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Robert Cray Band with Stevie Ray Vaughan - Live... Texas '87 (2016) [Unofficial Release]

Posted By: Designol
Robert Cray Band with Stevie Ray Vaughan - Live... Texas '87 (2016) [Unofficial Release]

Robert Cray Band with Stevie Ray Vaughan - Live… Texas '87 (2016)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 470 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 177 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues | Label: Air Cuts | # ACCD8015 | Time: 01:15:49

Robert Cray finally made his commercial breakthrough with the release of Strong Persuader, his fifth studio album, in late 1986. He toured extensively to support it, both in his own right and opening for stars such as Eric Clapton, Tina Turner and Huey Lewis. This superb live set, broadcast on Q102 Radio, captures him on the cusp of stardom, and includes blistering performances of almost all the album (including the hit single, Smoking Gun), as well as a guest appearance from the great Stevie Ray Vaughan. It's presented here together with background notes and images.

The Robert Cray Band - Strong Persuader (1986)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Strong Persuader (1986)

The Robert Cray Band - Strong Persuader (1986)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 279 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 115 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury | # 830 568-2 M-1 | 00:39:24

The set that made Cray a pop star, despite its enduring blues base. Cray's smoldering stance on "Smoking Gun" and "Right Next Door" rendered him the first sex symbol to emerge from the blues field in decades, but it was his innovative expansion of the genre itself that makes this album a genuine 1980s classic. "Nothing but a Woman" boasts an irresistible groove pushed by the Memphis Horns and some metaphorically inspired lyrics, while "I Wonder" and "Guess I Showed Her" sizzle with sensuality.

The Robert Cray Band - Sweet Potato Pie (1997)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Sweet Potato Pie (1997)

The Robert Cray Band - Sweet Potato Pie (1997)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 382 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 124 Mb | Scans ~ 54 Mb
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury | # 534 698-2 | Time: 00:54:05

Robert Cray always flirted with gritty Southern soul, but it wasn't until Sweet Potato Pie that he made a full-fledged soul-blues record in Memphis. Cray hasn't abandoned blues, but he's woven punchy horns and sexy rhythms into the mix, resulting in one of his stronger records of the '90s. The material remains a bit uneven, but his taste is impeccable – few blues guitarists are as succinct and memorable as he, and the soul settings of Sweet Potato Pie only confirm that fact.

The Robert Cray Band - Shame + A Sin (1993)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Shame + A Sin (1993)

The Robert Cray Band - Shame + A Sin (1993)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 395 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 156 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury/PolyGram | # 518 517-2 | 00:50:39

This time, Cray veered back toward the blues (most convincingly, too), even covering Albert King's "You're Gonna Need Me" and bemoaning paying taxes on the humorous "1040 Blues." Unlike his previous efforts, Cray produced this one himself. Also, longtime bassist Richard Cousins was history, replaced by Karl Sevareid.

The Robert Cray Band - False Accusations (1985)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - False Accusations (1985)

The Robert Cray Band - False Accusations (1985)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 255 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 111 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury/PolyGram | # 830 246-2 | 00:37:50

If not as impressive as Robert Cray's breakthrough recording, Bad Influence, released two years earlier, False Accusations is still a fine album with few missteps. One thing that Cray does very, very well is a blues ballad, something that his soul-inflected vocals and guitar playing suit him for. The result, on this album, is songs like the humorously bittersweet "She's Gone," the determined "The Last Time (I Get Burned Like This)," and "I've Slipped Her Mind," which perfectly captures the mood of the disappointed (but still unrealistically hopeful) suitor. The opener "Porch Light" is a scorcher with a killer bass line, and Cray's guitar on the title track in particular comes through crisp and clean. If a couple of songs (notably "Change of Heart, Change of Mind" and "Playin' in the Dirt") seem a bit lacking in energy, the rest of the CD more than makes up for it.

VA - Lightning In a Bottle: Original Soundtrack Recording (2004) 2CDs

Posted By: Designol
VA - Lightning In a Bottle: Original Soundtrack Recording (2004) 2CDs

VA - Lightning In a Bottle: A One Night History Of The Blues (2004) 2CD
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 707 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 256 Mb | Scans ~ 75 Mb
Label: Columbia/Legacy | # C2K 92860 | Time: 01:51:54
Blues, Country-Blues, Electric Blues, Blues-Rock, Soul-Blues, R&B

This soundtrack to the movie features an astonishing array of blues artists from three generations. Recorded during one long night at NYC's Radio City Music Hall on Feb. 7, 2003, the electricity is in the air and on stage. While it may not have been the finest blues show in history, the collection of founding fathers such as David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Buddy Guy, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Larry Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Solomon Burke, and the ubiquitous B.B. King along with their spiritual offspring (Gregg Allman, John Fogerty, and Steven Tyler) and some usual suspects like Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, and Keb' Mo', makes it arguably the most significant blues session ever captured on film. Beginning acoustic, the double disc builds momentum and volume as we hear the blues mutate to electric and finally hip-hop with Chuck D. exploding on a rap version of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom".

