B.O.Bee-Bee.YSimutaneously and seemingly effortlessly parlaying regret and late-night-speakeasy desire, Bobby Bland's trademark gutteral gargle was straight from the church -- influenced by Aretha's father Rev C.L Franklin. He called it 'the squall'.
Bobby did many sides for Duke, this tune, released in 1964 was his highest charter but to me, the best album is Two Steps From the Blues from 1961 -- incredible cover art too, he is literally standing at the foot of two steps, the album title kinda sums up where he was at too -- not quite straight blues, horn-driven but not quite straight soul, something in-between.
There's a Memphis walk of fame music note in the footpath dedicated to him on Beale Street right near Furry Lewis's, but before you tread that well-worn path to pay respect, try and go see him play, though a little weathered, 'the squall' is still intact. I saw him play in London once with Irma Thomas. Amazing!
Bobby Bland - Ain't Nothing You Can Do
Bobby Bland - Ain't Nothing You Can Do
2 comments:
C-L-A-S-S! Just picked up a copy o'this mighty waxing in Memphis, it's heading fer the jukebox!
You can't go wrong with the first seven or eight Bland LPs, up to and including Touch of the Blues, which was produced by Andre Williams and only features 50% killers...
Joss
Yep, I'm with you on every count. Bobby Blue Bland is my main man. Gotta say, Boonge - this blog is the shiznit. I'm lovin' it to death. This is Jason Walker signing off as .... tha J Dogg
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