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Joe Bonamassa Forum → Other Artists → Robert Cray
I would like to hear what you guys think about Mr Robert Cray, in my opinion one of the most underrated musicians in his genre. He plays, sings, composes in his own way, quite and original guy yet when I check his bio the first thing mentioned is that he has supported Eric Clapton in some of his tours. Also please suggest must listen songs from him if you know!
Always been a fan. I won't repeat myself, but see my recent post on his latest effort, here:
https://forum.jbonamassa.com/viewtopic. … 12#p255412
Here's one you may be unaware of. "Blackjack", from the aptly named 1985 release "Showdown!" featuring Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland. Robert lets 'er rip, right after Albert calls his name. It's a gem, IMO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khY_N3j07aU
I also recommend Robert's signature style on Twenty...though it's not in the vein of something like "Strong Persuader".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPDZd50YkPY#!
(A political tune from Bob, but not intended to spark a political discussion here on the boards.)
And I'll recommend another (though I could go on for quite some time). This is Robert Cray and Shemekia Copeland (Johhny's daughter), performing Bobby "Blue" Bland's "I Pity the Fool".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m80A9GPsbLQ
EDIT: Decided to throw two more in here. "No One Special"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq_jOrDiXv4
And this one from the first show I ever saw him do. "So Many Women, So Little Time" (Though don't ask me what the deal is with the static picture on this video.) Features a tasty solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4F-1owvth4
awesome songs, thanks for the links!
I have had the honor the see him play live. He and his new CD release are great.
Take care,
Bill
Robert's a very talented player who I've seen many times including opening for Clapton in '87. My first taste of the RCB was Bad Influence in '83 followed by False Accusations. Somewhere about this time I found the re-release of Who's Been Talkin' which was recorded prior to Bad Influence(as far as I know this is Roberts first album). Then came the Grammy winning Showdown with Johnny Copeland & Albert Collins, a must have. Then Robert got noticed big time with the release of Strong Persuader. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark followed the break out, nothing compared to SP. My personal favorite of Roberts, Midnight Stroll came out in 1990 which included the Memphis Horns and Tim Kaihatsu on guitar. Not sure what happened after this point, but his albums became very lackluster. I kept buying them and kept getting disappointed. I'm waitin' to hear the new one hoping the Caveman re-invigorated Robert. He's got way too much talent, I just wonder what's been holding him back. I met his then drummer Kevin Hayes back in '02 or so and asked him why Robert wasn't playing much of his back catalogue. Kevin said he's a stickler for perfection and was afraid that some of the older stuff wouldn't sound right. It's been 10 years since I've seen him live as a result. I'm rootin' for a big comeback.
You Put Me Through The Grinder,
J Dawg
Very good synopsis J Dawg. Like you, the early stuff hooked me. And Who's Been Talkin' is Robert's first. I saw him play pretty much all of it, at that Fitzgerald's show I mentioned in the other thread. Plus some tastes of Bad Influence.
After that great show in a small venue I followed along, and like you stayed with it during the "doldrums", and kept hoping for that reinvigoration. I also haven't been to see him live in a really long time. My last show was long ago at the Park West, and featured the Memphis Horns. It was awesome. But then the downhill slide, IMO.
(I did think Robert was still going strong when he was part of the incredible bill the day of SRV's penultimate concert up at Alpine Valley, WI. But then, Robert Cray, SRV and Clapton (plus guests) was so over the top.)
I've got to say, I think "Nothin' But Love" fills the bill. There's depth (I'm Done Cryin'), there's fun (Side Dish), and you can just feel Kevin Shirley pushing and pulling. And some nice horn arrangements, too.
Feels and sounds like Robert with the old spark, to me, anyway. Enough so that I'm considering a 12/1 HOB show here, but I hate standing in the "mosh pit".
Have loved his stuff for years!
I saw him open for Clapton in 1987 too - and saw him just last night (FRONT ROW CENTER!!!) in Springfield, Illinois. Kenny Wayne Shepherd opened and was a fantastic show.
