a very good show
by FreddyB on 7/24/09Koka Booth Amphitheatre At Regency Park - CaryRating: 5 out of 5enjoyed the show, great band! the lightening and thunder storm added to a night of blues outside. its was a great time.

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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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enjoyed the show, great band! the lightening and thunder storm added to a night of blues outside. its was a great time.
A great concert. Robert Cray's voice was perfection. The guitar work, the band, the venue - just fantastic.
The sound was wonderful. Warm and clear with Robert's voice and guitar licks as strong as ever. I saw him in a great show 20 years ago, this one was even better. He is at the top of his game. Thanks Robert, your performance was excellent. The band was very tight. A complete performance.
First off let me tell you I am a huge Robert Cray fan and have seen him from coast to coast over the last 25 years. That said...I thought he was good last night but like most of us he has mellowed quite a bit. Not that he was ever a high energy performer but at times you could hear the crickets over the music. The crowd was also a bit out of it to the point where I felt like I should just golf clap after each song? Oh well I guess we are all getting old but i still love me some Robert Cray.
The Robert Cray Band was awesome. They played a great mix of new songs, from their new album and old favorites. (Strong Persuader, Phone Booth, Ain't nothing but a women, Smoking Gun). It was great to see Robert perform, he is such an amazing artist. The new album is coming out in August, from the songs he played you will not disappointed with his new music.
The length of warm-up presentations prevented me from hearing the entire performance of the Cray performance. Since this event was a weeknight and both my husband & I work we had to leave the concert early. If there are going to be warm-up groups, this should be advertised and main event should occur at time advertised. I felt my entertainment dollars were wasted on second rate performers.
Cray was awesome. He and his band were in the pocket all night at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre. He played several songs from one of my favorites of all time, Strong Persuader.I would highly recommend attending his show if you like funky blues guitar and a soulful sound.
Copeland was fantastic, Cray wasn't as good as I've seen him before, didn't play a few old favorites :(
Robert Cray was amazing. An unbelievable stron voice. Would highly recommend seeing him and would see him again.
It was the first time I had seen Robert Cray in concert and I thought he was absolutely wonderful. It was so nice to sit under the trees at Cary's amphitheater and listen to some great jazz. I would recommend that to anyone.
Robert Cray was excellent as usual. His opening act, Shemekia Copeland, was a breath of fresh air. Excellent vocals and what a strong voice. Koka Booth is a wonderful event that helps make the performances personal due to the size and closeness of everything. The staff does a great job of making the event enjoyable. Highly recommend attending Robert Cray next year!
Koka Booth amphitheatre is the best venue in this area to see a concert. Robert Cray was UNBELIEVABLY wonderful! We enjoyed every aspect of this show!
The ampitheater venue was perfect for this genre of music. Cool, laid back atmosphere. Band played old and new and loved it all!
Cray's performance was everything a fan would want to see. There were old songs as well as new ones off of the upcoming album. His playing was masterful and sweet but with an edge when needed. Some hesitation during two solos was like a breath before a long plunge.....and the minute wait was well worth it! Never disappointing and always soulful to the last!
While I have listened to Cray's music for a long time, this was only my second live performance. He delivers with his guitars and vocals throughout, living and feeling every moment. You can feel the connection between Bob and his band as they are always in sync. My wife has not been an avid listener but left having truly enjoyed the show as well.
This is an entertainer at the top of his game--and seeing him at the Birchmere makes it an even more memorable experience as it is close and personal. The audience responds to Robert and Robert to the audience. Watching the band have fun with their music makes it that much more enjoyable. And Jim Pugh, what an incredible keyboardist!
Cray's music was awesome but do not go to the pageant. The over sold the venue and would not open up more seating. Even though we arrived early and had our seats people were standing in front of you and the staff would do nothing. See Robert Cray for one of the best concerts ever, just do not go to the Pageant for itl.
I like Robert Cray but I actually went for the opening act, John Forte. If you like Robert Cray's studio output you'll really like the live show, he's funny, the band is tight and he plays his butt off.
The venue was very good. Clean. The seating process worked well though there are no really bad seats. Laid back feel. Robert did not disappoint. He was very lively and engaging. Of course he is a great guitarist. The band seemed to have a good time too, which makes it more fun. It would have been even better if the horn section was there.
What a show!! What a venue! Robert Cray and the guys put on a great show last night at The Birchmere. They've still got it!!