No comments about The Great.

5 comments about Two Steps from the Blues.

1. This wonderful collection of Bobby "Blue" Bland singles proves that, at his best, Mr. Bland was on par with greats such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. "Little Boy Blue" is, for me, his signature tune, complete with Gospel-inflected howls that are far from being religiously pure in the eyes of Christianity. Robert Plant would attempt to replicate the same fury and sexuality on "Whole Lotta Love" in 1969. "Cry, Cry, Cry" shows off Bland's overpowering growl, while "I'll Take Care Of You" is a romantic ballad at its best. "I Pity The Fool" will get anyone's feet tapping, and it is from this song that '80s icon, Mr T., got his catchphrase/motto. There is not a bad song on this disc, though some Blues Purists out there may find Bobby to be more "bland" than "blue". If you fall into this category, perhaps it's best that you stick with the early Chess sides of Muddy Waters.



2. In the days when this was known as blues/r&b and before Ray Charles/Aretha/Willson Pickett came with their succes,Bobby Bland was God and this is THE album to listen if you are interested in his legacy.From what I found out,he was one of those singers who were heartbreakers in his time - ladies fainted when he sang and its funny because he wasn't excatly a heart-throb but than again,think about power of Edith Piaf or Ella Fitzgerald,same thing - people are moved to tears no matter what they looked like.Music here is combination of horn-driven ballads and some strong r&b shakers where Bland roars like lion.He was capable of gentleness one moment and best soul scream the very next and guitars are excellent - not for nothing had he worked with B.B.King and Ike Turner just to name a few - this goes at the very top of early r&b with say,Etta James work from same time.Rare bues superstar who actually didnt play any instrument,Bland had only his awesome voice to work with and on this album he was in his prime - every song is a winner,for me particulary "Lead me on" works like combination of gospel and blues.Never really accepted by mainstream audience but known to blues afficionados,Bland is still remembered today and recently Mick Hucknall released a whole album as a tribute to this excellent and unfairly ignored singer.



3. I'm 40. My dad had this album before I was born. I remember starting to explore the old vinyl as a child and finding this and thinking it was some of the most beautiful, soulful sounds I had ever heard. Unlike most fleeting childhood loves, this one has never changed.



4. The Sound that Made Bobby Bland famous was not created by Deadric Malone. Deadric Malone is the pseudonym of Duke Records owner Don Robey. Joe Scott created and wrote all the hits for Bland when he was signed to the Duke label. Joe Scott's catalog of music under the Duke label has Robey's Name(Malone) with it. Don Robey was not a muscian and he did not write any of the songs that are listed. In that time it was a common practice for label owners to claim credit for the artist and composer's original compositions. Robey used many pseudonym's to claim partial ownership on his artist song credits. Joe Scott was the in house producer for all of the artist on Duke and Peacock Record labels. Joe Scott also was the band leader for Bobby Bland during the height of his career. Real History!!!



5. Forty seven years later,this is a "must add" to my CD collection. It most certainly brought back good some "ol memories".

2 comments about Kansas City 1972.

1. August 1972 myself and best friend at the age of 17 whent to Cow Town Ball Room. 2nd row! this was and still is the best of very many B.B. King concerts I have ever attended and I have attended many good ones. Met Mr. King that night in person shook his hand. therefore this c.d. which no doubt will be what I remember the actual concert to be is a must for my collection. That was 30 years ago and I am now the age B.B. was at that time! I heard it in person you must listen to it too! didnt know it even existed



2. This is one of the best bbkings concert I ever heard. Takes you into a world of sounds an imagination very high

No comments about With the Count Basie Orchestra.

3 comments about Can't Get No Grindin'.

1. Short & sweet, fat & raw, all the elements of the Blues at it's best. This is Muddy Waters as he saw himself..a Blues legend at center stage & why not. I have this on vinyl & cd. Buy it, play it. Now ain't that a man !



2. I have more than ten albums by Muddy Waters and just came across this one. He never sounded better and his backup is just outstanding. If you love the blues, you want this album.



3. This album was recorded in 1972, when Muddy was a youthful 57 years old. The quality is consistently good throughout, with a modern sound. This is Muddy Waters at his best. Three instrumentals are included, " Funky Butt", "After Hours", with it's catchy turn-around, and "Muddy Waters' Shuffle". "Mother's Bad Luck Child" was previously record as "Gypsy Woman" in 1947. "Sad Letter" was originally recorded in 1950. Some would say these versions are better than the originals. This is all essential stuff for Muddy Waters fans. Playing time 36 minutes.

No comments about Tuesday's Just As Bad.

1 comments about Classics.

1. I love B.B. King. He is a guitar god, and is one of the best bluesmen I have ever heard. He and "Lucille" both are unbeatble together.
   
   And I was disgusted when I borrowed this from my library. I thought it would include all of his best loved classics on one CD, and I really wanted to have 'Sweet Sixteen' on CD again.
   
   And I still call myself stupid for borrowing this. The sound quality is just terrible! It sounds like it was recorded from a mini tape recorder in some guy's pants pockets or in a bathroom stall at a concert venue.
   
   My advice: Just avoid this cruddy release and buy B.B.'s installment in the '20th Century Masters' series or 'Great Moments With B.B. King,' released on MCA in 1981.
   
   But do not buy this. A TERRIBLE RELEASE. A DISGRACE TO B.B. KING!!!
   
   Not recommended.

No comments about Can I Bump It.

2 comments about King of Blues: 1989.

1. B.B. King's music always inspires an emotional reaction in the listener and this album is no different. However that reaction at first probably is along the lines of: "What the hell is this?" and "Where is his unmistakable guitar sound?" But when you get past that (and learn to skip a few of the tracks... kind of like Clapton's "Pilgrim" album) there is enough to catch and keep your attention.



2. In general I like it, not every song but "Standing on the edge of Love" is pretty serious. I admire BB for trying a few new things on this album. If he never tried anything new, he would not have developed his own style and become the artist we all Love.

No comments about So Long.