British guitarist analyses Robert Cray's next level all round ability!

[@mtp4430]

I love Robert Cray. Strong Persuader is a great album and he's a fine guitarist and excellent vocalist. I'm so glad you decided to analyze one of his videos.

[@MultiLakewood]

I love Robert Cray. Saw him in Chicago years ago. A wonderful blues guitarist and a smooth voice.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I saw Robert Cray twice live. In 2007, as the opening act for Eric Clapton. Then, I saw him several years later at the Edmonton Blues Festival. It was great.

[@annejohnston3437]

You're blessed , man 🎈🙏

[@redghost3170]

Some of the tastiest chord phrasing I’ve ever heard.

[@racinnut77]

Been loving me some Robert Cray for over thirty years. Handsome guy, great guitarist and singer, the Total Package. Thanks for this one Fil.

[@nrich5127]

I believe this performance was at Austin City Limits TV Show in the late 1990's - I taped this on my VCR recorder and marveled at his sophisticated style - happy to see others also amazed by his understated style - class all the way.

[@daveedson32]

This ACL appearance was recorded in 1990.

[@codymccormick7317]

Definitely one of the best blues guitarists and vocalists in my opinion, and holy hell the man can write a good love song

[@debravirden7130]

Your analysis is always spot on, entertaining and brings the featured artist forward and back in focus for us all. Robert Cray is a gem. And YOU are multi-talented

[@tomlee9679]

Totally agree coming from a Robert Cray fan

[@kensod6034]

Robert can really make that strat sing. Even that run before your first interruption. Masterpiece. Singing and ripping after the stanza. Incredible. What a great voice. Thanks professor

[@TorToroPorco]

I love the clean tones from his Strat. As Fil points out there is no place to hide as he's not relying on distortion or lots of overdrive, just very melodic notes and tones. I love the lyrics in his songs as well, they are really well suited to the music and vocals he sets to them. The blues oriented subjects such as infatuation, heartbreak, betrayal, relationship breakdowns, just perfect for the tenor of his voice and chord phrasings. It would be interesting to hear Fil tackle some of Robert's songs and hear Fil's vocal inflections as I'd imagine it would be difficult to sing with Robert's intensity on certain notes. I also think Fil at his core might really be a bluesman judging by some of the licks from his last head to head improvisation video.

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

So glad to see Robert Cray-he is so smooth, beautiful voice and tone /phrasing on guitar are soothing. Favorite for years among southern blues greats😎🔥

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I saw Robert Cray twice live, in Edmonton. The first time was in 2007, when he opened up for Eric Clapton. The second time was several years later at the Edmonton Blues Festival. Robert Cray is amazing and is keeping the blues alive. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil!

[@macpduff2119]

I am so impressed by your selections of artists to review, Robt Cray's 'Because of me' touched me deeply when I first heard it, I'm amazed that you are aware of this song,

[@akb5531]

When I first moved to Seattle, Washington in the 70's I was lucky enough to see Robert Cray playing at one of the main music taverns in the U'District several times. You just new he was gonna be big. His voice is so wonderfully identifiable! I just have to add, Fil, that I usually don't understand most of what your saying musically, so I appreciate that you "translate" it for the likes of folks like me. Best holiday wishes! Take care!

[@thavith]

Wow, a slower version of my favourite Robert Cray song. I love the sound Robert gets out of his guitar, so clean, so perfect. I can't wait till music rediscovers this kind of guitar again. The solos in this version are amazing btw. I love that he doesn't have a set of riffs for this song, but can improvise, but keep the feel of the song intact. What a master.

[@wingsofpegasus]

TIME STAMPS - 0:39 Performance 3:10 Analysis Start 4:40 Chords 7:06 Fills 8:04 Lead (Expanding the Pentatonic) 9:22 Utilising Slides 15:20 Performance Part 2 18:11 Analysis Resumes 18:59 Volume/Dynamics 20:04 Vocal Range

[@musicmotorskate7540]

I've seen him three times and he's by far one of the best live performers I've ever had the pleasure to see. His rhythm playing while singing is incredible. Plus the tone he had coming from the matchless amps he was using was heavenly. While his recordings sounded great they could never quite catch the magic of the live shows. Seriously this guy is special.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Brilliant! I didn't know anything about Robert Cray. Thanks, Fil! 🖤🤘🏽☃️

[@lepantoslim7058]

I have a new appreciation for Robert Cray thanks! . It would take too long to explain why this video was so amazing. I’m back with my old music teacher but you are a far better teacher. Thank you Fil .

