Robert Cray (55) wanted to be an architect, but things turned out different. While other Afro-Americans started to behave silly on high heel shoes and in glitterdress at the beginning of the seventies, he listened to Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters which he also went to see live. His first contract with a recordlabel came only in 1982 when he signed for Mercury. After that, the world got in touch with Robert's musical architecture, a style which is rather different than the one from his idols. It is a mix of polished blues with popmusic, telling stories about stealing his neighbour's or friend's wife, and regretting it later. That's ok with me, it was clear from the beginning that he could play guitar, and that he had a nice voice. The blues could use some new blood in those days, and he delivered it.

The organizer of the Belgian Rhythm & Blues Festival in those days (Misjel Daniels) also noticed this new talent, and that's how Robert appeared on the very first edition of this famous festival in 1985. Whether or not the music of that performance can be compared with the new live cd "Live From Across the Pond" (to be released on September 12), I don't know. But I guess we'll notice a certain evolution after 23 years. The album that inspired Misjel Daniels to hire Robert for his festival is titled "Bad Influence". You can write that one down in case you don't have it yet. Through this record, the bluesfans discovered Robert's fine soulvoice and some sharp guitarlicks. "Strong Persuader" is even better with some excellent tracks such as "Smoking Gun" and "Right Next Door (Because of Me)". Robert's obsession for soulmusic becomes clear on "Midnight Stroll", (again) backed by the truly fine Memphis Horns. Absolutely crazy and completely blues is the album he recorded with Albert Collins and Johnny "Clyde" Copeland for Alligator. Very seldom you will hear a better co-operation between three bluesguitarists as on "Showdown", one of the few jewels they can put in my grave when the Lord calls me. For one reason or another, you should have an expensive glas of Chateauneuf du Pape in your hands and a fine Cuban cigar in your mouth to listen to Robert's music: Tonight I 'm gonna get loaded - On a bottle of wine, wine - A bottle of wine (from "I Got Loaded", on the album "Bad Influence"). See ya'll next week!

Strong Persuader - Mercury 1986
Bad Influence - Hightone 1983
Midnight Stroll - Mercury 1990
Showdown! - Alligator 1985

Video: Robert Cray - Smoking Gun

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