Mike Bloomfield's fearless guitar shines on boxed set released today

When you're talking about amazing guitarists who've passed away before achieving the widespread acclaim they deserve, Mike Bloomfield's right up there.

But a four-disc boxed set released today on Sony's Legacy Recordings imprint should help get the word out on the mindblowing blues player.

Here's the promotional bumph:

Produced and curated by Al Kooper (who played with Mike Bloomfield on Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited sessions in 1965 and the Super Session album in 1968), From His Head to His Heart to His Hands premieres a wealth of previously unreleased tracks--including Bloomfield's first demos for John Hammond Sr. in 1964 and his final public performance, climaxing with a track from the 1980 Bob Dylan concert in San Francisco--alongside essential key recordings, both live and studio, from his all-too-brief life and career. The anthology collates solo material, work with ensembles including the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the Electric Flag, tracks with Muddy Waters and Janis Joplin, "Highway 61" band outtakes and more.

A thoughtful and revealing retrospective, From His Head to His Heart to His Hands provides a fresh appreciation for the enduring musical achievements and ongoing influence of Michael Bloomfield, a musician's musician, both sideman and superstar. The box includes a 40-page booklet featuring a gallery of striking photos covering the various phases of Mike's extraordinary career and extensive liner notes by musician, MOJO contributor, and lifelong Bloomfield fan Michael Simmons.

From His Head to His Heart to His Hands comes highly recommended to any and all guitar freaks unfamiliar with the genius of Mike Bloomfield.

And that would go double for the doorknobs down at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who haven't yet seen fit to nominate the Chicago-born picker, who died of a drug overdose in 1981 at the age of 37.

But don't take my word for it. Listen to what these guys think.

CD1 - ROOTS

1. I'm a Country Boy 2:45*
2. Judge, Judge 2:03*
3. Hammond's Rag 2:09*
4. I've Got You in the Palm of My Hand 2:26
5. I've Got My Mojo Workin' 2:36
6. Like a Rolling Stone (Instrumental) 6:35* - performed by Bob Dylan
7. Tombstone Blues (Alternate Chambers Brothers Version) 5:58* - performed by Bob Dylan
8. Michael Speaks About Paul Butterfield 0:39
9. Born in Chicago 3:05 - performed by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
10. Blues with a Feeling 4:23 - performed by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
11. East-West 13:12 - performed by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
12. Killing Floor 3:51 - performed by The Electric Flag
13. Texas 4:47 - performed by The Electric Flag
14. Susie's Shuffle (Live Jam) 3:42* - performed by The Electric Flag
15. Just a Little Something (Live) 3:22* - performed by The Electric Flag
16. Easy Rider 0:47 - performed by The Electric Flag

CD2 - JAMS

1. Albert's Shuffle 6:55
2. Stop 4:17
3. His Holy Modal Majesty 7:17
4. Opening Speech (Live) 1:23
5. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy) (Live) Hybrid Edit 5:39*
6. Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong (Live) 7:49
7. Santana Clause (Live) 4:41*
8. The Weight (Live) 4:08
9. Opening Speech (Live) 1:27
10. One Way Out (Live) 4:17
11. Her Holy Modal Highness (Live) 6:09
12. Fat Grey Cloud (Live) 4:30
13. Mary Ann (Live) 5:19
14. That's All Right (Live) 3:42

CD3 - LAST LICKS

1. I'm Glad I'm Jewish (Live) 3:15
2. Men's Room - Spoken Word Segment from McCabe's (Live) 0:51
3. Don't You Lie to Me (Live) 3:09
4. Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had (Live) 3:04 - performed by Muddy Waters
5. Gypsy Good Time (Live) 4:29
6. One Good Man 4:02 - performed by Janis Joplin
7. It's About Time (Live) 5:15
8. Carmelita Skiffle (Live) 2:53
9. Darktown Strutters Ball (Live) 3:56
10. Don't Think About It Baby 3:31
11. Jockey Blues/Old Folks Boogie (Live) 3:15
12. A-Flat Boogaloo (Live) 3:55
13. Glamour Girl (Live) 8:02*
14. Spoken Intro - Bob Dylan (Live) 2:02*
15. The Groom's Still Waiting at the Altar (Live) 5:50* - performed by Bob Dylan
16. Hymn Time (Live Excerpt) 1:53

DVD - SWEET BLUES: A FILM ABOUT MIKE BLOOMFIELD

A Ravin' Film. Directed by Bob Sarles. Produced and Edited by Bob Sarles and Christina Keating. Director of photography: Ted Leyhe. Producers: Ted Leyhe, Larry Milburn & Bruce Schmiechen.

*Previously Unreleased