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The Robert Cray Band in Concert
When it comes to live performance, The Robert Cray Band like to get right down to business. Though they're led by one of the most distinctive blues guitar stylists of his generation, and the rest of the band bears a similar amount of instrumental authority, they don't like to showboat. Flashy licks are simply not what Cray and company are all about.
Instead, they cut right through to the emotional core of every tune — whether they're playing the classics that put Cray on the map, like "Right Next Door" and "Smoking Gun," or killing it on covers of tunes by the likes of Bill Withers, Bobby "Blue" Bland, or The Mississippi Sheiks. Cray and his cohorts use their mighty musical prowess in the service of the song. Sure, you'll hear plenty of fluid guitar solos, but at a Robert Cray show you'll never hear a single unnecessary note — in other words, everything he and his band play on stage really matters.
The Robert Cray Band Background
Robert Cray did more for the blues in the 1980s than anybody other than Stevie Ray Vaughan. He started out small with a string of early-'80s indie albums, but by the middle of the decade the singer/guitarist's blend of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll influences made its way to the mainstream with a major-label deal that introduced the world to the game-changing Strong Persuader LP.
Between his supple grooves, soulful vocals, storytelling songs, and stinging guitar solos, Cray emerged as the blues hero the '80s didn't even know they were waiting for until he came along. Over time, Cray's sound has become simultaneously deeper and more expansive. His reputation has grown to the point that he's an esteemed elder statesman of modern blues, a winner of multiple Grammy awards, and an artist as venerated today as any of his heroes were when he was growing up and learning his licks.
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Always enjoy live music at the KST; however, this night gets mixed reviews. The warm up band was fair; the changeover was was too long with no activity; and, the main event was good.
The Robert Cray Band put on a great show at the Kalamazoo State Theater in 2-28-2017. This was our 4th time seeing him at various venues and he and the band never disappoint.
Mr. Cray undoubtedly showed why he is considered by many as one of the premier blues guitarists and vocalists. His show was very professional, the sound was extremely well mixed and presented at an excellent volume level. Robert Cray is as good as it gets regarding Stratocaster mastery. I was disappointed that he did not perform Smoking Gun and felt compelled to do a song that was very political that insulted a large portion of the audience. The Millennium theater at the Gold Strike Casino is a very comfortable, intimate and the acoustics are very good.
This was our first time seeing Robert Cary Live. The show was outstanding from beginning to end, the performance was so entertaining until we and the audience didn't want it to end. Robert responded to the audience request for a curtain call and the final song brought the house down. I can't wait for his next performance.
This concert was everything I thought it would be and then some! My husband ended up really enjoying it when he didn't want to go to begin with. I would highly recommend going to see him.
We have now seen Robert three times now and he is like a fine wine that gets better with age. He always brings his A game and we love the band he puts together to perform . He mixes his hits with his new music and doesn’t promote the new material too much. His vocals was smooth as always .
Robert Cray is truly one of the most underrated guitarists in the world. He can blister it and his band is extremely tight. Nobody tells a story through song better. This night was awesome! Great venue too in Robinsonville, MS.!
Two friends along with my husband went to see Robert Cray in concert on 2-22-18. It was so loud that you could not hear his guitar playing. The organ/piano was so loud it was awful. The bass on the drums was also too loud. I went up to the mixer table in the back and spoke to a guy sitting next to the "mixer" and he said he was not about to tell him that it was too loud because the guy had done the job for over 20 years. He actually agreed it was too loud. I actually yelled out, "turn the organ down," and many people clapped and agreed.
Such a refreshing performance. It’s Really hard to find a really good contemporary blues band. Jackpot!!
Wonderful night of blues with the legendary Robert Cray and his talented band. Someone fix that amp! The opening act, Matt Andersen, was outstanding!
What a fantastic concert !!!!!! Robert Cray is AMAZING!!!! Small intimate venue that made it even more special :) Unfortunately he didn't play my 2 favorite songs ...Don't be afraid of the dark & Smoking gun ...regardless it was a WONDERFUL and memorable show !!! Food for the soul ! Thank you Robert Cray !! BTW He hasn't changed a bit
Robert Cray's performance was totally forgettable. To say that "he mailed it in" doesn't even scratch the surface. You can see better guitar players at The Funky Biscuit in Boca 6 nights a week. And they don't shove their hypocritical political views down our throats. C'mon, Robert; 17 people just died around the corner from this venue. ls this really the time for your silly "protest song"? Give us a break. Never again.
Love Robert's music at home. Don't understand why some entertainers feel that they have to make the whole building vibrate when they do live shows. Not good for hearing health & not very enjoyable.
You all missed a fantastic performance... He was outstanding... looking forward to seeing the Robert Cray Band again!!!
He played a lot of his newer stuff but mixed in enough of the classics to make it an awesome show.
Great concert in a great venue. Robert Cray was great, and (unlike HRL) the staff at PP are friendly and don't mind if you dance around enjoying yourself. I'd pay to do it all again!
The Parker Playhouse is amazing; sitting in the cheap seats remains intimate with excellent acoustics. Robert is still with Richard Cousins; Weinstein replaced Pugh but the keys remain the same!
Robert Cray is one of the best blues guitarists in the world. Whereas some guitarists playing can become somewhat "muddy", with Robert Cray I heard every note he played. You won't believe the music that comes from that one guitar. He performance is also fun to watch. From Robert Cray's remarks to the audience as well as his band mates, to the bare footed bass player traipsing behind him, to the incredible organ/pianist filling the airwaves, to the thundering presence of the stalwart drummer, a fun show altogether! The small venue ensures everyone gets a perfect seat. Beware though, if you sit in the middle there is no center aisle so exiting during the show can be challenging. Next time I may sit at the end of a row as every seat is good. Thank you, Robert Cray, for keeping the art alive. Not only did I enjoy a great band, but also absorbed some culture! And please keep on cooking that chicken in the kitchen!
LOVED Robert Cray, his barefooted bass player,and the drummer. Keyboardist- not so much. His amp was turned up so loud it sounded like a car horn much of the show. Parker Playhouse continuously lets rude late comers in during songs, with full bright hall lights illuminating the venue, not to mention the noise. Rude concert goers took flash photos and recorded during the entire event, even after they were told not to. Again, Parker Play house did nothing.I'd love to see Robert again in another venue, with the keyboard amp adjusted, and a more polite audience. STANDING OVATION to Canadian blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Matt Anderson who opened for Robert Cray. I MUST see him again!
Robert Cray is an amazing musician. We have seen him several times. Although this particular performance was not his best it was still great. Love seeing bands at the parker Playhouse.
