Bobby "Blue" Bland (1930-2013) was a key figure in shaping the modern soul blues sound, alongside artists like Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Junior Parker. He blended gospel with blues and R&B to create a unique style. Bland's soulful, anguished voice, full of charisma and melisma, was a powerful and expressive instrument. His debut album, "Two Steps from the Blues," originally released in January 1961, is a landmark in modern blues, marking the fusion of juke joint blues with gospel and southern soul.

Tracklist:

Side A:

1. TWO STEPS FROM THE BLUES

2. CRY, CRY, CRY

3. I’M NOT ASHAMED

4. DON’T CRY NO MORE

5. LEAD ME ON

6. I PITY THE FOOL

7. HOW DOES A CHEATIN’ WOMAN FEEL? (*)

8. FARTHER UP THE ROAD (*)

9. WHO WILL THE NEXT FOOL BE? (*)

Side B:

10. I’VE JUST GOT TO FORGET YOU

11. LITTLE BOY BLUE

12. ST. JAMES INFIRMARY

13. I’LL TAKE CARE OF YOU

14. I DON’T WANT NO WOMAN

15. I’VE BEEN WRONG SO LONG

16. YOUR FRIENDS (*)

17. STORMY MONDAY BLUES (*)

(*) BONUS TRACKS. Not on the original LP.

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