by Brian D. Holland.

Recorded for his new label, Nozzle Records (distributed by Vanguard), The Robert Cray Band - Live From Across The Pond contains two CDs of live music, highlighted by the polished voice and signature guitar work of the master bluesman and storyteller. Though Robert Cray is constantly touring, this is his first live release in over 30 years. The five-time Grammy award winner recorded the long awaited CD during seven shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall in May, 2006, while opening for Eric Clapton. In fact, this same tour is currently happening all over the US.

Not only does this excellent live album display the amazing onstage talent of Cray, known for his crisp, subtle, and virtually dry guitar tone, but the Robert Cray Band is certainly a big part of it also. Playing a fine combination of soul inspired pop, blues, and rousing ballads alongside the Stratocaster picker are longtime members Jim Pugh on keyboards (his Hammond B3 sound in "The One In The Middle" is incredible), Karl Sevareid on bass (who replaced Richard Cousins in 1991), and Kevin Hayes on drums. Jointly, it’s a band that’s all about teamwork and melody. This is a worthwhile live release, resplendent with tasteful music that’s smooth and genuine.

Robert's guitar rack (from his website) holds the following equipment:
Zack Engineering Vibroman 1.0
2 Peavey Valve Verbs
Korg DT-1 Pro Rack Tuner
Mid Atlantic Drawer (2-space)
Furman RR15 Power Strip with lights
Samson UR-5D Wireless Receiver

Disc One

1. Phone Booth

2. Poor Johnny

3. Our Last Time

4. Right Next Door (Because Of Me)

5. 12 Year Old Boy

6. I Guess I Showed Her

7. The Things You Do To Me

Disc Two

1. I Was Warned

2. Twenty

3. Bad Influence

4. The One In The Middle

5. Back Door Slam

6. Time Makes Two

7. I’m Walkin’

Links
Robert Cray
2005 Robert Cray interview on Modern Guitars
The Robert Cray Band - Live From Across The Pond on Amazon