What makes Together for the First Time... Live by Bobby Bland notable?

The album is significant for its critical reception, often lauded for capturing the essence of Bland's live performances. It helped solidify his position in the blues genre, contributing to the resurgence of interest in classic blues and soul music during the 1970s. Released in 1974, this album captures Bobby Bland during a period of renewed visibility in the blues scene following his earlier successes. It was his first live album, showcasing his mastery and charisma as a performer after years of recording studio albums that defined his sound.

Who is Together for the First Time... Live for?

Together for the First Time... Live works well if you're into raw emotional intensity throughout, live performance energy captures and cathartic vocal expressions unleashed.

How many songs are on Together for the First Time... Live?

Together for the First Time... Live has 12 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Together for the First Time... Live

Bobby Bland · 1974

68 min · 12 tracks · blues

A powerful live showcase blending heart-wrenching blues with stirring soul, revealing the raw intensity of Bobby Bland's vocal prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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3 O’Clock Blues — This track opens the album with a quintessential blend of melancholy and resilience, highlighting Bland's emotional delivery and setting the tone for the performance.
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I’ll Take Care of You — Bland's rendition imbues the song with deep vulnerability and longing, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through nuanced vocal phrasing.
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Everybody Wants to Know Why I Sing the Blues — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics that delve into the personal experiences behind Bland's artistry, resonating deeply with audiences.
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Good to Be Back Home / Driving Wheel / Rock Me Baby / Black Night / Cherry Red / It’s My Own Fault — A medley that exemplifies Bland's ability to weave between different themes and styles, displaying both his versatility and showmanship during live performances.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

raw emotional intensity throughout
live performance energy captures
cathartic vocal expressions unleashed
intimate storytelling in songs
soulful reflections on love

Maybe skip if you

prefer polished studio productions
dislike lengthy musical explorations

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1974, this album captures Bobby Bland during a period of renewed visibility in the blues scene following his earlier successes. It was his first live album, showcasing his mastery and charisma as a performer after years of recording studio albums that defined his sound.
Stylistic neighbors: T-Bone Walker· Otis Rush· Albert King

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 3 O’Clock Blues 3:25
2 It’s My Own Fault 4:14
3 Driftin’ Blues 5:08
4 That’s the Way Love Is 3:56
5 I’m Sorry 9:53
6 I’ll Take Care of You 3:49
7 Don’t Cry No More 2:43
8 Don’t Want a Soul Hangin’ Around 3:49
9 Good to Be Back Home / Driving Wheel / Rock Me Baby / Black Night / Cherry Red / It’s My Own Fault 14:08
10 Everybody Wants to Know Why I Sing the Blues 6:17
11 Goin’ Down Slow 5:13
12 I Like to Live the Love 6:01

What to play next

Listen next

Dreamer

1974

Go back to

Spotlighting the Man

1969

Full Bobby Bland discography Artists like Bobby Bland

blues soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata