Paul Butterfield’s Shake Your Money Maker is widely regarded as one of the all-time great blues albums. Released in 1965, it showcased Butterfield’s incredible harmonica skills and his ability to blend traditional blues with a more modern sound. Here are several reasons why this album continues to be a timeless classic in the blues genre.

1. Butterfield’s Incredible Harmonica Playing

One of the main reasons Shake Your Money Maker is held in such high regard is Paul Butterfield’s exceptional harmonica playing. His soulful and expressive sound on the harmonica brought a new level of emotion to the blues. Butterfield’s ability to create intricate melodies and powerful solos on the harmonica is unparalleled, and it is on full display throughout the album.

Butterfield’s harmonica skills were influenced by blues greats like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. He took their techniques and added his own unique style to create a sound that was distinctly his own. The way he bends notes and breathes life into each blues riff is truly breathtaking.

2. The Fusion of Blues and Rock

Shake Your Money Maker also stands out for its fusion of blues and rock. At the time of its release, rock music was gaining popularity, but many rock bands drew heavily from blues influences. Butterfield took this trend a step further by infusing his blues sound with elements of rock, creating a fresh and exciting combination.

The album’s title track, “Shake Your Money Maker,” is a prime example of this fusion. It combines the traditional blues sound with a more upbeat and energetic rock rhythm, giving it a unique and infectious groove. This fusion of genres helped to introduce blues music to a whole new audience and played a significant role in popularizing the genre.

3. The Strong Lineup of Musicians

Shake Your Money Maker features a strong lineup of musicians who helped to bring Butterfield’s vision to life. The album includes the legendary Mike Bloomfield on guitar, Elvin Bishop on second guitar, Mark Naftalin on keyboards, and Jerome Arnold and Sam Lay on bass and drums, respectively. Each musician brings their own skills and style to the album, creating a cohesive and powerful sound.

Bloomfield’s guitar playing is particularly noteworthy, with his blistering solos and unique tone adding an extra layer of excitement to the songs. The chemistry between Butterfield and Bloomfield is undeniable, and their musical partnership shines throughout the album.

4. The Authenticity of the Blues Sound

Shake Your Money Maker captures the essence of the blues with its authentic sound. Butterfield and his band remained faithful to the roots of the blues while also infusing it with their own modern twist. The album’s raw and gritty production, combined with the passionate performances, creates a powerful and emotive listening experience.

By staying true to the blues tradition, Shake Your Money Maker resonates with blues purists while also appealing to a wider audience. It is a testament to the timeless quality of the blues and its ability to connect with people on a deep and emotional level.

5. The Influence on Future Musicians

Shake Your Money Maker’s impact extends far beyond its initial release. The album has served as a source of inspiration for countless musicians who have followed in Paul Butterfield’s footsteps. His innovative harmonica style and the fusion of blues and rock showcased on the album have influenced generations of guitarists, harmonica players, and blues musicians.

Artists like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bonnie Raitt have all cited Shake Your Money Maker as a major influence on their musical journeys. The album’s impact can still be heard in the blues music being created today, making it a true classic that continues to shape the genre.

6. The Timeless Themes

Shake Your Money Maker explores timeless themes that resonate with listeners across generations. Songs like “Born in Chicago” and “Mellow Down Easy” touch on themes of struggle, love, and the human experience. These themes are at the core of the blues genre and have the power to connect with listeners on a deep level.

Butterfield’s lyrics are honest and relatable, making the songs feel personal and authentic. The stories he tells through his music transcend time and continue to speak to people today. The album’s ability to evoke emotion and tell compelling stories is another reason why it remains a beloved blues classic.

7. The Album’s Historical Significance

Shake Your Money Maker holds significant historical importance within the blues genre. It was one of the first albums to successfully blend blues and rock, paving the way for future artists to explore new musical territory. The album helped to bridge the gap between blues traditionalists and the emerging rock scene, making blues music more accessible to a wider audience.

Additionally, Shake Your Money Maker played a pivotal role in popularizing the blues revival of the 1960s. Alongside albums by other blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, Butterfield’s album reintroduced the blues to a new generation and helped revive interest in the genre.

8. The Album’s Enduring Popularity

Despite being over five decades old, Shake Your Money Maker has retained its popularity and continues to attract new listeners. The album’s timeless sound and the passion behind Butterfield’s performances make it just as captivating today as it was upon its release. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact the album has had on the blues genre.

9. The Exceptional Song Selection

Shake Your Money Maker features a selection of exceptional songs that showcase the breadth and depth of Butterfield’s talent. From the energetic and catchy title track to the soulful “Blues with a Feeling,” each song on the album contributes to the overall masterpiece. The song selection demonstrates the range of emotions and musical styles that can be found within the blues genre.

Butterfield’s ability to choose and interpret songs with such skill is a testament to his understanding of the blues and his ability to connect with the material. The album’s songs continue to captivate audiences with their timeless appeal and expertly crafted performances.

10. The Album’s Lasting Legacy

Shake Your Money Maker’s lasting legacy is undeniable. It remains a benchmark for blues albums and a touchstone for artists seeking to capture the essence of the genre. The album’s influence can be heard in the work of contemporary blues musicians, ensuring that Butterfield’s legacy continues to live on.

Shake Your Money Maker remains a blues classic not only because of its exceptional musicianship and fusion of genres, but also because of its ability to connect with listeners on a deep and emotional level. It stands as a testament to the power and relevance of the blues, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was Shake Your Money Maker Paul Butterfield’s debut album?

No, Shake Your Money Maker was not Paul Butterfield’s debut album. It was his second album with his band, The Butterfield Blues Band. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1965, also received critical acclaim and helped to establish Butterfield as a rising star in the blues scene.

2. Did Shake Your Money Maker achieve commercial success?

While Shake Your Money Maker didn’t achieve massive commercial success upon its release, it was well-received by critics and has since gained recognition as a blues classic. The album reached number 123 on the Billboard 200 chart and has gone on to influence countless musicians in the years since its release.

3. How did Shake Your Money Maker impact Paul Butterfield’s career?

Shake Your Money Maker solidified Paul Butterfield’s status as a key figure in the blues genre. The album’s critical success helped to expand his fanbase and led to further opportunities for touring and recording. Butterfield went on to release several more albums throughout his career, but Shake Your Money Maker remains one of his most beloved and influential works.

References

1. Butterfield Blues Band, Paul Butterfield’s Better Days, Paul Butterfield on AllMusic

2. Paul Butterfield Biography on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

3. Shake Your Money Maker on Discogs