I Wasn't Prepared For Robert Cray To Do THIS!!

Robert Cray's Tour Dates: robertcray.com/pages/tours
Robert Cray's Instagram: / robertcrayofficial
I recently saw Robert Cray perform live for the first time. There were several things about this performance that really shocked me.
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[@Callsigntitan]

Robert Cray is a legend. You need to see him play to believe it.

[@johnthompson941]

Robert Cray in a small venue is always a pleasure!

[@Texasbluesalley]

The show I went to was in a 600 seat theater. Perfect size to appreciate the dynamics.

[@grep67]

Absolutely... I just him this past Friday night in a 900 seat theater... what a show! 70 years old and still rippin! It was great... my 4th time seeing him. Saw him 3 times in the late 80's!

[@Cuardaitheoirfirinne]

He has chops, feel, musicianship, everything really. He's the real deal.

[@brettgroh1112]

I really appreciate you referring to how jaw-dropping Robert's rhythm/accompaniment playing is while he's singing. I've seen him live so many times I've lost count and I'm still stunned by what he's playing while he's singing......and, to this day, he's still a freakishly great soul/r&b singer. His voice is as good, or better, than ever. Now, don't get me started on his soloing. OMG! Thanks for you wonderful and thoughtful post.

[@Texasbluesalley]

It really was remarkable. As someone who has done a bit of playing and singing at the same time, I really can't imagine doing what he does.

[@cheesetoast8312]

Interesting comment and I have to agree. The reason is based in science. Music to anyone with African DNA uses rythmic patterns and emotions to structure music as it was used for communication on so many levels science has not yet fully harnessed it yet. It is why R & B became a term and why gospel birthed blues then jazz. Thelonious Monk used to have entire conversations when he played almost all of his songs. They worked so hard to edit it out but he reffused to stop doing it. Lonnie Johnson, Albert Collins and so many others talked during preformances.

[@davidbakerscuba]

I have been a fan of Robert Cray for many years. I love all great guitar from clean to Aggressive. He is one of the best. Also, his song and lyric writing are amazing. His songs often tell an interesting story.

[@stratonut]

Cray is the goat. period

[@CorbCorbin]

I really like Cray, because he has hung with, as well as compliment, many guitarists, who were the bigger act, feature or player. Most of his music is just too tame for me, but I’ve heard him let loose a bit more a few times. He’s one of the few blues players, who got into the mainstream in the 80’s.

[@briankierans2926]

Yes the man is incredible. Seen him for the first time in Dublin back in June. I haven't put my strat down since then. He is inspirational.

[@mistreated]

Good on you! I love my hardtail Strat, like Cray

[@jhoskins5630]

Being Robert's age and living in the PNW, I was fortunate to see him coming up in the days he was playing strip mall bars and Mexican restaurants. He's always been great, the first time I heard him sing I was sure he would be big. Thanks for this post, I agree with everything you said.

[@fattone166]

Me too. I used to sneak in Washboard Willies in Spokane and watch/listen to him. He's the real deal and highly underrated as a guitar player, a real nice person as well.

[@UnboundOdysseus]

Cray is the definition of “tasteful”. He’s not flashy, but everything he plays is just so on point. He’s so underrated by the general guitar playing community, it’s criminal.

[@scottbailey7605]

I love the intro to this video, your analysis of the average low-brow KZbin viewer describes me to a tee! As far as the rest of the video, it's nice to see how even at 70 years old Robert Cray still works hard at his craft and rather than simply phoning it in, manages to give the crowd the good stuff.

[@Texasbluesalley]

He may be in a phone booth, but he's not phoning it in when he performs, that's for sure.

[@rickjason215]

He has his own sound. Hardest thing to do as a guitarist.

[@lstewart5248]

And still touring at 70! (Note: If you go to see Robert live, he starts ON TIME 😄

[@Trial212]

Yes he does!!! Be in your seat by the announced start time. He will not be late!!!

[@crayhead]

Just saw him a couple of weeks ago, and his vocals and guitar playing are better than ever..

[@kimedmond5377]

About to experience Robert Cray. Tonight 10/13/23. Saw him as a kid in the 80s. He is badass. Buffalo Ny tonight

[@dripslobber]

Robert Cray is so underrated and I never understood why. Thank you for this video and .............. don't stop embarrassing yourself😉

[@SoWhat.BigDeal.]

Actually it's his tone that bothers me. I just can't get into his playing. I was 13 when Wheels Of Fire hit so I imprinted on early Clapton distortion. That's the voice of a guitar to me, I guess.