VA - A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan (1996)

Posted By: Designol
VA - A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan (1996)

VA - A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan (1996)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 384 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 131 Mb | Scans ~ 92 Mb
Blues, Modern Electric Blues, Blues Rock | Label: Epic | # EK 67599 | Time: 01:57:01

The 1996 concert video A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan gathers Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Art Neville, Dr. John, and brother Jimmie Vaughan to celebrate the talent and life of the modern electric blues guitar virtuoso. Double Trouble and the Tilt-a-Whirl Band support these stars as they interpret Vaughan's songbook in an 80-minute concert; brief interviews with the featured artists enrich the proceedings with even more respect and affection. Highlights of Vaughan's performance on the PBS series Austin City Limits hit home just how great a talent was lost when he was killed in 1990. Ultimately, though, A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan focuses on the uplifting memory of his warmth and musical gifts, keeping them alive with the help of his very able friends.

John Lee Hooker - The Healer (1989) Reissue 1999

Posted By: Designol
John Lee Hooker - The Healer (1989) Reissue 1999

John Lee Hooker - The Healer (1989) Reissue 1999
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 225 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 96 Mb | Scans ~ 60 Mb
Electric Delta Blues, Blues Rock | Label: Capricorn | # 314 538 689-2 | Time: 00:41:42

The album features collaborations with Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Robert Cray, Canned Heat, George Thorogood, Los Lobos and Carlos Santana, among others. The Healer peaked at number 62 on the Billboard 200 and "I'm in the Mood" won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Performance.

Robert Cray & The Robert Cray Band - Too Many Cooks (1989) [Originally released as Who's Been Talkin' in 1980]

Posted By: Designol
Robert Cray & The Robert Cray Band - Too Many Cooks (1989) [Originally released as Who's Been Talkin' in 1980]

Robert Cray & The Robert Cray Band - Too Many Cooks (1989)
Originally released as Who's Been Talkin' in 1980

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 256 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 115 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Tomato | # R2 70381 | Time: 00:35:45

The contemporary blues bannerman's recording debut (originally released as Who's Been Talkin' in 1980), while naturally not as strong as his later work (especially Bad Influence, released five years later), is the work of an extremely promising artist. The album is an appealing mix of standards (Willie Dixon's "Too Many Cooks," Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin'," O.V. Wright's "I'm Gonna Forget About You," among others) and originals. Among the strongest of the latter are the slow blues "I'd Rather Be a Wino" and the closing number, "If You're Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin'," which contains the flavorful mix of tight rhythms, excellent guitar work, strong vocals, and bittersweet mood that would become Cray's hallmark.

The Robert Cray Band - Twenty (2005)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Twenty (2005)

The Robert Cray Band - Twenty (2005)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 320 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 108 Mb | Scans ~ 73 Mb
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Sanctuary | # SANCD368 | Time: 00:47:01

With his chocolaty cool, soulful Memphis croon and sure sense of melody, Robert Cray has never been considered a straightahead bluesman. His often interchangeable albums have instead stayed closer to R&B, adding compact, stinging lead guitar to songs about matters of the heart. That formula remains, with minor variations, on Cray's 14th release, rather confusingly named Twenty. The title track, a gripping, emotional anti-war ballad of the experience of a GI in Iraq (that, incidentally, doesn't contain the word "twenty") shows the singer/songwriter shifting his emotionally charged storytelling lyrics to the political arena. It's a brief but confident detour from his usual M.O. of relationships on the brink of collapse or in general disrepair, typically related in the first person. Subtle yet effective forays into loungey jazz on "My Last Regret" and even reggae on the opening "Poor Johnny" indicate a healthy tendency to push his established envelope, if only gently, into other genres. But Cray sticks to his established bread and butter for the majority of this sturdy album, effortlessly churning out shoulder-swaying, foot-tapping R&B accompanied by a clean, clear tenor voice and a road-hardened band that finesses these songs with the perfect combination of fire and ice. Old fans won't be disappointed, and newcomers can start here and work backwards.

