Robert Cray is probably one of the best exponents of modern blues music and a man who isn’t afraid to draw on other influences in his music, mixing traditional blues with more than just a pinch rock, funk and afro-caribbean music. He is a hugely successful artist in the USA but possibly not such a well-known or recognised artist in the UK.

The St David’s Hall audience, which was less than a sell-out, was a respectful mix of Cray’s faithful fans as well as the mildly curious. We were treated to a hugely entertaining session from a band who exude confidence and who genuinely seemed to want to share their enjoyment of the music with the audience.

The band is touring to promote their latest album released in the summer, ‘Time Will Tell’.  Several tracks from the new album were featured in the show, including the excellent ‘Back Door Slams’ and ‘Survivor’. The new tracks while still unmistakably Cray’s style of the blues, have a funkier, harder edge than some from his earlier work. Even so during one of the slower numbers, where he explores his musical roots, I almost expected a gospel choir to appear, stage left.

Cray’s voice is instantly recognisable; he has a distinctive, powerful vocal style that is easily capable of filling a much larger auditorium. But it is his mesmerising guitar playing that is so impressive. He is a great stylist, on one track giving his guitar a sound like an electric sitar, the next changing to a ska-like rhythm. During one of his solo’s I found myself almost holding my breath while he wrung every bit of emotion from those six strings. It is a tribute to his skill as a guitarist that he has been appeared on albums by some of the great Blue’s legends like BB King and Chuck Berry.

The band kept the tempo moving with favourites like ‘Smoking Gun’ and ‘Because Of Me’, and I especially liked the interplay with the fabulous Jim Pugh on keyboards who, on his solo forays, looked like my idea of a demented Sunday school organist.

This was a quality performance from a top blues band and anyone who likes good R&B music but couldn’t make the Cardiff gig last night should not miss an opportunity to see the Robert Cray Band next time they appear in the UK.

Robert Cray’s band was ably supported by a young singer/songwriter called David Saw who has also recently supported Paul Carrack on his UK tour. Already a veteran of Glastonbury, he is no pop-idol wannabee but a genuinely talented musician with a refreshing style to his music and lyrics. 

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