Robert Cray – In My Soul

The time seems to be about right again for Robert Cray, as it was in the mid 80 when he broke through with the Strong Persuader album. Then, he was the new kid on the block, waving a flag for the flagging blues genre. Although he never quite capitalised on that success he has remained a mainstay , and highly regarded member of blues and soul fraternity.

Now with blues in general enjoying a mini-revival thanks to the likes of Joe Bonamassa et al, Cray’s new album, although it is really much more soul than blues, is enjoying the most commercial success he’s had in the UK since the mid-90s.

And it’s well deserved too, because Cray is a fine songwriter, and selector of choice covers, able to conjure up a mix of good time blues-soul rockers, as heard on the opening two tracks You Move Me and Otis Redding’s Nobody’s Fault But Mine, with a more soulful, balladry touch as on the Al Greensque Fine Yesterday.

Philly and Memphis soul, Stax, Motown and Chess vibes permeate throughout with Cray, judiciously, showing off his skills; sweet little licks here and there, punctuated with more piercing riffing. That combined with some fine songs, an unfussy, back-to-basics recording style, stylish horns, and Cray’s often underrated voice, makes for a superb album, from start to finish, helped along by some unexpected treats such as the Green Onions instrumental homage Hip Tight Onions.

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