tom Stevenson (pianist) and his cousin Stanley Sheldon (bass player with Peter Frampton and others) both outstanding musicians !!!! This is a great rendition :)

[@playtimehulot7383]

The TONE!!!! WOOOOOOOWWWW!

[@daverenick4782]

never heard him do this one so manic

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

cocaine baby

[@jkajje2945]

amazing hope to meet you on the other side

[@rodgarnay51]

Sad to see the great Butterfield with those posers behind him. He is just tearin' it up. I sure wish I still had that mike. The Astatics and the other ones I've used since mine was stolen just don't cut like that Butterfield high-impedance, unidirectional Shure mike. Only mine had a ball - Paul is more often seen using this model that doesn't have one. Coupled with his unmatched talent, that's where he gets that incredibly powerful sound that allows his vibrato to shine through.

[@tylersorg4586]

Jonathan Garner Rick Danko is there..

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

posers are some names you can Google Rick Danko Blondie Chapman

[@yannfernandes1]

02:42 - Rick best moment

[@habbernack6196]

Paul Butterfield , mike Bloomfield and Elvin bishop

[@robertwatson7040]

Music categories were inverted by the record companies as a place to file records in stores. The improvisation used by great players is pure jazz... a direct line to the source, they are but conduits! Whether wants to call it Blues, R&B or rock-n-roll... it's just a label.

[@jamesmaddock259]

Best everrrrr!!

[@gerardpardon7985]

The best is Pete McMahon of the group The Kingsnakes from the city of Syracuse , New York .

[@Waltzenfree]

​​@@gerardpardon7985 Banjo? Really?

[@robertswanson8511]

Butter was not 0ne of the best...he is the best.Saw him at Live at Troubador with mike bloomfield and band. Around trhe time of their East West release. We were stoned ..yes..but THE BEST MUSIC IN MY MEMORY.

[@tarrera2005]

34 years ago...

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

Rip Paul and Rick

[@okrajoe]

Rules are alright, if there's someone left to play the game.

[@mikekaatman3194]

This is what you should find next to performance in the dictionary!

[@walkintom502]

born in chicago 2071 !

[@anotherjoshua]

holy crap

[@oHelmslyoRisesAgain]

interestingly he was actually born at the very end of 1942. and the guy who wrote it was born in 1939.

[@marjoryrainey287]

41 rhymes with gun!

[@karenjohnson5324]

A documentary came out about Paul Butterfield last year. It didn’t make it to my town. Did anyone see it??

[@professormacdeezy]

yes Horn From the Heart. It is awesome. I saw a special showing in LA and his son and the director were both there answering questions. It was great and more people should know about him

[@InAWorldOfMakeBeliev]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ninacobella]

Damn 😮😊

[@fhaedra]

Yes, that's it.

[@careypalmquist6118]

HIGH ENERGY!!

[@Bluesgerd47]

@BLUESMANRONCHICAGO Seems you did not realize that it´s Rick playing the bass.

[@angelgeaninicurto560]

Unas clases de harmónica bluesera.

[@jkajje2945]

WOW

[@Bluestomiv]

@buchananstreet you can't compare butterfield to those other guys he played harp much differently he had a techinque that was unlike any other and his throat vibrato is amazing. just because you play fast dosen't mean your bad. anyways go look up his cover of blues with a feeling or last night to slow song that he does an amazing job on.

[@rodgarnay51]

Don't forget One More Heartache or Driftin' and Driftin'. Unamplified masterpiece solos on both.

[@keithwelch9351]

Greek Blues

[@janeharper9329]

wow

[@MrMusicguyma]

Butter may have wanted another drummer on this show, but he should have worked wih the one he had that night, or else hire Sam Lay. His constant negative feedback loop looking back shaking his head and shouting was a distraction, not a remedy. Regardless of whether he thought the drummer was cutting it or not, Paul's act would make for tension on a live gig, not helping to inspire bandmates or the audience. Self-indulgent bush league play IMHO. On the bright side, Rick Belke was again impressive, and not at all intimidated by Paul, who was, after all, a great harp player and soulful singer.