[@petermapstone9684]

Robert Cray is my favourite highway sound track. The clarity of the tone and combination of vintage and fresh licks, plus smooth clear vocals. Great band and feel. I can listen to him and his band for weeks on end. Great episode!

[@tomusic8887]

He is so very good at playing these chops

[@larryscott2239]

I saw a Robert Cray show several years ago. Robert had the most beautiful clean tone I've heard live along with his amazing vibrato. His band was so tight! Agreed about his vocals. Agree on the vocals! Totally different style, but he reminded me of seeing George Benson around the time Breezin' and Masquerade came out - amazing guitar plugged straight in and then they start singing ...Totally underrated!

[@buddhamus]

Robert Cray is the King of Clean. When I saw him, he was playing his Strat straight into a Super Reverb, no pedals at all. What I love about his playing is his use of dynamics, as you pointed out. What I especially love is when he is soloing and for the most part playing clean and then he hits that one note that has a little bit of "dirt" on it. It's a beautiful thing to hear. I want my "clean" tone to begin when his "dirty" tone starts. Thanks for this video. More guitar players should be listening to Robert Cray.

[@Trial212]

Well said. I've only been playing 10 years and I'll be 65 in May. Cray showed me that you need to learn how to play clean, then worry about messing with pedals that just "clutter up your sound" as he put it. I've now learned that "certain" pedals can enhance your tone if you know what you're doing!! They can also be a crutch.....

[@jonislow]

Robert Cray is one of the BEST to ever do it, period

[@smokingtarheel3003]

Robert Cray is amazing. He plays with so much clean tone and articulation.

[@gmhgb]

This was great, I've seen him six times since 1990 - all fabulous gigs. His solos are full of rhymical and dynamic variations, I haven't heard anyone else play like this. Add the lovely vocal tone with the tight band - brilliant. When he comes back to the UK I'll be there.

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

My wife and I saw Mr. Cray open for George Thorogood a couple of months ago. Great show. His bass player seemed like he was in his own world and just grooving. Awesome band!

[@timfireblade]

He’s an underrated blues guitarist who sing like a soul singer.

[@monrodeo100]

As a guitarist band leader myself, this video analysis of Robert Cary’s band conducting skills is spot on. Kudos to you for pointing out these subtle but crucial techniques. I too use may of these ques and having a dedicated and sensitive band members makes playing gigs so much fun. Great video, good job.

[@bjeffrey1863]

Saw Robert in Detroit in the 80s the "smokin gun tour" He was the front band for Eric Clapton I never heard of him at this point but after the show i never forgot him i was totally mind blown he was absolutely amazing.

[@gnawbabygnaw]

I was turned onto Robert Cray by an audiophile friend in the 90’s when his album Strong Persuader came out. Through this friend’s system it blew my mind. Robert Cray is so talented and dedicated and it shows. Thanks for this one 🤙🤙

[@MTimWeaver]

Pretty much when I learned about him...that same album. Interestingly, I've never watched any of his music/videos...I think that needs to change.

[@BigTwinRiver]

This album, like Robert in general was a hit and in the pop zeitgeist at his height. But remains to this day wildly underrated. I love dirty, crunchy, spongy, brown sound, and all the rest but tone this clean connects in a different way. There’s no sauce, just the spicy meat!

[@georgestevens1502]

Strong Persuader came out on the 80s, 1986 I believe. More Than I Can Stand is my favorite cut on that album.

[@georgestevens1502]

Been listening to Robert since the mid to late 70s in Eugene, OR where he was based at the time. Was able to see him a couple times a month at local venues. Hadn't started recording yet. Gave me a thorough blues education by covering every electric blues standard. Always great singing and playing. Saw him at the Doheny Blues Festival more than a decade ago as the penultimate act for Crosby, Stills & Nash on the main stage. Stills came to the side of the stage to take a copious amount of photos with a film camera and listen up close to Robert who was totally locked in that late afternoon. My brother had gotten seating right in front of the stage so I could see him up close again, just like in Eugene. Seeing Stephen Stills get off on his performance was incredibly cool too. Icing on the cake.

[@monrodeo100]

Robert Cray and Curtis Salgado in Eugene Oregon, great band. They would tear up clubs wherever they played. They were the epitome of a tight killer blues band.

[@tomttopp]

I would've expected you to be more into Robert's music. He has been a staple in the blues community since the 80s. I absolutely LOVE his clean style.

[@SamPlaysBass49]

one of the few live musicians who got me choked up live

[@NickJardine]

Man, Robert Cray is fantastic. Something admirable about his clean/no pedal approach. Pure technique. Not to mention his voice and chordal work. Killer! He totally utilizes dynamics, pickup selection, tone knobs and where he actually picks, to the fullest.

