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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.
I took friend that had never been to the State Theater before to see Robert Cray. It allowed me to see it with fresh eyes. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful acoustically perfect venue in Kalamazoo. To say we loved it would be an understatement. It was a perfect show. We’ll definitely be back!
The Kalamazoo State Theater is a great venue. Robert is amazing and the show did not disappoint!
This was not my first time seeing Robert Cray Band at Kalamazoo State Theater, and I hope it's not the last. I love the intimacy of the venue, the sound is always good, and there's not a bad seat in the house. I thoroughly enjoyed the music, and the opening act - Nic Clark - was a real treasure!
7:00 show started with 1/2 hr. warm-up guy, then dead 1/2 hr. Robert started at 8pm, quit at 9:20. Been seeing Robert cray since mid-70's in Eugene, OR. Drunken fools hooting all through the show dancing in the aisles, un-concerned about those behind them.
I wasn’t sure what to expect given Mr. Cray is 70, but this concert has been the highlight of the year. He still has one of the most amazing and soulful voices of ANYONE I can think of. As soon as he opened his mouth I was mesmerized! He has all the speed of any guitar virtuoso but gets you with his unique technique and style. He has the energy of a man half his age and he’s funny and entertaining between songs. I can’t recommend him enough! Wow!!
He was great- I would like a bit more Blues, but that's just me. The drummer is one of the most talented drummers we have ever seen !! We found ourselves watching this great drummer as much as Robert Cray. Loved it!
He was great!!! I enjoyed every minute of it ! I hope to see him in concert again sometime!!
Our experience at the Pantages was wonderful. Staff so helpful, bathrooms beautiful, while maintaining the beautiful history of the theater. Robert Cray and his band were awesome. Not a bad seat in the house and the sound was amazing!!
First time seeing the Robert Cray Band and can say I was thoroughly entertained. Robert Cray is a master on the guitar and his band was no less. Highly recommend any blues fan to see these guys if you have the chance. Money well spent.
Still one of the best guitarist, singer and storytelling artists out there !!!
Amazing!!!! A true musician who mesmerizes and charms his fans!!! Great concert
We have seen Robert Cray a number of times but it has been 20+ years. His voice and music are amazing. Band members are so talented!
The show at BCPA was Outstanding!!! The venue was fabulous and Robert Cray did NOT disappoint! His vocals are still Amazing and his guitar playing was Incredible, the whole band was TIGHT!!!
The Robert Cray Band was phenomenal. Clearly well-practiced. Robert Cray's voice is still fabulous and his guitar playing is outstanding! Only wish he'd played more songs that I knew, but even without that, I enjoyed every minute!
Robert Cray and his band put on an excellent concert; they are all awesome musicians. Love that Robert Cray singing voice as well!
Everything clicked. The acoustics-amazing. You could hear every note, every word clear and crisp. Cray would play a low and slow segment and you could hear a pin drop we were so in awe. He and the band were electric. The venue is older but the seats were comfortable. I had never though had to have my drinks in a sippy cup purchased with the beverage if you were going into the arena.
Robert Cray did not disappoint! The opening act was great too! Edward David Anderson deserves a shout out! Robert Cray is a legend and the venue was absolutely perfect for his sound! Acoustics are great and there’s not a bad seat in the house! My husband and friends all loved this concert!
Wonderful concert in a wonderful venue! Robert Cray was amazing as usual and the small intimate environment of the venue made it even more amazing.
Robert and his band were their usual charismatic, chill, and relaxed selves. The music was artwork and the comfy confines of the Bijou made it feel like it was just a relatively small group of friends gathered to enjoy some good for the soul honest music. Couldn’t have been more perfect.
Great performance ! Robert played and sang incredibly well and all the band members were incredibly talented as well !
