Product Description This reissue contains two bonus tracks from the original LP sessions. Personnel includes: Bobby 'Blue' Bland (vocals); Wayne Bennett, Clarence Holloman (guitar); Robert Skinner, L.A. Hill (tenor saxophone); Rayfield Devers (baritone saxophone); Joe Scott, Melvin Jackson (trumpet); Pluma Davis (trombone); Connie Mack Booker, Teddy Reynolds (piano); Hamp Simmons (bass); John 'Jabo' Starks, Sonny Freeman (drums). Recorded between March 12, 1956 and November 12, 1960.

Includes liner notes by Bill Dahl and Dzondria Lalsac. Digitally remastered by Erick Labson (Universal Mastering). If you are unfamiliar with Bobby Bland, TWO STEPS FROM THE BLUES is the place to start.

The album marked a watershed of creative bursts and commercial recognition for the legendary blues singer. The foundation of TWO STEPS' blues was an uptown Texas blues sound, relying more on sophisticated arrangements, horns, and orchestras than gut-bucket Delta guitar heroics. Inside the lush grooves, Bland moved with restraint, crooning seductively, a tried-and-true ladies man. Which is not to say that Bland is all smooth grooves and sweet nothings. Car Hoppers Backseat Edition Cnn there. No, his gospel roots rise up like thunderclouds at precise moments, erupting to transform the album's ballads into rattling experiences. The undeniable power of Bland's squalls punctuates 'Cry, Cry, Cry' and 'I Pity the Fool.' His trademark mixture of smoky crooning and strangled outbursts has helped place Bobby Bland alongside the best R&B singers of the century.

Average Rating: (2) (0) A Masterpiece There were many great blues/soul singers to come down the pike during this genre's heyday but there were only a few that could match the inimitable style and elan of Mr. Robert Calvin 'Bobby' Bland! Among those were, Lou Rawls (early carteer) Johnny Adams, Little Willie John, Ray Charles and B.B. King (early career), among a few others. Joe Scott's great band here, including the late Rayfield Devers on baritone sax,a personal friend of mine from the days when we played together with Ike & Tina Turner's Revue and later,Sam & The Goodtimers, is a perfect foil for Mr.

Blands vocal heroics and this album, followed by 'Here's The Man' with basically the same orchestra, are the epitome of what sophisticated blues and urban music was all about. Released in vinyl album form in the early 60's, it was a hallmark album that is still a viable addition to anyone's collection today. Tight, precise and with the rhythm backing of Hamp Simmons and Jabo Starks, this release will stand the test of time for generations to come. One of my all time favorite albums in my collection.

By (Ventura, CA, USA) Review is for a different. (0) (1) another step several fond steps down memory lane By (florida) Review is for a different. (0) (1) Anything but bland First off its important to note that this album, despite its reputation, is not perfect. The song-writing is not especially strong, the playing can be a little mannered and sounds somewhat dated in places, the sound quality is a little rough here and there. But on the good side you have what must be one of the greatest voices in soul at the height of its power. Bland's vocals can veer from a dignified, desolate whisper to a gut-wrenching, anguished howl within the space of a few words. The range of timbre, expression and, er, range, is astounding.