Man of action
Robert Cray?s summer tour hits Mt. Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center
American blues guitarist and five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray will be releasing his 21st record later on this year, but you don?t have to wait long to get your dose of the ?Strong Persuader?s? live show. Cray and his band will be performing with special guest Little Feat June 9, at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center in Tamiment.
We recently spoke with Cray about his new record, accomplishments and life on the road.
Talk about recording the new album.
We recorded back in April and it is scheduled for release the first week of September. We recorded in southern California with producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Crowes, Rush). It?s all new material with the exception of one cover we did by Bobby Parker called ?Blues Get Off My Shoulder.? There are a lot of timely songs on the record meaning about the political situation going on, people?s lives via the housing market, things like that.
What was your introduction to blues and rock music?
Through my parents record collection. My parents had a really good collection of blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel. (When I started playing guitar), it was through the excitement of The Beatles.
What do think about satellite and internet radio?
It?s huge! Back when I was growing up, everything was on and a lot of things got played on any one station. Now you have all these different stations to pick and choose and everything is broken down into sub-categories. It kind of becomes a bit much. If I turn on a blues station, it becomes too bluesy for me! I need a mix! I think it?s healthy to hear a lot of different styles of music.
What accomplishments stand out to you in your career so far?
Having the opportunity to have met and to stand on stage with certain people like John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters or the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. When you?re younger and you?ve listened to that music and then all of a sudden an opportunity comes up and you get to be on stage with them, that is better than anything.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for this run of shows you are about to begin?
You prepare by not looking how daunting it is and do one day at a time. I actually enjoy being out on the road. That chance to have that kind of camaraderie, where every day you have to come out and give it the best that you can do. We just get out there and have fun on a daily basis.
? tom graham
Robert Cray with special guest Little Feat take the stage June 9, at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center in Tamiment. Tickets are $45.50-$75.50 and can be purchased by calling 588-2522 and 588-2520 or by visiting www.mtlaurelpac.com.
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