Originally released in 1973, His California Album from the revered singer Bobby Blue Bland charted at 136 on the Billboard 200 and extended his reach into a wider audience. Available on high-quality 180 gram vinyl, this soul/blues classic lives again, has aged very well, and represents Bland at a very prolific time in his life.

The moody and soft “This Time I’m Gone For Good” leads with Bland’s smooth and powerful pipes alongside intricate electric guitar. “Up And Down World” follows, and uses playful bass and Ed Greene’s agile drumming that suits the soulful pipes.

Moving along, the heartfelt storytelling of “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right” brings some grit into the sincere singing and rich musicianship, but it’s Michael Omartian’s lively keys that make the middle track, “Goin’ Down Slow”, the best. Also the longest song, it recruits the cautious rhythm section, bluesy guitars, and lively horns which complement Bland’s distinct voice.

Landing closer to the end, Sid Sharp’s string vision illuminates the sophisticated and raw “Help Me Through The Day,” and “Friday The 13th Child” continues the mature songwriting via animated bass, light drumming and lush, breezy singing. “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” is the final track, and turns not-so-happy lyrics into a textured and melodic exit.

Often considered one of the greatest in the area of blues, soul and R&B, Bland’s authentic body of work sounds great 50-plus years later, and the contributions from Ben Benay, David Cohen, Larry Carlton, Mel Brown and Dean Parks on guitar can’t go unmentioned. Similarly, Ginger Blake, Julia Tillman and Maxine Willard’s backing vocals sure do align well with Bland’s performance of very stylish, melancholy.

Rating: A-

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