[@Trial212]

Yep!! he uses all five pick up settings and sometimes he picks waaay back between the bridge pup and the bridge!! Next moment, he's up over the middle pup. A true master!!!

[@NickJardine]

@@Trial212 I think with so many additional effects available, people listen forget that you can get so many sound variations with just the tone knobs, pick ups, and where/ how you pick.

[@kahn265_]

You are correct. I was introduced to Robert Cray in 89, and while he is not my goto - he is SPOT ON about precision and subtlety on a level I've never heard before and almost never since. Wes Montgomery & Gabor Szabo are about the only other players I've heard who can really do that level of understated precision.

[@biondipepe]

I saw him live for the first time back in 1992 or 93 in Argentina. One of those concerts I will never forget

[@gregkoelling615]

I've been to a couple of Robert's shows. The man is a treasure. At one of the shows he played "Time Makes Two". The man's hands are huge, just try playing the verse/intro guitar with the descending bass line. I was in the 4th row for that one and while he was doing that he had the biggest grin on his face! It was as if he was saying "try this, guys!" For some amazing vocals listen to "Bouncin' Back" off the Midnight Stroll album, the outro on that one will send chills up your spine.

[@daveedson32]

Thank you. Robert has been doing this stuff for pushing 50 years, but like a fine wine he has gotten better. He is as good a musician as there is. He makes the audience lean in, then whoop and holler, then laugh, then meditate, then dance, then feel introspective and deeply human. It is such a trip to go on, such a gift. I've been following him and studying him since the 1980's and he is THE man. If you haven't yet had the chance, or if it's beena while, go see the Robert Cray Band.

[@wmot206]

You had me at "Robert Cray", but I have to admit he'd fallen of my radar in recent years. Thanks for the re-introduction!

[@igavehimadollar3354]

robert cray was one of those guys i was listening to when i was 18 that really got me into playing a guitar

[@jamalabdul2009]

I’ve been aware of Robert Cray since the days of MTV and more so, VH1. I’ve always enjoyed his music and luckily my father,sister and I had the honor to see him live in 2005 at the North Sea Jazz Festival! I can’t recall the set list that evening but I was totally entertained. 🎸

[@mistreated]

Great review. I saw the Robert Cray Band, twice on this years tour. He is, without a doubt the Master Of The Stratocaster.

[@lonnylogan1016]

When I was lucky enough to have seen him he brought the house down to a whisper... really really cool.

[@Trial212]

He did that last Friday at the Keswick Theater in PA.....Phenomenal!!!!

[@richardkanarian223]

I saw Robert Cray last night (2/24/24) at a small venue (750 people) and your analysis of his show is spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed his show even though he didn't play "Smoking Gun". Very interactive with the crowd, and his dynamics, soft and leading up to a crescendo was really sweet. I'd recommend seeing him and his band....they were very tight!

[@gumpymcbarfbag3884]

Only my most favorite all time player/singer/songwriter !!!

[@stevemark9404]

Saw him last Friday first time live… OMFG!!! I’ve been a fan for a long time but live blew me away! I agree with every thing you said about him! Sick!! Thanks for the great Vid👊🤘

[@elkennedystrat7894]

I saw him in Houston before Strong Persuader came out. His tone and sound was unique. Now he sounds even better with those dual Matchless Matchless monsters and that beautiful Fender. Great video.

[@fisiosaiter]

Cray gives meaning to the word professional.

[@sangmanlee]

Hope to see RC releasing more of his stuf. I saw him live in Guildford

[@FlorusHeresy]

Reminds me a lot of my feelings when I saw BB King 10-15 years ago. Small venue, BB King Blues Club at the Orleans in Vegas. Now BB obviously with some more physical limitations than say Robert in this video, but the showmanship, the expertise, the precision was incredible. I watched him play and kept thinking to myself “this guy’s first album was recorded in the 50’s” There’s something special that comes with recording and performing at such a high level for decades on decades. It’s a sight every musician should experience. See these guys now before they are gone!

[@druwk]

I saw him in the 80’s and he was just as good! The Real Deal. Watching him immediately impacted me and my playing. I had a Roland JC120 at the time, and all of a sudden the amp made sense! Wish the impact was permanent, but hey? His clean tone and playing are so good. Can’t believe his voice is still so strong? Not for nothing, the man has stayed fit! Like when I saw Albert King, Robert ‘wins’ the audience. By the end of the show, you can’t help but be blown away!

[@wileynicholson1682]

I've seen RCB since the 80's. Is absolutely the best. They don't even use a set list. The band has been together for forty years.

