Robert Cray (USA)
Robert Cray is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary blues artists of our time who successfully managed to take the blues into the 21st century.
Line Up:
Robert Cray - vocal, guitar
Plus: bass, keyboards & drums
On Stage: 4
Travel party: 5
Biography:
The popularity of guitar-based blues during the 80s had much to do with the unassuming brilliance of Robert Cray. Although he formed his first band in 1974, it was not until Bad Influence in 1983 that his name became widely known. His debut, Who's Been Talkin', failed because the record label folded (it has since been reissued on Charly Records). Cray's music is a mixture of pure blues, soul and rock and his fluid, clean style owes much to Albert Collins and Peter Green, while on faster numbers a distinct Jimi Hendrix influence is heard. The Robert Cray Band features long-time bass player Richard Cousins, Dave Olson (drums) and Peter Boe (keyboards). Strong Persuader in 1987 became the most successful blues album for over two decades and Cray has taken this popularity with calm modesty. He is highly regarded by experienced stars like Eric Clapton, who in addition to recording Cray's "Bad Influence", invited him to record with him and play at his 1989 marathon series of concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall. In 1988 Cray consolidated his reputation with the superb Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark, which featured some raucous saxophone playing from David Sanborn. Midnight Stroll featured a new line-up that gave Cray a tougher-sounding unit and moved him out of mainstream blues towards R&B and soul. Some Rainy Morning was Cray's vocal album: there were no blinding solos to be found, but rather, a mature and sweet voice that prompted Cray to be viewed as a soul singer rather than a blues guitarist. Cray's quartet in the mid-90s featured Kevin Hayes (drums), Karl Sevareid (bass) and Jim Pugh (keyboards). Sweet Potato Pie featured the Memphis Horns on a cover version of Isaac Hayes and David Porter's "Trick Or Treat'. Cray moved to Rykodisc Records for 1999"s Take Your Shoes Off, a loose-limbed and funky affair that was, to all intents and purposes, a soul record. Shoulda Been Home moved even further away from the blues and was a pure southern soul recording, with Cray putting his guitar aside and concentrating on his singing.
Discography:
1980 Who's Been Talkin' - Mercury
1983 Bad Influence - Hightone
1985 False Accusations - Hightone
1985 Showdown - Alligator
1986 Strong Persuader - Mercury
1988 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - Mercury
1990 Midnight Stroll - Mercury
1990 Too Many Cooks - Tomato
1992 I Was Warned - Mercury
1993 Shame + A Sin - Mercury
1995 Some Rainy Morning - Mercury
1997 Sweet Potato Pie - Mercury
1999 Take Your Shoes Off - Rykodisc
2001 Shoulda Been Home - Rykodisc
2003 Time Will Tell - Sanctuary/BMG
2005 Twenty - Sanctuary
2006 Live from Across the Pond - Nozzle/Vanguard
2009 This Time - Vanguard
2010 Authorized Bootleg: Austin,Texas - Mercury
2010 Cookin' in Mobile - Vanguard