Robert Cray Band Releases Live CD/DVD Cookin’ in Mobile

The new album (above) and Cray onstage with his signature model (below). Photo by Erika Goldring

Five-time Grammy award winner, world-renowned blues guitarist and longtime Fender signature artist Robert Cray will release live CD/DVD Cookin’ in Mobile, his twentieth album, on July 27.

Recorded Feb. 21, 2010, at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, Ala., Cookin’ in Mobile is the Robert Cray Band’s first-ever live DVD release. The 13-song CD/DVD features classic Cray hits “Right Next Door” and “Smoking Gun” along with new favorites “I Can’t Fail” and “That’s What Keeps Me Rockin’.” It also includes bonus behind-the-scenes and performance footage.

Since 1980 album debut Who’s Been Talkin’, Cray’s matchless playing style and distinctive sound have bridged the traditional and contemporary music worlds with a signature blend of traditional blues, R&B, pop, rock and soul. He accomplishes the rare feat of introducing fans new and old to modern blues sounds without merely repeating himself with each new album; he is in fact seldom if ever content to interpret his music the same way twice. He thus remains an artist with consistently widespread appeal and enduring credibility.

“Robert Cray is not only making great music; he’s making history,” wrote the editors of Guitar Player magazine recently. “With a few exceptions ... it used to be that there was the blues and there were the masses and never the twain shall meet. But Cray, who obviously is respected in blues circles, is a press darling and crossover smash.”

Cray’s 2009 album This Time earned him yet another Grammy nomination—the latest of more than a dozen throughout his career. He’s won five; for Showdown (1985), Strong Persuader (1986), Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1988), instrumental song “SRV Shuffle” (with others, 1996) and Take Your Shoes Off (1999).

The Fender Custom Shop introduced its Robert Cray signature Stratocaster model in 1992; an artist series production model was introduced in 2003.

A tireless concert performer, Cray and his band are already in the midst of summer 2010 North American and European tour dates, which included his return to longtime friend Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival on June 26 in Chicago.




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