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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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The band was tight, the set list was wonderful. I didn't know much of his library of music but it didn't matter, each song was brilliantly executed and we totally enjoyed it. And this was the last show of a long concert tour. We are now big fans!
Outstanding concert. Robert was in rare form. While I often find that advancing age blunts the creative edge in music acts (see Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Eagles, etc.) that was not the case with Robert on this night. If anything his greater maturity seems to bring a greater range of phrasing and expression to his guitar playing, while the voice is as strong as ever.
This was our third time seeing Robert Cray live and every time he is amazing! The Uptown was a great theatre to support music, so his concert sounded perfect! He never disappoints!
It was great. Lots of fun. I have seen Robert Cray many times and really enjoyed Sat night
Great musicians. Fabulous venue; not a bad seat in the house. Good sound. Excellent vib at the Uptown Theatre, Napa.
Regardless of your perspective on the daddy of rock and roll, the Robert Cray Band blends the foundation sounds of gospel, funk, soul and that hip sound out of the windy city itself. My partner who has never had the good fortune of hearing his sound shared the she couldn't understand why his rep was underscored by other more famous like Eric Clapton, I leave that for you to add to your toast for thought....
Robert Cray and his band did a great job and thoroughly entertained us. Robert is the real deal. Great show. Lots of dynamics, soft and sweet to rockin' blues. He worked hard for us and clearly was in the moment and enjoying it. The crowd was great as well and a good time was had by all. Napa Uptown is a beautiful theater and a great place to see a show after a meal at one of many fine restaurants close by. Highly recommended!
ROBERT CRAY AND HIS BAND WAS AMAZING HE REALLY KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK.I WOULD SEE HIM AGAIN.BUT HAS TO PLAY SMOKING GUN NEXT TIME FOR SURE.
I have listened to Robert Cray for a long time but have never seen him live. The music was more incredible than I remembered and the performance was outstanding. A perfect venue for a master musician.
My husband and I have seen Robert Cray during a performance at the Mondavi Summer Festival many years ago and enjoyed his concert immensely. Needless to say, he continues to touch my soul with his music
Very refined, pure & smooth... I'm a fan & excited to see Robert Cray at this small venue!
I had been wanting to see Robert Cray for many years and I finally got my chance. He was absolutely outrageous along with his band. His voice couldn't sound better and his magic on the guitar far surpassed what I expected to be great. However, I was not impressed with John Hiatt. In fact I didn't really like him at all. I think a much better band could have been picked to back up Robert Cray.
very good show and we loved the small theater also loved the full bar choices very nice place staff was very friendly
Robert Cray is at his height of skills both vocally and on the guitar. John Hiatt never disappoints. He's so much fun to see in concert. My only problem was with the sound system. It was very muddy. A lot of buzz and the vocals could have been much clearer. I've heard both artists with much better sound at other venues.
A great combination of bands that played very well. Hiatt as usual was great and had the audience dancing in their seats.
I hope Mr. Hiatt had as much fun as we all did...and it sure looked and sounded like he did. Admittedly, Mr. Hiatt is my favorite singer/songwriter of all time, but I'm not biased in saying this was an energetic show that even casual fans would love. He delivered a stunning performance of Long Time Comin' off the new album...as soon as John started singing I knew it was going to be another exceptional Hiatt ballad. Go see John Hiatt live--his positive energy is infectious. Robert Cray opened with a great set that made me wish I'd seen more of him over the last 25 years...he looks the same, sounds the same, and is still one of the best guitarists around. He played a couple favorites off his Strong Persuader album that were so good I forgive him not playing Smokin' Gun, and played a good mix of newer and new songs. I loved the show--thank you, guys!
John hiatt was great and venue was awesome. Nice to go to a concert so close to home!
Great venue. Acoustics can be a little tough at times. Both Cray and Hiatt were v v enjoyable. Would go again.
This show was amazing from start to finish. Wonderful venue, great bands, beautiful summer night in Newport. What could be better?
I try to see Robert Cray & his band whenever they're in the area. This is one of my favorite venues. This concert was soooo enjoyable! The acoustics were great and the crowd was as excited as I was to see him perform and listen to his amazing music & vocals. It was sublime. One of the highlights of my summer. Thank you Robert Cray!!! xo
