Portrait of the Blues
Sam Mosley | Toronto, Ontario | 01/29/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Bobby `Blue' Bland's Malaco album's have been consistently solid, and `Portrait of the Blues' is no exception. It follows the same formula of the others, first rate production and arrangements, fine singing from Bland, and top-notch material from the Malaco songwriters. The songs are a mix of blues (the humorous "She's Puttin' Something in My Food") soul ("Ain't No Love for Sale") ballads ("I Can Take You to Heaven Tonight", "When Hearts Grow Cold") and even country-tinged material ("Hurtin' Love"). While Bland's voice isn't as strong as it once was, he can still make fine music and `Portrait of the Blues' is fine proof of this."