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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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Robert and his band put on an enjoyable show. If you are a fan of good blues guitar, you'll enjoy his show. Robert was talkative with the crowd, but didn't overdo it. Really good show overall.
The concert was great - started on time, he played for bout 1.5 hours and then did 2 songs as an encore - the bass player, Richard is hilarious. They were having fun on stage and it was just a great show - would definitely go again.
Robert Cray has to be the best blues guitarist in America. His rifts and sound is so upbeat and lively. The drummer, keyboard and bass musicians were top drawer. I was sorry to see the event end. While the Talking Stick venue is small, the sound system is excellent with great views. It's like listening to a live concert in your living room!
A great show. Robert Cray is still playing and singing like a champ. His band is also top-notch. The venue (Showroom at Talking Stick) is noisier than a concert hall with people talking and drinking but acceptable.
I've followed Robert Cray for over 30 years now. He just keeps getting better.
Hard to believe this guy is 67 years old. They rocked for two solid hours and are just as good as I remembered. The venue was ok, we had standing room only, but it is small enough that we still could see and hear great.
Show seemed shorter then other shows we've been to there. Had seats at the tables by the bar. Light shade was blocking our view. We asked several people if it could be moved and No One did . They should lower those lights in I assume the booths. Not good paying for a ticket and having trouble see it.
Robert Cray is a master guitar player with the a pure beautiful voice -- I felt so lucky to be in this small venue to listen to him perform. The concert was much more than I expected -- I have always liked him but he has moved to the top of my list -- Amazing
Cray was amazing as expected but the show was too short... one hour 15 minutes!!
A great show by a terrific singer/guitar player and band. They did a fair share of new music to promote a recent new album with a couple of older signature tunes thrown in, including the all-time great Smoking Gun as one of the encores. They sounded and performed great in a fairly small, more intimate venue which is well suited to accommodate them. Fun show.
We had great seats 10 rows from the stage, while the Orca Room is a small venue the sound is incredible. Robert Cray & the Band were FANTASTIC! He did some old songs, some new songs, joked around a little & the Bass player was great as well, but hard to beat Robert Cray 's playing the guitar WONDERFUL SHOW ALL AROUND!
Robert Cray was Amazing!! It was definitely a treat for the ears. His band was awesome. The bassist was very smooth, the keyboardist added that down-home church vibe. The drummer was tight!! And Robert was just awesome!! He delivered a thoroughly enjoyable show!!
Robert Cray and band still have game. If think they were disappointed by the audience reaction. Its hard to get excited in a room full of older people sitting around in banquet chairs. The video screens saved this venue from a poor rating. Whats up with these casino venues? Banquet halls with stages. No dance floor. While seats were spread out enough that there may have been room to dance, standing up alone in front of others is awkward. Mr Cray and company need to play a venue/club with a mosh pit/dance floor surrounded by tables where staff bring you drinks. A proper club. This was not such a venue. Set included Chicken in the kitchen, don't even care, will you think of me, this makes two. Closed out the show with smoking gun, because of me. I would see him again but maybe not in this venue.
What a great experience it was to get the chance to see this legend in person. It was completely sold out because we know what fantastic music is. The audience was the best/most invested group of appreciative concert goers I've ever been in. Everyone there knew the songs & were there for a reason. Mr. Cray lived up to everyone's expectations. He didn't miss a beat. It was an awesome show.
I've seen Robert Cray and his band a few times and apparently he's only gotten better with age. A true crowd-pleaser and gifted musician. The only negative was the venue. A ballroom with banquet chairs isn't the best environment for this type of show. I'd recommend seeing him in a real theater or concert hall.
Great band in a great venue. Why aren’t more bands at this site?
The Robert Cray Band was right on! They played songs from his new CD, "I Love Soul & Hi Rhythm" plus many of their fan favorites from the past. Cray's fingers were a blur as they flew across his guitar. He hasn't lost a beat! His new songs are awesome, plus he does a Bill Withers cover that's out-of-this-world! A must-see concert! I can't wait until he comes to town again!
What an amazing performer!! Such talent. Great night.
Robert Cray Band is a must see for anyone who loves the blues, or just real music in general. The Orca ballroom was an Awesome venue, we will definitely be looking more closely at upcoming show's there!
I have never seen Robert before and was looking forward to the show and was not disappointed. Great music and up close seating made it a fantastic night. His band was tight and it really looked like they were enjoying themselves up there . The sound was fantastic at the Rose. This time we did not eat there , a tad expensive, so we ate at the nearby El Chollo. The show was moved to The Rose in Pasadena from The Saban Theater