[@savagecycles]

This is the only Robert Cray song I've ever learned to play so Im delighted you randomly chose to do a deep dive. Thanks so much!

[@suehollar2578]

I love Robert Cray. His voice is like velvet and his guitar is so smooth. I could listen to him all night!

[@lynndow3185]

Loved this. I have been aware of Robert Cray since the old days. It's been fun watching him achieve such major success. Wonderful analysis of exactly WHY he became so popular! Thanks, Fil.

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Hi Lynn hope all is well, it's been awhile. Sorry if my politics turned you off but trust me when I say my love of music hasn't changed and neither has my joy in reading your comments! Peace Boogie Woogie

[@lynndow3185]

@@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222 omigosh! It's good to see your name! (Politics are not worth fussing over...) I wish you a happy peaceful Christmas, thanks for saying hello!

[@westscape2]

I saw Robert live maybe 10 years ago not really knowing anything about him; what an amazing musician he is . He lives every note of every song. I concluded he's a perfectionist especially vocally. I yearned to hear backing vocals from his band as that was the only thing I could hear missing. I realised though nobody would be able to 'keep up with him' pitch wise. He really doesn't want anything imperfect spoiling the sound.

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

Dude, I've been waiting for some Robert Cray. Yeah. Rock

[@petermccarthy3046]

I saw him at a small theater in my home town! Life is good sometimes!

[@brewswillis9783]

Saw him along with BB King and Tower of Power in the late 90s in Nashville, fricken awesome concert! Awesome breakdown as usual Fil!

[@aprils6589]

Love his bluesy R&B sound. His appearance here in Sacramento CA was postponed. As soon as it's rescheduled, I'm getting my ticket. 👍

[@jettechdonatkins]

I saw Robert live about a year after SRV died.He put on one of the best concerts I have ever seen,and I've seen some of the best! Thanks Fil for what you do,love how you show us on your guitar!!

[@callmejeffbob]

Thanks for doing this excellent video about Robert Cray. I've been a huge Robert Cray fan since the mid-1970s, when he was a local star here in Oregon and Washington. I saw him dozens of times back in the day and also whenever he's played Portland recently. The bass player in this video is the great Richard Cousins, who was in the early incarnations of the Robert Cray band and on his first few records. He then went elsewhere (probably by sometime in the early nineties). However in the last few years, he has now returned to playing with Robert again, which is great! The musical chemistry between these two is fantastic. I should also note that way back in the 70s, when Albert Collins was based in California, he would use the Cray band as his back-up band when he came through Portland, Eugene, Seattle, etc. Albert was a strong influence on Robert's playing, although Robert absolutely developed his own tremendously distinctive style. Later on (in 1986) the three guitarists Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland recorded a record together called "Showdown!" on the Alligator record label, which won a Grammy for "Best Traditional Blues Album". Check it out if you haven't already.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Love Showdown!

[@jimh3267]

Saw Robert when this album (Strong Persuader) came out, and once or twice more since. It is a must for your library. A true, great triple threat.

[@gregcarlson6342]

I saw him when "Don't be Afraid of the Dark" came out. Never heard of him before but it sounded like it might be a good concert . Got a great seat minutes after tickets went on sale. What a great performer! Didn't even realize the rythm guitar player wasn't there that night. His guitar work made up for it. Broke a couple strings that night. :-)

[@swinetrek]

I played a tape of this album on a mini bus holiday tour of Canada/USA when it first came out. Everybody liked it and it was on high rotation. Great musician.

[@cliffordlowerre1381]

Glad you showed a live video. He puts on such a good live show. Relates well with the crowd. When I watch his style with vocals the word "Smooth" comes to mind. When your video started and I saw Robert was live and I saw your tee under the hoodie, Alpine Valley came to mind. Rest in peace Stevie Ray!

[@kathleenmoser8245]

Robert Cray makes everything look so effortless.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Saw Robert Cray at Hammersmith in the '80s when he and B.B.King were touring together and (so I'm told) alternately headlining. B.B. was headlining that night I'm glad to say but Cray more than held his own. I was impressed by how much 'tougher' he was live than on record and by how much genuine presence he had.

