Robert Cray was on point
by Ninjasportbiker on 2/12/15Whitaker Center - HarrisburgRating: 4 out of 5Robert Cray was relaxed but focused..His guitar playing was sharp..His vocals never better..The band was terrific..

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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 Cray was relaxed but focused..His guitar playing was sharp..His vocals never better..The band was terrific..
Robert never disappoints. His delivery of his classics are always just as fresh as the first time you heard them. Even his songs that you are not familiar with reach you because of his clear and poetic storytelling ability. He is truly one of a kind. Even though his style is not the same as the classic blues forerunners, the blues is still alive and well and with him the legacy of the blues will continue. Also, he and the band were so tight! In closing, Robert Cray was "Awesome as Usual."
Awesome, hasn't missed a beat. Just as good as he's always been.
He's the happiest Blues singer around. Great performer.
The Robert Cray Band has never disappointed, and this was no exceptional. Great mix of old favorites with new material. Great personality and showmanship. Loves the audience and it shows. Birchmere is the best place to experience this band--up close and personal.
The voice is still strong...but too many obvious missed notes on the guitar.Be happy if you've seen Robt years ago. Too many tunes sound the same & that tends to put the show in idle instead of building to a peak.
The venue , Birchmere, was very personal and friendly. The food and service was exceptional. Mostly, the sound was clear and not a bad seat in the house. Loving Robert Cray for years, I couldn't wait to see him live. He not only didn't disappoint, but he far exceeded our expectations. He was truly golden. I would like to say his voice hasn't changed at all, but I believe it is better. He is a master entertainer and I would gladly become a groupie if given the chance.
Loved the show and the venue. Fabulous. Robert Cray is an amazing guitar player, songwriter and vocalist.
This is the 4th time I've seen Robert Cray perform. Each and every time is amazing. The blend of his voice , guitar and band accompaniment is so powerfully moving. I enjoyed all the songs and most of the selections I heard were for the 1st time. Be sure to make it a point to see a performance by this man if you like live rocking blues. An experience of this quality is a treasure always.
Not unlike the show In March 2014 Peekskill, the smooth, energetic, contrite groove expanded exactly when necessary (i geuss?) for me. As a lifelong fan I closed my eyes at times and was taken on such a pleasantly soul-wrenching journey, on which I felt and became one with what RC and the band offered up, I almost wish I could be on that journey forever. The keyboards, drums, and the extra relaxed Richard Cousins on bass made it obvious these artists love their gift, and have to share it to keep it.....
This was my first time seeing him perform, and I was not disappointed. My girlfriend enjoyed the show also. He is was amazing!! The band was awesome also!! I can't wait to see him again, The club is way to small for a performer such as Mr. Cray!!
My wife drug me into BB Kings to see Robert Cray. By the time we left, he gained a brand new fan. It was truly refreshing to hear this legend play guitar and sing. Truly incredible.
Show and venue were both very nice! Had a great time!
Superb. I'm so glad we made the 1.5 hour trip from Albany.
Robert Cray is hot, the venue was not. 1st time at club and I didn't realize I was going back to my bar days with standing room only. Tickets said Gen Adm but I thought there would at least be seats for all tickets sold. On my feet all day I wanted to sit and enjoy the show but instead was crowded in a corner. Waiter that brought drinks was very attentive especially given the crowded conditions.
As anticipated, Robert Cray brought down the house with his remarkable voice and guitar work, and brilliant accompanying musicians. Not only is he incredibly precise with his guitar, but he is also a warm, friendly and engaging performer, with whom the audience easily connects. I was thoroughly impressed with the show. I'm so glad I brought my wife and adult kids along too. Everyone loved it.
Robert Cray was, as usual, awesome. The reason for only 3 stars is that B B Kings allowed far too many people into the venue for anyone standing to enjoy the show. I arrived at 7 15 for an 8 o'clock show. I understand that the doors open at 6 and by the time I arrived all of the seats had been taken. Fair enough. The bar area was full at that time but comfortable enough to view the stage. The problem is that by the time the show began everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I did not feel safe. There is no doubt in my mind that the place was overcrowded.
I've had the good fortune to see the Robert Cray Band three times over the past eight years or so, and he is a lively, entertaining and consistent performer. My husband is the fan in our household, but I'm delighted to attend Cray's shows. Get tickets: You will not be disappointed!
Robert always delivers. Most talented blues guitar/vocal artist today. He really seemed to be feeling it this night.
Being a guitar playing dilettante I was trying to get a few pointers but.....just what in the hell is he doing with his fret hand? Incredible playing from a great guitarist and solid musicians around him. Falconer, Cousins (the shoeless wonder), and Weinberg are fantastic to listen to. Great rapport with the audience from all members and they very much tried to include us with the inside jokes (Zach has a really nice jacket!). I thought the set was too short until my wife reminded me of the time.....once again, a great show makes time stand still for everyone and everything except the clock!! Thanks very much RCB guys. I will be back in the audience next time!