Years of Tears in Bloomington, MN

Perhaps no artist has flourished at Malaco more than
Bobby "Blue" Bland
.
Bland
's animated, raw voice, though not as wide-ranging, still has a character and quality unmatched in blues, soul or vintage R&B. This CD is his finest for the label since
Members Only
. The opening number "Somewhere Between Right & Wrong" has a simmering track,
's mournful, explosive leads, tasty organ, tight drumming, and on-the-money lyrics from composers
Johnny Barranco
and Jackson. It sets the stage for nine additional country-tinged and bluesy soul tunes, including three from
Frederick Knight
, who also produced his compositions. It's not his Duke material, but it's close enough to satisfy. ~ Ron Wynn