Blues Artist of the Week - Robert Cray
Robert Cray (1953 – Present) was born in Columbus, Georgia, the son of a military veteran who was stationed at Ft. Benning. He started his music career in a band called One-Way Street while in High school in Newport News, Virginia.
Robert’s playing genre is a combination of Blues and Jazz. He plays an immaculate guitar style which seems rather “new”. You can contrast this when he is playing blues. His Blues style is considered old-school without any smoothness of a traditional jazz guitarist.
He was influenced by Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Muddy Waters. After seeing these great artists live, he formed the Robert Cray Band in the ’70s. You may recognize Robert from the big screen. In the 1978 film National Lampoon’s Animal House, Cray played bass in Otis Day and the Knights band.
Robert was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011. Robert still actively tours.
Listening Pleasure
If you are a new fan, you need to start with the album Strong Persuader.
Robert’s Home Page
Viewing and Listening Pleasure in YouTube
Robert Cray - Smoking Gun
Sweet Home Chicago" (Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, Hubert Sumlin...)
Robert Cray - Right Next Door (Because Of Me)
B.B King, Robert Cray Band, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin (Paying the cost to be the boss)
Jazz Artist of the Week - Charlie Parker
I’m making an effort to expand my knowledge and enjoyment of jazz and blues this year. I am looking forward to this focused attention.
The first artist I am delving into is Charlie Parker. A website dedicated to his life and music is here.
Charlie Parker developed his unique alto saxophone jazz style in the alleys behind the Kansas City jazz clubs. He is considered an inventor of the bebop style. His trouble with alcohol and heroin cut his life short in 1955 at the age of 34. He was an extremely fast player and introduced harmonic ideas into jazz. He marked his success on his constant practice. Some indicate he practiced up to 15 hours a day for 3 to 4 years, perfecting his craft.
A great album to sample Charlie’s magic is:
Charlie Parker with Strings: The Master Takes (Polygram).
