As Artistic Director of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, I get to listen to all kinds of great, progressive, contemporary jazz - music and musicians who are taking jazz into the future. But one of the great joys of the job is also the opportunity to revel in the classic sounds of artists who have been making outstanding music for decades. Robert Cray falls squarely into this "classic" category.
Robert Cray is a masterful guitar player, singer and songwriter - he's got five Grammy Awards and a place in the Blues Hall of Fame (Chicago) to his name. His is a more mellow, soulful version of the blues - listening to his music is like being transported back to the classic era of soul and blues: an emphasis on great vocals, a clean guitar sound, groovy drums and bluesy organ. In an interview for the American Federation of Musicians' International Musician, Cray said about his playing:
“I try to take my time to get my point across and don't get too hyped up. I understand the role I play. I'm a guitar player and I'm part of a band. I like being a part of the band instead of just the frontman. I think the kind of music we do helps in that. We play soul, blues; it's not all guitar driven. I like to play rhythm guitar sometimes.”
Here's a great example of the Robert Cray Band's gorgeous sound:
I can clearly hear the influences of 60's soul, r&b and country in his music. But he can also tear it up in an old school blues setting too - which is why he's shared the stage with blues giants like B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. Here's further proof:
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