Bobby 'Blue' Bland The Voice - Duke Recordings 1959 - 1969 (CD)

Bobby "Blue" Bland – Dreamer & His California Album

Two Soul-Blues Masterpieces from the West Coast Era

Bobby "Blue" Bland, often called the "Lion of the Blues", is one of the most respected voices in modern blues and soul music. In the 1960s, he built a legendary reputation through a steady stream of hits for Houston-based Duke Records. His signature sound blended blues, gospel, soul, and a touch of black pop, with heartfelt horn arrangements by Joe Scott and a unique vocal expression – the emotional, guttural "squall".

A New Chapter: From Southern Roots to California Sophistication

When Duke Records was sold to ABC in the early 1970s, Bland was part of the package deal and moved on to record for ABC’s Dunhill label. Although the transition was difficult at first – moving from a close-knit, familiar environment to the corporate world of Los Angeles studios – it ultimately led to two of his most acclaimed albums:

• His California Album (1973)

• Dreamer (1974)

Both albums were produced by Steve Barri, a somewhat unconventional choice best known for his pop and surf music background, but he proved to be a thoughtful and compatible match for Bland.

His California Album – Urban Soul at Its Finest

Released in 1973, His California Album showcased a more polished, studio-refined sound while retaining Bland’s soulful essence. With top-tier L.A. session musicians behind him, Bland delivered emotionally rich performances. Tracks like “This Time I’m Gone For Good” marked a clear creative renewal, presenting the blues in a smoother, more urban context.

Dreamer – A Return to the R&B Charts

The follow-up album Dreamer took things further. With standout singles like:

• “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

• “I Wouldn’t Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)”

Bland climbed back into the R&B charts, the latter reaching No. 3. The album featured an all-star cast including Larry Carlton, Dean Parks, Wilton Felder, Ed Greene, and Michael Omartian. The result was a lush, orchestrated sound that let Bland’s expressive voice shine with both power and grace.

Why These Albums Matter:

• Creative turning point: From gritty Southern blues to polished West Coast soul

• Iconic tracks that remain influential today

• Backed by elite session musicians and crafted production

• Essential for collectors and fans of 1970s R&B and soul-blues fusion

Conclusion: Dreamer and His California Album are landmark recordings in Bobby Bland’s discography. They capture a transformative period in his career and stand as timeless examples of how deep soul and sophisticated studio production can merge to create something truly powerful.