[@steveavery4315]

Robert Cray is one of my all time favorites. Strong Persuader is in my top 10 albums as well. Thanks for the review. Cray seems to have flown under the radar and it’s a real shame. He’s so good

[@adamthirdbourne324]

Excellent breakdown. Thank You!

[@k5wxp22]

I was lucky enough to see him play at Clapton's Crossroads concert in Dallas years ago. Robert Cray is a great vocalist and guitarist. My favorite thing about him? You can understand EVERY word he sings!

[@randyharbaugh7819]

So glad you devoted a lot of time to talk about Robert's use of the volume control on the guitar, too many players don't use that tool enough. He also changes his right hand position often when he is playing,

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

He is so great live. He has so much charisma and talent. You can’t get that on video. The man pulled you in.

[@cadilacslim]

Hey Fil, I know Robert Cray, I lived in Eugene Oregon in the late seventies and early eighties and he lived in Eugene then and was the top band in town. Back then he wasn't that confident of his singing so another local guy from Eugene, Curtis Salgado was fronting the band. They used to do great harmony songs together like Joe Tex's 123. The movie Animal House was filmed in Eugene back then and Curtis met John Belushi and turned him on to Blues, Curtis even told John who to hire for the Blues Brothers. Robert was in the movie also. I went to Roberts private record release party for his first album it was on Tomato records. Eugene was a collage town and every bluesman who was still alive and touring came through town, those were the good old days, lol.

[@glenkepic3208]

This is great !!! Robert Cray fan since the mid '80s (family dug him first). Fave album of his for jamming's been Shame + A Sin for years. Lucky enough to see him open for EC in '07. Even my Wife thought he was good.

[@KoDaMoJo]

I caught Robert Cray a couple times at New Orleans Jazz Fest, and whenever he played you just have to stop and listen. He and Vai have those hands that look like they wrap around the neck twice.

[@jamesanthony5257]

A Few weeks ago a saw Jackie Venson on ACL, and I felt just the way I did seeing Robert Cray live back in 1985. yea!

[@tkjokester]

Wow, incredible performance. I have never heard of him before. What a talent.

[@CHET1]

Fil I saw Buddy Guy at Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas and guess who opened? Gary Clark Jr. age 15.

[@CHET1]

The whole place was jumping and Buddy played through the audience on out. Buddy has left the building. The best!

[@debishaw9355]

Chet, I’ve been to Gruene and heard about all the action at Gruene Hall. We are in Austin. Need to check out that place when covid is over. They must have a schedule...

[@cindypowers4993]

That must have been an amazing show, wow!!!

[@caracarlson-roberts6325]

Listening to this analysis, Fil, makes me so glad that I came across you and your channel here on KZbin. When I was younger and more into the “music scene “it was easy to pick up on what was the latest group or a song or album, but then life happens to you and we have children and get jobs and don’t have a lot of time to keep up on the music scene like we did when we were in our teenage years and college. So, thank you for doing these analysis shows because it introduces we of the older generation the opportunity to catch up on what we didn’t have the time to listen to. My son was instrumental in introducing me to new music when he got to his teenage years, but he still couldn’t give me as broad spectrum as you do and have done by virtue of creating this incredible opportunity to introduce me to new artists and their music. This is a great, great channel. Thanks a lot.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@rogermoore2798]

Love Robert Cray....and love your guitar explanations/breakdowns. As you say...not only is he a great guitar player but he has a phenomenal voice. One thing I would add is that he is one of those rare guitarists that have created their own unique sound....as soon as he hits his first note you know it's him.

[@shaneh9524]

Ahhh yes the great Robert Cray and his hardtail strat, smooth and cool!

[@marksc1929]

...he has a velvet voice .... tasteful and soulful ....hugely underrated....thx Fil as always 👍

[@Realmikesambo]

and he played bass for Otis Day and the Knights! (Thanks to Belushi!)

[@samanthab1923]

Never knew that. How cool 😎

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Thanks Fil, been a fan of Robert for over 35 years, seen him live many times and he never disappoints. Happy holidays

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I had to shake my head and laugh when he adjusted the tuning on his guitar while playing AND singing! If I tried that I'd be singing, "I heard him shout E... E... E... E." ;-)

[@angusorvid8840]

Cray has one of those unmistakable styles. I've been a fan since the time of Strong Persuader. He's one of the greatest blues masters of all time.

