• From: Bradford
  • Registered: 2008-09-30
  • Posts: 113

Topic: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

News in today:

Robert Cray – the legendary guitarist and five time Grammy Award winning rock/R&B/soul and blues icon, today confirmed his new studio album will be released in September 2012.  He’ll also undertake a European tour during June that will include three UK concerts.

The Blues Hall of Fame Inductee heads into the studio this month to commence recording the new album, released internationally by the Mascot Label Group’s Provogue Records.  Cray performs at this year’s London Bluesfest at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire (June 26), followed by concerts at Glasgow O2 ABC (June 28) and Birmingham Town Hall (June 29).

“I’m very proud to add the legendary Robert Cray to the Provogue roster,” says Label President Ed van Zijl.  “Not only is Robert an artist of the highest calibre, he has worldwide name recognition that garners a tremendous amount of respect. We are honoured and dedicated to deliver a first-class campaign worthy of Robert's talent.”

Never content with interpreting his music the same way twice, Cray's daring innovations have placed him at the top of the business.  His distinct guitar style that has become a signature blend of rhythm and blues, pop, rock, soul and traditional blues helping introduce old and new fans to a more contemporary blues sound.

Working in the studio with Cray will be the acclaimed rock producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, The Black Crowes).  “I’m really enthusiastic about collaborating with Kevin,” says Cray.  “He’s done some amazing work in the past and I like the direction we’re taking for this album.”

“What an absolute honour to work with Robert Cray,” adds Shirley. “I've been a fan since Strong Persuader. He’s an extraordinary talent. It's really such a treat for me! My goal and challenge with this record, is to tap into the edgy vitality and spontaneity of a live Robert Cray performance, and wrap it up as a studio recording, with a big Blues bow!”

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,716

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

Kevin has stated that Robert can really sing!! Took him by surprise I think. He has played Aberdeen 3 times over the years and each time I have been away. Think its time to see him in Glasgow.


Kenny

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

Kenny wrote:

Kevin has stated that Robert can really sing!! Took him by surprise I think.

He's just now realizing that Robert Cray has one of the best voices ever?!

  • Lee
  • Lee
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Minnesota
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 2,476

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

Robert is definitely the total package - great guitarist and singer. Always a great band with him, too. "Live From Across the Pond", recorded at Royal Albert Hall, is a favorite of mine. If Kevin can capture that in the studio they'll have a winner, no doubt!

  • gary
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
  • Registered: 2006-08-25
  • Posts: 4,769

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

It should interesting to see what sound they come up wih.Kevin always seems to come up big!

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • jim m
  • jim m
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 3,429

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

Now this is something I look forward to. The last few Cray albums and the last couple of times I have seen him live have been a bit of a yawn. Love Roberts voice and playing. His band is great especially his new bass player. Caveman should help make this one interesting.

jim m's Website

  • Registered: 2011-03-23
  • Posts: 212

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

gary wrote:

It should interesting to see what sound they come up wih.Kevin always seems to come up big!

Kevin is a genius.  He has worked with so many bands and changed their sounds for the better.

If you look up to the heavens just before the start of every Joe Bonamasaa concert you can see Stevie, Jimi, Muddy, Gary and others leaning over God’s railing jockeying for the best view. 
And if you listen, you can hear Stevie say  “ SHHhhhh,  The kids about to start playing.”
  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

I love Robert's playing and singing, wish he had a meatier sound though.

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

Jim,
You sound exactly like my husband, same feeling. When I first read this thread, it made me wonder if Robert Cray reached out to Kevin because Cray wants to change things up. This is something to really look forward to....and maybe Joe and Robert even doing a collaboration! smile

I love Robert Cray and coming from a non gearhead music fan, I love his sound, style, vocals and awesome lyrics.  As far as his sound, I think its the pick-ups he uses, I think that's one of the things giving him his unique sound, one note, I know its him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyoi8CWXNk8

jim m wrote:

Now this is something I look forward to. The last few Cray albums and the last couple of times I have seen him live have been a bit of a yawn. Love Roberts voice and playing. His band is great especially his new bass player. Caveman should help make this one interesting.

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

You only have to listen to Joe's recent cd's, especially the live over Europe BCC to realize Kevin Shirley can make you feel the music like you were there. I can't see an album that is not going to be meaty.

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

I agree with Jim M & Angela's hubby, Robert flatlined after 1990's Midnight Stroll. I'd love to see the Caveman jumpstart his sound to the livelier stuff he used to play. If any of you have never heard Showdown with Robert, Albert Collins, & Johnny Copeland get a hold of a copy, a blues classic.

                                                                                                    Rock The Vote,

                                                                                                    J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint
  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

if Robert Cray used a Les Paul and a Marshall he'd be awesome!

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

stefanhauk wrote:

I love Robert's playing and singing, wish he had a meatier sound though.

And thats always been my beef about him. I saw him from the very early touring days in the UK. Tight band and great songs. He always had the voice and the chops.

But his sound was always that distinctive bright, clean, and thin Strat sound. He used it well but I stopped buying his stuff and seeing him because there was never any variation.

I bought a couple of his recent albums in a doubl pack offer a while back and despite a couple of high points it was pretty much the same story.

Of course he shouldn't alienate his core audience but a redevelopment of his sound on some tracks would be interesting.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

hansamike wrote:
stefanhauk wrote:

I love Robert's playing and singing, wish he had a meatier sound though.

And thats always been my beef about him. I saw him from the very early touring days in the UK. Tight band and great songs. He always had the voice and the chops.

But his sound was always that distinctive bright, clean, and thin Strat sound. He used it well but I stopped buying his stuff and seeing him because there was never any variation.

I bought a couple of his recent albums in a doubl pack offer a while back and despite a couple of high points it was pretty much the same story.

Of course he shouldn't alienate his core audience but a redevelopment of his sound on some tracks would be interesting.

even if he used a tubescreamer or something every now and then for some warmth or drive he'd be on the right track...

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Kevin Shirley to produce new Robert Cray album

I for one, like his smooth sound. This coming from a non clean guitar player whatsoever.. Thats his thing. I will admit, I'm not a huge Robert Cray listener or follower, but I've always loved his playing and singing. Very distinctive I think.