Sometimes the little independents in the business turn out to be major unleashed talents waiting for a little recognition. Such could be the case with Flint, Michigan's vocalist, Len Bland; and the name has its family ties, now! Working out before a ripely seasoned group of performers from the same area, Bland has gotten hold of the recipe for sweet soul blues. Served up with a generous working-class lyricism, Bland music is immediately soul-soaked and tremendously rhythmic in nature. Like tender Memphis soul or urbanized and poppish Motown soul, Bland's work will turn your ear.
This all original material is written by producer Leonard Blake and Simuel Overall who is also heard on the drumkit and keyboards. Overall and Blake worked out the vocal arrangements; and Simuel also put the horns in order. Calvin 'Vino' Louden handles all the guitar work with aplomb, and Clyde 'Bunny' Thomas is heard on the saxophone. In addition, guest Grace Thomas handles the vocals on three tracks.
It will take just a taste Bland to sense his deep appreciation of soul, funk, and R & B. His glaringly sensual vocals take off from the start on the titletune, "Get Me Some Money". With a peck of heavenly blues in his lap, Len Bland delivers a wholloping take on each tune thrown down by Overall and/or Blake. If you ain't ready to dance, get down, or have a good time; then don't throw this biscuit in the oven. Bland lauds each tune with an overdose of spirit, emotion, and social sense; let him talk to ya about your love, another love, or the overwhelming aspects of living, scratching and kickin'. Bland puts his soul house in order with this package of well-dressed R & B, undeniably deserving deeper recognition!
Lucky Pride Distributors: Tel. (810) 789-3597
This review is copyright © 2001 by Mark A. Cole, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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