I Pity the Fool: The Duke Recordings, Vol. One
Because he wasn't a guitarist, a songwriter, or a particularly acrobatic performer, Bobby "Blue" Bland was perhaps the only major rhythm-and-bluesman who never really found favor among white audiences. Nevertheless, he still enjoyed about two decades' worth of R&B; hits, and his suave, whisper-to-a-scream vocals--capped by a trademark throaty squall--influenced generations of singers (Van Morrison, most notably). Dating from 1952 to 1961, this 44-song set contains all highlights from Bland's first decade of hits: the perfectly relaxed, loping shuffle of "Farther Up the Road," the avuncular warmth of "I'll Take Care of You," and the unbridled anger of the title track, for openers. Everything's framed by unusually sophisticated horn arrangements and some fine, Texas-style blues guitar licks, but Bland's vocals on "It's My Life Baby" and--especially--"Little Boy Blue" are volcanic masterworks of almost frightening intensity and control.--Don Waller