Check his site for tour dates and catch him!
kestrou
Just posted in the next concert thread, going to see Robert tonight! He is opening for Kenny Wayne Shepherd. My 3rd time seeing him live the 1st time was when he opened for Steve Windwood back 1990 I think? Strong Persuader a great album from beginning to end, I love all his stuff, I have not had a chance to get the new cd yet but heard a release Cavemen posted on his FB wall and thought it was great, plan on picking it up at the show tonight 
Robert's opening for Kenny Wayne???? That's like the night I saw Skynyrd open for Marshall Tucker in '74....that never happened again.
Kestrou, did he play anything from the early albums? Or all newer stuff?
I'm In A Phone Booth Baby,
J Dawg
Kestrou, did he play anything from the early albums? Or all newer stuff?
I'm In A Phone Booth Baby,
J Dawg
Robert played a handful of his early tunes - "Right Next Door (Because of me)" was very early in the set list, "Smoking Gun" was about two thirds of the way through. I like his newer stuff ("Chicken in the Kitchen" and "Great Big Old House" were both warmly received) but appreciate the years I've spent listening to the some of his old stuff. Robert did a great job chatting with the crowd and really seemed to have fun.
Quick review on KWS - not much chat - VERY little in the way of their old catalog ("Blue on Black") - did enjoy their versions of "I'm a King Bee", "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and "Oh Well".
Went with wifey, 16yo son and brother-in-law. Kenny (of course) was more "rocking" so son enjoyed him - he didn't really get into Robert Cray though. His loss!
kestrou
Excellant new cd
There will be some dates in Germany and the Netherlands:
10 Oct. Markthalle, Hamburg, DE
11 Oct. Live Music Hall, Cologne, DE
12 Oct. Muffahthalle, Munich, DE
15 Oct. Groningen, NL
16 Oct. Paradiso, Amsterdam, NL
17 Oct. Eindhoven, NL
I've never seen Robert Cray as the headliner, but I wish I could. I've seen him open for B.B King and Keb Mo.
Robert's opening for Kenny Wayne???? That's like the night I saw Skynyrd open for Marshall Tucker in '74....that never happened again.
Kestrou, did he play anything from the early albums? Or all newer stuff?
I'm In A Phone Booth Baby,
J Dawg
I've never seen Robert Cray as the headliner, but I wish I could. I've seen him open for B.B King and Keb Mo.
ohiodawg13 wrote:Robert's opening for Kenny Wayne???? That's like the night I saw Skynyrd open for Marshall Tucker in '74....that never happened again.
Kestrou, did he play anything from the early albums? Or all newer stuff?
I'm In A Phone Booth Baby,
J Dawg
Opening for BB I can understand, but Robert opened the door for the newer guys like Keb Mo(Kevin Moore) when Strong Persuader gave the Blues a mainstream boost in the 80's. The last time I saw Robert as mentioned above he headlined with Tommy Castro and Charlie Musslewhite, who both outshined Robert that night.
Rock The Vote!!!
J Dawg
Good news for the Aberdeen contingent!
Robert Cray at the Music Hall - Mon 18th Mar 2013.
Never seen him before so really hoping to be about for this one. Might be disappointed though having already booked to see Joe and Beth Hart that month 
Mar 3rd - Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Mar 6th - Cardiff St Davids Hall
Mar 8th - Cambridge Corn Exchange
Mar 9th - Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halls
Mar 11th - Gateshead The Sage
Mar 13th - London Cadogan Hall
Mar 15th - Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Mar 16th - Sheffield City Hall
Mar 18th - Aberdeen Music Hall
Nah Murray you won't be disappointed. Different show altogether.
Nah Murray you won't be disappointed. Different show altogether.
No no, was meaning more that my quota of gigs might be depleted for March by that time. And, who you calling Murray? tsk 
Kenny wrote:Nah Murray you won't be disappointed. Different show altogether.
No no, was meaning more that my quota of gigs might be depleted for March by that time. And, who you calling Murray? tsk
I was reading that and thinking 'What? I didn't post in this thread did I?'!!
It must be the 1903s confusing him, either that or old age LOL!!
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