Page 84 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2012

he freely admits listening to
Rev. Franklin’s “The Eagle…”
over and over. There was
something in that squall that
struck a note within Bobby.
He began to include it into
his own songs and the loss
of his high notes was quickly
forgotten in the excitement
that the squall added to his
shows.
It was a wise choice —
over the years Bland’s squall
has become a trademark,
and he knows just when and
where to hit it for maximum
Bobby Bland performing in NYC, effect. He often waits until
circa 1986 Photo by Ÿ Joseph A. Rosen around the third song, and
then leaning back in his
chair, BAM, he uses it to punctuate a phrase — it never fails to
bring the house down. Bland just smiles and continues with that
impeccable phrasing to deliver, “St, James Infirmary,” “Stormy
Monday,” “Ain’t No Love,” and the rest of his hits.
There is a world-weariness, but also an understated total
command, to Bland’s voice and presence. It’s mesmerizing, and
from first song to last, you’re in Bobby “Blue” Bland’s world. He
has taken Franklin’s vocal mannerism and made it his own.
Folks have described the relationship between blues and
gospel as “the secret handshake.” In which case, the “squall”
that originated in 1954 and still used over fifty years later, might
just be the ultimate musical “high-five.”
There are several great Bobby Bland collections available.
Look for anything that’s listed as The Duke Years. His Two Steps
from The Blues is considered one of the top-ten best blues albums
ever made. If you want information on C.L. Franklin, check
out Singing in a Strange Land; an excellent biography by Nick
Salvatore. The complete sermon of “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,”
is on YouTube in five parts and is highly, highly recommended.

Billy C. Wirtz has travelled
the road for thirty years as a
solo piano act and still tours
occasionally. Currently he
divides his time between writing
and his syndicated radio shows
at WFIT.org and KPIG.org.
He can be reached at
revbilly88@aol.com.

Bobby “Blue” Bland
baring his soul, circa 1970
Photo by Ÿ Joseph A. Rosen

84 Blues Festival Guide 2012