[@marylarrimore3950]

I was blessed to see him in a very small vintage theater after the release of Stong Persuader. Absolutely mesmerizing performance! Most of the time his eyes were closed and his head was upward. Very intimate venue. No opening act. Pensacola Sanger Theater in Florida. Seats 600 max.

[@pjj9491]

Love him...so underrated...

[@andrewharman787]

Been waiting for you to do Bob so nice one Fil! Saw him once in a double header with BB King, a night to remember!

[@suzanneprior3251]

I love Robert Cray. I've been lucky to see him in concert several times, starting in the 90's. Soon I'll be able to drive to the northeast US to see him again. It's like he goes into a trance when he plays the guitar (great facial expressions). I think he's had the same bass player forever. Robert Cray also comes across as a really decent, nice man. Please consider analyzing another of his songs. Thank you!

[@tantan313]

Robert Cray is one of my favorite guitarists of all time and one of the most underrated. He is the epitome of smooth.

[@robrobertson4619]

Thanks for this one! I used to listen to Robert Cray all the time back in the 90’s. I honestly haven’t heard this song since then! Great reaction videos....as usual👍😎

[@johnianknox1629]

Great analysis as ever Fil, Robert and Buddy Guy are the great modern blues guys, what a soulful smooth voice he has and another player who is underrated, another recommendation from me is Johnny Winter with 'Rock 'n' roll Hootchie Coo' a fine toe tapper, stay safe buddy, cheerio from Glasgow.

[@theyrecousins]

His rhythm playing kinda reminds me of how Curtis Mayfield would play, especially the fun staccato stuff when it's behind his vocals. He also does this thing sometimes where he'll grab a wide broken up chord and sway the guitar behind his fretting hand for a really weird vibrato effect. And that's to say nothing of his lead style - his phrasing is so wild and unpredictable, sometimes feels like the way Willie Nelson sings, very idiosyncratic. Mr. Cray's one of the absolute smartest guitar players we have in the world, hands down.

[@Fakeaorta]

My Humble brag: I was blessed enough to see Robert Cray open for Stevie Ray Vaughn in San Diego in the late 80's. It was a jaw dropping experience!

[@stevenkerr8965]

Saw him open for Clapton in 07. He was amazing and I got his CD immediately after.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I was at that concert too! ✌️🎸

[@samanthab1923]

I think that's how I found him back in 86 thru Clapton. Glad they still played together all those years later.

[@debishaw9355]

@@dwaynewladyka577 , looking at the comments, sounds like a few of you went to the same concert..small world

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@debishaw9355 I was at the concert in Edmonton. A roadie gave me one of Eric Clapton's guitar picks after the show.

[@DeltaFoxtrot5190]

Thanks Fil - Great guitar demo/lesson. Useful stuff that can have you jamming along with Robert right away.

[@sharonmuzik]

Wow, I don't even remember this artist or this song! I'm impressed.

[@kathleenmoser8245]

I love watching your analysis. You are brilliant. I learn so much.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@kathleenmoser8245]

@@wingsofpegasus you're welcome. I just calls it likes I sees it.

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Love his voice along with his superb playing, one of the best. Thanks professor for shining a light on this often-overlooked great musician! You're still the best on YT! Peace Boogie Woogie. PS Carolyn Wonderland

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Lol ur right Fil playing with that clean tone you don't have no where to hide.

[@jillwright8993]

Excellent video. Talk about soul and groove, Robert Cray has it all. I really enjoyed this and your analysis was spot on. Thanks so much for doing this.

[@paulsimmons5726]

I saw Cray back in the 80's as he was breaking out... He was stellar and checked all the boxes. Great tone, chops, and strong vocal delivery! Yeah, Robert Cray was hot the night I saw him.

[@johnduckworth474]

A very good review of Robert Cray and his style of playing, Fil. Having seen the man live, I agree with all you say.

[@lrische62]

Robert Cray!!!!! Yes!

[@annejohnston3437]

Lol right

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

Definitely an artist deserving of both attention and admiration, which he has received in full measure over the span of his career. Another perceptive and informative reaction. Many thanks! 😎🎶

[@flash1660]

Cray is the real deal!

