Mick Hucknall "Does" Bobby Bland

Now here's one that could go either way :-)
Checking out Hucknall's web site (please don't ask why) I came across a news release for his first album under his own name - and it said this...

".....the first album will be 'Hucknall: Tribute to Bobby' - Bobby being American singer Bobby Bland who released a lot of material in the 50's and 60's (sic) and had a big influence on a young Hucknall."

Hucknall has his detractors (possibly on account of some of the MOR shite He's released) but he can certainly sing. Anyone who cites Bland as an influence and chooses to release an album advertising that fact cannot be all bad.

In my book, any exposure that Bobby gets is a good thing and a 'pop star' showcasing the great man can only be a good thing. If only a percentage of those who buy or download the album get to hear the originals, that's still a major plus. And let's face it, he's not going to be around for ever, and when he's gone he's gone. Apparently the album is scheduled for release "in the summer"