Mike was the direct link between Chicago Blues and rock and roll, and one of the most complex and fascinating persons I've ever met. As a self-described "16-year-old fat Jewish kid," he cut his teeth in South Chicago blues clubs with the likes of Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, and Little Walter. As a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the mid '60s, Bloomers had a profound effect on a generation of young rock guitarists with his extended soloing and choice of guitars. He was also the most amazing blues scholar I've ever encountered. He could describe, analyze, and play the style of any blues guitarist you could name. I caught him living his blues between takes in a San Francisco recording studio.
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