[@louishenrilopy4072]

This review is so good haha spot on mate ! love your commentary and music analysis!

[@ericvangilder5118]

Great video huge Robery Cray fan and guitarist -fabulous video love the guitar instruction thanks Dude!

[@michaeldavidson8971]

My favorite Robert Cray song is Fantasized, love how he plays on that song.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Great analysis. I never heard of him but when you listen you can tell right away he's good. Sad lyrics tell a sad story and packs a powerful punch. I know couples where one has run around and I think why did they get married and why don't they get a divorce? If they can work it out good for them! I know there are reasons that I don't understand. I guess I'm old school if you are married why do you want to be in the arms of another? Omg, sorry thinking out loud again. Have a good day Fil. 👏🤘❤

[@jimmycampbell78]

So smooth. Soulful blues.

[@missstorrm]

Omg, Robert Cray! And your analysis! Clicked 'thumb up' in the 3rd sec of the video because it was obvious it'd be worth it

[@patty7beth]

I was fortunate enough to see Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughn on the same bill back in the 80's - best show ever.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

You didn't tell us much about his history, so I know we have another analysis video to look forward to for him. Robert easy to listen to. I love the Crossroads Festivals since he is often featured.

[@12skmf]

Back in the day in San Francisco, my ex played keys for a certain blues situation, remember riding along when the two bands did a couple of studio sessions. Robert was young, his guys and him had some weird energy, it was throwback, like another time, another era. Mood... Dude can tell a story.

[@cindypowers4993]

Always loved this song. Great guitarist and blues player. It's no wonder Clapton asked Robert to join him in a Crossroads festival or two.

[@jaybabel9360]

This whole album "Strong Persuader" is awesome.

[@kor2112]

I got to meet him a few times working his shows in Austin for the past few years. Super nice guy. Last time we talked about amps, he had some good advice.

[@2badger2]

I saw Robert Cray in concert in the 1990s! What a great time!

[@0dtp1]

Robert Cray... one of those rare gems that only gets better with age. The live version of this on Cookin in Mobile is even better. Finally saw him live in 2019 and wow what a show.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

You always and only show appreciation for the artists you review, but I detect a little higher degree of admiration for Cray. Great analysis and useful explanation of thinking out of the box, so to speak.

[@joebersik9846]

Great analysis! Fil ROCK

[@melissakhalar1842]

Sauve, Elegant and so good.

[@rorycoats8014]

Hi Fil, 1st Thank You for this, can't go wrong with Robert Cray, Last yr. my wife & I saw Stanley Jordan with Jack Pearson & Tommy Emmanuel, in Nashville, Tn. Talk about a great night, they were doing things with their Guitars that were from another Galaxy, Talking back & forth & answering with their Guitars not even picking just barely touching the neck as I'm sure you do too. Played total of 3hrs. wouldn't trade that expierence for the world. No request just TY

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Writer of fine music and lyrics, great guitar work and strong vocals , yes, Robert's talents are wide ranging and impressive. I have rated Robert since the time in the 80s when I first became aware of him. Eric Clapton once described Robert as being " the best 'touch' player in the world".

[@trblemkr1d106]

Saw this tour .. incredible .

[@annejohnston3437]

I love Robert Cray , my fave blues soul 👏🤗

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Robert has a distinctive style. Very soulful, actually very different IMO. I believe the last concert the great Lonnie Johnson ever performed at was with Robert Cray. Such a great talent. He had his own style most definitely. I'd like to see you do a video on Keb Mo, when I saw the documentary on The Blues by Martin Scorsese, my late wife & I were amazed as Jeff Beck, Tom Jones & others in that portion were listening to Kebs 1st album. I looked at her & said "I told you Keb was great." She already knew to be honest. Great video. Love how you've give props to the older people who I listened to growing up, & of course now that I'm an old man.

[@Guardducks]

Love Robert cray great player very smooth. Enjoy your Christmas Fil. 🤘

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

His tone on his guitar is clean and well played . That pentatonic scale is like u need to know where u are on the fretboard. According to my brother who played keys pretty well at one time in his life he couldn't play it without the music lol that key of C was a standard key for him.

[@michaelmeagher8225]

Robert grew up in my neighborhood. Never met him personally because of age difference but was friends with his brother Richard.