Mike Bloomfield

Once in a while, the thumb that fits over the neck of the guitar kinda bothers me a little bit, but not that much yet. I figure in time I won’t do much because of my age.

I’m famous… ain’t that a bitch?

I think I love it more as I get older because I keep getting better on drums, vibes and piano.

You should never be comfortable, man. Being comfortable fouled up a lot of musicians.

When it comes to music, don’t lie to yourself; just tell yourself the truth.

Playing the guitar is like telling the truth – you never have to worry about repeating the same [lie] if you told the truth. You don’t have to pretend, or cover up. If someone asks you again, you don’t have to think about it or worry about it because there it is. It’s you.

I’ve studied all my musical life, but learning is only good if you do something constructive with it.

I like what I hear other guys doing, but the thing that really attracts me is melodic playing.

Especially, I want my work-and the trios if possible-to sing.

The emotional reaction is all that matters.

I am inclined to just write music and not worry about what people can or can’t do.

I call myself a blues singer, but you ain’t never heard me call myself a blues guitar man.

I felt like I was making a record under the radar, and that is my favorite way to do anything.

My wife Martha used to call me Ol’ Lemon Face because of my facial contortions when I play Lucille. I squeeze my eyes and open my mouth, raise my eyebrows, cock my head and God knows what else. I look like I’m in torture, when in truth, I’m in ecstasy. I don’t do it for show. Every fiber of my being is tingling.

Back in college, when I got kicked out of school, I was still in school, I’d just written the song that got me my record deal. If I hadn’t gotten kicked out of school I wouldn’t be where I am now. Three months after that, I got my record deal and the rest is history.