[@davidcox5588]

Saw Robert Cray last weekend (2/17/24). Hadn't seen him in a couple decades. I was prepared to cut him some slack since he's 70 now. OMG, was I wong! His voice is still incredible, his band was phenomenal, and his guitar skills mezmorized me throughout the show.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Hasn't lost a step or a note.

[@watchtheflow3880]

Robert has been up there since I’m a kid. And I’m Italian. That’s the extent of his talent. ❤

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Robert Cray played the same clubs as I did 40-45 years ago. Watching him back then was an advanced lesson in how to play music live. Thank you, Robert Cray.

[@CAROLYN143-8-9]

I WAS INTRODUCE TO THE RCB IN 2022 IN FOLSOM, CA. I CAN LISTEN TO THEM ALLLLL DAYYYYYY. EACH PERFORMANCE IN OAKLAND & NAPA LAST YEAR WAS EXCELLENT. WOULD LOVE TO SEE AN ANTHOLOGY ALBUM. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THEM AGAIN REAL SOON.

[@flash1660]

Saw him many times always put on a great show so clean is what is known as a master my favorite

[@ronmorey3475]

This was absolute gold. Thank you for honoring Robert Cray and his band's musicianship. So inspiring to watch such pros at work.

[@Matt_on_life]

One of the best! He inspired me to turn my reverb off until I could get things cleaned up… I became a much better player because of him

[@thefstopshere]

Very nice video. Glad to see you were so inspired by the show. He is a master. I saw him in 1997 and i had all of the same impressions you had. As a guitarist/musician/performer, I'm still feeding off that inspiration.

[@dwstoeckel4740]

Great video! Thank you sir!

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Robert Cray is one of the few Stratocaster players that uses a hard tail model. He's never played a Stratocaster with Tremolo system and arm. I saw him in Seattle during the late 1970s. He was just getting noticed and he's done great for himself. His song great writing is another of his talents besides playing and singing.

[@MattyBEightyThree]

Best intro I’ve seen in a long, long time😂

[@jamarwright]

Fun intro and great analysis. Good work!

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I’ve been a fan since Animal House! I’ve seen him live once. I’ve heard really great musicians say how great he is. Such a unique style! I’ve never heard an in depth analysis like this. Thank you!

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Totally agree. Saw Robert play in the UK about 20 years ago. He was superb. Great player great singer.

[@Kroeber38]

Great analysis of the genius of Mr. Robert Cray! Thank you!

[@yobyob9369]

Thanks for your good work

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Haha! Well done 👍 Robert doing the duck that was a cue reminded me of James Brown conducting the band with his kicks and dance moves calling for a trumpet sting or whatever. The story goes as if anyone in the band missed their cue it cost them fifty bucks. He’d sometimes work the words “… I gotcha now…” in.

[@ricardbennett6487]

True class!

[@jazzzfer]

I didn’t know about him and went to his concert now he is my favorite blues player

[@s.trottier3239]

Robert is the BOSS...

[@jscotlandr]

Great way to change things up. A++

[@everydaybrian]

Love this video, Anthony!

[@michaelperry2446]

GREAT..STUFF!

[@janjansen7983]

I saw Robert and his band last may in Hengelo, the Netherlands. Best live show I've ever been to.

[@user-xr5sf1zo8h]

He's amazing. Iv'e been a fan since 1986 when he released "Strong Persuader." His music has SOUL. It's funky as crap too. Richard Cousins, the bassist, has been with him for the better part of 40 years. He's a beast on bass. Lays down an awesome groove. In any case, I'm currently stocking up on Robert Cray CDs.

[@shanfaulkner5607]

Very cool...Great job

[@uceddiemo]

Great Video, thanks for sharing, I’ve been a Robert Cray fan since the 80s, so now after watching this I need to put him back on my playlist

[@Eoghan_guitar11]

Excellent video, and it has inspired me to have a listen to some of his music

[@artprince9163]

Saw RC about 15 years ago when he opened for Clapton, then again a couple years ago. Still Ana amazing singer and fine guitarist.

[@clappersox]

Great video, great analysis!

[@blueeyephil]

Cool video. I am seeing him tomorrow night. Really looking forward to it, and will pay close attention. Thanks for your analysis.

[@EdBenji]

Less is more with Robert Cray!

[@may4friends]

I missed his concert a few months ago here in the Netherlands, sadly. I 've loved his music eversince I first heard "Right next door" as a teenaged girl. I wasn't even a fan of blues, but Robert Cray was and is unique. The way he sings with his masterful guitar play, his voice it's like an instrument itself. I never knew how to describe why he is so unique, until I watched your professional analysis. Thanks!