The Robert Cray Band - This Time (2009)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - This Time (2009)

The Robert Cray Band - This Time (2009)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 340 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 157 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Nozzle Records/EMI | # 79960-2 | 00:48:08

2009 release from the five-time Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter and world-renowned American blues guitarist. Since his 1980 album debut Who's Been Talkin, Cray's unique playing style and distinct sound has become the bridge between traditional and contemporary: a signature blend of Rhythm and Blues, Pop, Rock, Soul and traditional Blues helping introduce old and new fans to a more contemporary Blues sound. Robert Cray has already released 17 award-winning multi-platinum albums, received 13 Grammy nominations and performed thousands of sold-out shows worldwide.

John Lee Hooker - Mr. Lucky (1991)

Posted By: Designol
John Lee Hooker - Mr. Lucky (1991)

John Lee Hooker - Mr. Lucky (1991)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 293 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 138 Mb | Scans included
Delta Blues, Blues-Rock | Label: Pointblank/Charisma | # 0777 7 86237 2 4 | Time: 00:47:21

Released in 1991 on Pointblank, this audiophile treat finds the 'Hook in some very special company. Co-producers Roy Rogers, Ry Cooder and Carlos Santana (who all contribute musically on this title as well) persuaded the likes of Albert Collins, Robert Cray, John Hammond, Johnnie Johnson, Van Morrison, Keith Richards, Nick Lowe and Johnny Winter among others to join in and the result is one terrific record. This original analog recording is beautifully recorded and a highlight to the ump-teenth rejuvenation in the 'Hooks career.

The Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence (1983)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence (1983)

The Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence (1983)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 318 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 138 Mb | Scans included
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury/PolyGram | # 830 245-2 | 00:42:42

One of Robert Cray's best albums ever, and the one that etched him into the consciousness of blues aficionados prior to his mainstream explosion. Produced beautifully by Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, the set sports some gorgeous originals ("Phone Booth," "Bad Influence," "So Many Women, So Little Time") and two well-chosen covers, Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Don't Touch Me" and Eddie Floyd's Stax-era "Got to Make a Comeback." Few albums portend greatness the way this one did.

The Robert Cray Band - Time Will Tell (2003)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - Time Will Tell (2003)

The Robert Cray Band - Time Will Tell (2003)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 370 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 112 Mb | Scans ~ 63 Mb
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Sanctuary | # 06076-84613-2 | Time: 00:48:57

Even diehard Robert Cray fans admit that over the course of the last decade, the singer/guitarist/songwriter has crafted albums that are practically interchangeable. Although Cray has created his own niche with a slick but powerful Memphis-styled R&B/soul/blues stew, his sound become repetitious; even though the songs' quality remained way above average. Since leaving Ryko (after two albums), he and keyboardist Jim Pugh – an increasingly pivotal player in Cray's work – produced this 13th disc between labels. That provided them the freedom to experiment without corporate intervention. While his "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" ethic allowed multiple Grammy wins, Cray clearly wanted to step outside the box he built, resulting in a slightly different direction this time around. Those who enjoy the comfy fit of his previous work have little to fear; there is plenty of the love-lost/found R&B that he's known for.

The Robert Cray Band - I Was Warned (1992)

Posted By: Designol
The Robert Cray Band - I Was Warned (1992)

The Robert Cray Band - I Was Warned (1992)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 338 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 113 Mb | Scans ~ 62 Mb
Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: Mercury | # 512 721-2 | Time: 00:49:27

Of all Robert Cray albums, over a career that has now spanned 20 years, this is the one I keep coming back to time and time again. I Was Warned is not one of Robert Cray's more critically acclaimed or commercially successful albums, yet for me it's a handsome, undemanding record that is full of great songs and superb playing. As a practitioner of the blues, Cray has been instrumental in it's re-emergence as a popular art-form in the 80's and 90's, however he has never considered himself to be a 'bluesman' - preferring to call his sound a blues/soul/rock hybrid. I Was Warned tends towards soul and rock. There is a definite feel-good factor to 'Just A Loser' and 'I'm A Good Man', both carry an irresistable groove and Cray clearly revels in his everyman tales of love and life. 'The Price I Pay' is a meditation on fading love, it is one of Cray's finest ballads - a side of his music that seems to get overlooked. 'On The Road Down' is blisteringly good also and showcases some fine guitar-work.