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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 and the band knocked it out of the house. They delivered. The sound was perfect and we could hear every word. Such a smooth sound! A must see band. He is one of the top Blues players around.
If you haven’t heard Robert Cray live, you are missing out. He has an excellent band and he really makes his guitar talk. His voice is amazing and you can see and feel the emotions in his songs. I love watching him sing and play. He is truly one of a kind.
Robert Cray and his band are truly timeless. I don’t think he could ever go out of style and his voice and guitar skills haven’t changed a bit.
Loved the dynamics!! Robert is Amazing!!! The whole group!!! They are a wonderful!!! I love the show!! Wish it was longer!
Robert Cray gave an awesome performance that made everyone feel he was playing just for them. The setting made you feel intimate without fear of being blown away by speakers made for a larger venue.
Saw Robert Cray at the Birchmere in Alexandria VA. He put on a fantastic show. We were blown away with his vocals as he sounded amazing and hasn’t changed a bit. He put everything he had into the performance and both the venue and band were awesome.
Aside from liking RC for a very long time, the venue made it all that much better. My wife and I were within 25 feet of him in a small personal setting. The food was wonderful, the waiter was top notch and the people who shared our table were fast friends. The sound was "studio"grade and at a very pleasant volume. Kudos to Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH.
Robert Cray was fantastic in person! A talented guitar player and song writer. We saw him decades ago before he was well known. It was such a treat to see him again and see and hear what a great performer he is as well as his band.
Great show! Wow this band sounds amazing! Terrific show...I shoulda bought the CD!
Great to hear and see in person. Love the intimacy of The Birchmere. Smells a little old and musty in there through.
We saw RCB at the Birchmere (Alexandria) last week and 30+ years ago in Columbus, OH. RC and his band have such tremendous talent, and provide such exquisite and unique blues! Hard to imagine how some artists are even better live than they are recorded, and the RCB deliver a live performance that delivers just that. RC’s voice talent is as rich, and strong as his musical gifts on the Fender Strat. What a joy to experience RC’s talents as well as those of Richard (“no shoes”) Cousins, Dover (“never stops smiling”) Weinberg, and Les (“but way more”) Falconer!! RCB played many of their great songs and we can’t wait to see them again! And again!
Wow, Robert Cray is still amazing. I first saw him 37 years ago and he is as good today as he was then. What an incredible guitar player and his voice is still unbelievable.
Worth every dime. Great music, tight band great vocals.
Second time seeing him- Birchmere is always awesome!! Robert Cray transports you to a New Orleans blues club- so so good 🎶🎶🎶🍕🍷
It was an awesome show; however, Robert's mic was too low in volume. It needed to be turned up. His guitar drowned out his voice and it was hard to hear the lyrics. This is the first time this has happened there. I've seen him there(front row) at least 10 times.
It started with dinner at the Inn at Jim Thorpe. It was snowing pretty good and was hoping that it was not canceled. We then proceeded to the venue and picked up our tickets at the will call window and entered. We found our seats and took a walk around and got a drink. Penns Peak is a very nice venue and we enjoy seeing shows there. I guess some people that were supposed to be sitting around us didn't make it to the show so we had extra room which was nice. It was a very enjoyable evening and can't wait to see Robert and the band again.
The Robert Cray Band delivered a great performance at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA! The song selection was thoughtful - the tempo started upbeat and each song that followed complimented the song before. The delivery was tight, too. The starts, breaks and solos were perfectly timed. Robert Cray's voice and stringwork on the guitar were flawless. Although I've been a listener for many years, this was my first show. I'm glad that we bought the tickets and travelled to Penns Peak! The hall acoustics and on-site services exceeded our expectations. Looking forward to both more of Robert Cray and Penns Peak!
We were very excited when we saw Robert Cray was scheduled to perform at Penns Peak. The venue was decent. Not really a bad seat in the house. Robert Cray is still a talented musician, and his band is on par. Unfortunately, not one song was played from the album Strong Persuader. Based on chants from the crowd requesting a song from the album, it appeared most of the crowd shared my disappointment. If the new music. Mr.Cray plays had more spark; we may not have been so disappointed. Very lackluster, and uninspiring. Most songs sounded the same, I will just remember my fond memories and play my old records. Not worth the time or money to do it again. The novelty wore off .
Robert Cray and the band were very good, but it seemed like what I thought might be an intermission was the end of the concert. I think he played from 8:00 to 9:15 and they left the stage. They did come back out and played a few more songs and were done. I, as well as many other people, were left feeling short changed. It was a snowy night and some people came a long way to see the show.
Robert Cray never fails to give a fabulous performance. His voice is as good as ever and his blues guitar.... i have no words. It is always a thrill to see him. Penns Peak in Jim THorpe is a fabulous venue. So fabulous in fact that we bought tickets to see Big Bad VooDoo Daddy in a few weeks. Robert Cray and Penns Peak was a perfect match up. Can't wait to see him again.
