In 1973 Bland's previous label Duke Records was incorporated by ABC Dunhill. Bland isn't thrilled at first, but when he learns that Steve Barri will be producing his next album, he agrees. His California album is the first for the new hosts and also marks Bland's transition from classic to modern soul. The opulent arrangements typical of modern soul came from Michael Omartian, who had the best studio musicians in Los Angeles at his disposal at ABC.
Bobby Bland's bluesy vocals fit into this sound like a made bed. By the way, it's no wonder that he brings the blues into soul. Because Bland learned his craft in the clubs of the legendary Beale Street in Memphis, where he also worked with B.B. King.
The ten-song album climbed to number three on the Black Album Charts in 1973. Two single releases, namely "Goin' down slow" and "This time I'm gone for good" also hit the charts. Bobby "Blue" Bland's California album is just waiting to be rediscovered. 
Tracks
1. This Time I'm Gone For Good (Deadric Malone, Oscar Perry) - 3:32
2. Up And Down World (Deadric Malone, Vernon Morrison) - 3:33
3. It's Not The Spotlight (Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin) - 3:52
4. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right (Luther Ingram, Mack Rice) - 3:50
5. Goin' Down Slow (James D. Odom) - 5:35
6. The Right Place At The Right Time (Deadric Malone) - 2:55
7. Help Me Through The Day (Leon Russell) - 3:50
8. Where Baby Went (Deadric Malone) - 3:19
9. Friday The 13th Child (David Clayton Thomas) - 3:14
10.I've Got To Use My Imagination (Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin) - 4:14
Musicians
*Bobby "Blue" Bland - Vocals
*Mel Brown - Guitar
*Ben Benay - Guitar
*Max Bennett - Bass
*Ginger Blake - Vocals
*Larry Carlton - Guitar
*David Cohen - Guitar
*Wilton Felder - Bass
*Chuck Findley - Horn
*Ed Greene - Drums
*Paul Hubinon - Horn
*Dick Hyde - Horn
*Jackie Kelso - Horn
*Jack Kelson, Jr. - Horn
*Michael Omartian - Keyboards, Organ, Piano
*Dean Parks - Guitar
*Sid Sharp - Concert Master, Strings
*Julia Tillman Waters - Vocals
*Julia Tillman - Vocals
*Ernie Watts - Horn
*Maxine Willard Waters - Vocals
This album is one of a kind! I still have the LP, I bought in the mid-70s as a kid. Thanks a lot!
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