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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 awesome as we expected. He always puts on a great show. The venue was very clean and easy to get to. There was adequate street parking. The restrooms were clean and not crowded. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening!
I have to admit I was just recently introduced to the Robert Cray Band. I drove from El Paso, Tx. to Houston to watch this concert. I don't regret the 8 hour drive! I would drive anywhere to see this concert. I will be going to ACL in October and I would be surprised if any of the bands out there can surpass this concert!
Rboert Cray was wonderful. Such a great guitar player and his voice is so clear. You can actually understand his words, which is great since his songs tell such good stories. The whole band was wonderful. The opening band was good, don't know who they were, since I could not understand their lead singer. The only complaint was that Robert Cray did not come on stage till 9:30 PM, had been there since 7:30 Pm buying expensive drinks.
This was my first time to see Robert Cray - I knew he was an amazing talent after watching him on Eric Clapton's CD of the Crossroads Concert. He did not disappoint and I was happily surprised to find out that he has a very nice stage presence and fun personality. You could tell that he is one of those musicians that really "feels" his music when he is playing the guitar and it draws you into the moment with him. I would recommend Robert Cray to anyone that loves the blues - especially the old school stuff. What a talent - definitely worth the money!
This concert was fantastic. Robert Cray makes his guitars sing the blues so you feel it deep down in your soul...He also has great humor
Wow! I've seen Bob six times, and this has to be the best yet. Un-flippin-believable concert. The band has never sounded better, and Mr. Cray only grows more seasoned every year. An absolutely fantastic concert that satisfied all of my Cray cravings and exceeded expectations.
Great blues guitar work by Robert Cray. An added attraction is the keyboard work from Jim Pugh. A fine set, tight sound that was over all too soon.
Very enjoyable evening.............................House of Blues is a great venue.
The Robert Cray Band delivers a melodic, soul-filled, classic musical experience. This concert was truly special. Robert Cray's voice is one of a kind and his guitar playing technique and style are unparalleled. I would recommend this concert to anyone who has a good taste in music.
If you're a fan of Robert, you will find his current tour enjoyable. It's not a rollicking, rowdy blues show, but rather a showcase for his flawless vocals and tastefully restrained guitar solos. If I have one complaint, it is that he is too fond of a mid-tempo R&B vibe. I really would love to see him rock out more.
Shemekia Copeland was a wonderful opener for Robert Cray. She made the audience wanting more.
I'd heard Robert Cray in concert before, so knew to expect a fantastic show with his unique voice and lyrics. He delivered a great concert with both unfamilar songs and some old standbys. Love his music! The only disappointment was that the tickets said "7:30" and the warm up act didn't begin until 8:30, and Robert Cray began at 10. I don't think they were late -- it was intentional scheduling by the House of Blues to get you there early and sell more liquor. Unfortunately, the majority of the crowd had to stand that entire time. It is a fabulous venue, and would love to go agan.
I saw the Robert Cray band at the House of BLues. My friend and I got the last seat that was not reserved. I would have liked to have seen him at the Congress or the VIc, where everyone who wants to sit down can. However, the man can really play live. He can really make that guitar wail and it is great to see the diversity of people who enjoy the blues. HIs back up band was really amazing and I bought their cd, because I thought that I would like to hear those songs again.
this is the 3rd time i have seen robert cray.he just keeps getting better and better.he has a one of a kind voice that no one can touch.his guitar playing is underrrated.i would put him in my top five with people like SRV eric clapton and jimi hendrix.it wasnt a huge crowd but it didnt matter to R.C. he played his heart out from the time he walked on stage until the final song of the encore.thanks robert.excellent show!!!!!
cray continually kicks out beautifully sung and played blues!
What a great and talented artist. Having been a fan for many years, it was great to see someone who so enjoy's what he's doing and sharing it.
Robert Cray is an amazing artist who uses his voice which combines heart, soul & perfect pitch to raise your spiritual being to another level. His guitar playing matches his voice in perfection. Anyone who has a chance to see him live is crazy to miss it! I wish more people would open their hearts to the blues, & when you do Robert Cray is the ultimate valentine!!!
Great Show, I have been to multiple Cray Shows and am usually impressed. This show was 100 times better than the show I saw a couple of years ago when he was the opening act for Clapton. Most impressive: Robert had a couple of new licks and his matchless amp was barking out some incredible tone. Every member of the band was awesome. The band naturally had great timing after they got warmed up and the keyboard player smoked when given space. I was delighted to see Richard back in the lineup. I have always been a fan and remember him as a key writer on some of my alltime favorite songs. The only thing that aggrevated me was the couple of times that Robert did the Buddy Guy thing and lowered the volume to the point that nobody could hear him and the cat calls took over the show. Cray needs someone to strategically arrange his set to build the audience up to a fevered pitch. The show peaked two songs before the enchore. The last song in the enchore, although a great song, was a let down because it didn't have the pocket and punch of earlier songs.
Although the band has a different blues sound than most the show was great and though i have no CD's of the band i was still familiar with most of the songs played.
Robert Cray is looking good and still rocks after a long career in blues. He played for ninety minutes and came back for a twenty minute encore. Mostly new material. Apparently he has a new bass player, Cousins (?), who is a real character and had three different instruments. Cray had only two guitars. My biggest issue was with the odd layout of the pit and the kids who talked through most of the first half hour of the show.