[@cliffpatterson7359]

I saw him touring for his "Shame + a Sin" album at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in NH. He sounded AS GOOD as the album. I've seen Iron Maiden, Santana, BB King, Metallica and countless other bands over 40 years, and no one has sounded as good as their studio albums, EXCEPT Robert Cray

[@decleafs4]

That's some Buddy Guy level dynamics. Both are masters of it.

[@MichaelAlso]

Funny intro and great video on live musicianship. Robert Cray is a master player and vocalist

[@blumoe59]

Awesome stuff my friend! I was fortunate to see Robert and his fab band in Ginza, Tokyo 2015 I think it was. I currently reside in Southern Japan now, am hoping I can catch another show...

[@fender4brad]

I discovered Cray thanks to Clapton. Been a huge fan ever since. I’d love to see him live. Thanks!

[@rnicmusic9637]

awesome band

[@jordangordan8980]

Sweet! Get to see him sunday in Kalamazoo, MI.

[@MACKHAWKSS]

incredible breakdown

[@user-fb4bk1kq5d]

I didn't like Robert cray yet you make me see what i wd never know,because of your serious scrutiny I now understand that he's such a gifted composer. Thank you very much.

[@williamandrews3648]

Listening to his solo on “Busted” with Andre’s Osborne & I think I sprained my ear

[@Trial212]

Thanks Texas Blue's Alley for giving such an insightful review of RC!!! Robert Cray and his band are absolutely phenomenal!!! The man has incredible talent, from the mastery of his Strat to his singing and writing. Here's two little secret's. First is that he plays a hard tail Stratocaster!! Any vibrato you hear is from his fingers!! It is amazing....Second, the Fender MIM Robert Cray Stratocaster is absolutely the finest value you will EVER find in a MIM Strat. The pups come from the custom shop. No one "seems" to know what the spec's are, but the sound is some kind of good!!! Yes, I have one in Inca Silver. Lastly, my wife and I got to meet him before Covid wreaked havoc and you will be hard pressed to find a nicer or more humble man who is in fact a musical Superstar!!! Cannot wait to see him and his band later in March in PA. It's less than a month away!!! Take care everyone!!! Bryan

[@SuperRiver80]

awesome music lesson on great musicianship, beautifully explained . My favourite TBA video 🙂 ( so far )

[@darrinvandemark4781]

Surprised you werent a follower of Robert Cray. Great player singer songwriter lyrics and tone.

[@Texasbluesalley]

I've known of him for decades, but his playing and music were always a bit too clean and reserved for me, because I gravitated towards heavier blues sounds ala Hendrix, SRV, etc... But honestly it was kind of the same way with Muddy Waters, and a lot of other players. I didn't understand or appreciate the music as much when I was a hotshot young player who thought if I could just play fast enough, I'd win some sort of prize, lol

[@muckytrails323]

Otis days bass player animal house 😀 a real treasure ❤️Sam Cooke with a guitar ❤️

[@tommyhaynes9157]

No one expects the Robert Cray bend !!!

[@johnmonroe3489]

he is a great artist and you are a informative analyzer

[@Baci302]

Playing clean exposes one's playing.

[@sporque]

#1 to everything you said here. I'm a huge RC fan, have seen him live a couple of times. As you say, he's a fantastic singer. Speaking as you were about cues, tempo and dynamics changes, another player whose band is amazing for that is Derek Trucks. They will be full tilt boogie and they'll stop on a dime and slash the tempo. Incredible musicianship.

[@mboyer68]

I tried to sing while playing a four chord song and as soon as i open my mouth...my hands stop. I'm blown away at how hard it is to sing while playing guitar. I've practiced a bunch and i can do it now, i can hit the chords, but my strumming is horrible. It takes a lot of practice! Thank you for all the great videos:)

[@Texasbluesalley]

It's so hard. Singing to a basic rhythm is challenging. Singing while doing anything syncopated is damn near impossible, at least for me.

[@cleenlivin]

Your review and acknowledgment that Robert Cray is a phenomenal guitarist, singer, performer and writer is a fact. When I started listening to him I was hooked on his unique style of blues music, vocals and clean guitar. I’m a huge fan of his guitar skills and his song I Shiver has always amazed me because of his picking and fret technique and wondering how he gets that sound and sings at the same time. His song Will You Think of Me also shows some of his great vocals and guitar style. You know you’re great when no cover band or guitarist can copy your guitar licks. I haven’t heard anyone come close to playing his music.

[@spookytkid]

I learned a long time ago. pro's are "Pro" for a reason.. Bands I saw that I wasn't interested in and mesmerized me, ppl like Cray... There is a reason they are where they are. Its almost Magic.