.jpg)
Robert Cray's Cookin' In Mobile, CD/DVD Review - by J. Blake
(New York, NY)
Recorded and filmed at Alabama’s Saenger Theatre in early 2010, the 2-disc set titled COOKIN’ IN MOBILE marks both Robert Cray’s forth live album since 2006 and the first performance video of his career. With this latest release celebrating Cray’s 30th anniversary as a recording artist, his fans will revel in exciting performances of past classics like “Right Next Door” and “Smoking Gun” as well as current favorites from 2009’s studio effort THIS TIME, such as “Chicken In The Kitchen”, “I Can’t Fail”, “Love 2009” and “That’s What Keeps Me Rockin’”.
Like all great blues artists, Cray has developed a sound that is undeniably his own. It may not cater to those critics looking for “edge”, but his custom blend of blues, soul, rock and gospel has helped make him (arguably) America’s most successful contemporary blues singer/guitarist. COOKIN’ IN MOBILE may not bring anything new to the table, but it marks a milestone in Cray’s ongoing journey as a bluesman and documents where he is today as a live performing artist; and with 2008’s LIVE AT THE BBC (recorded in 1988 and 1991) and AUTHORIZED BOOTLEG: AUSTIN TEXAS 5/25/87 (released earlier this year) we can now track his evolution as a stage performer for the first time.
Ultimately COOKIN’ IN MOBILE captures Robert Cray doing everything that he is known for. His voice is in fine form and his guitar-playing (though not my particular taste) is as twangy, disjointed and heartfelt as ever. The band is tight and their energy is fun. If you’re a fan of Cray’s past work, you will undoubtedly be satisfied with this latest live CD/DVD release…and at $13, it is a great value.
Highlights include the laid back cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Sitting On Top Of The World”, the driving instrumental outro on “Chicken In The Kitchen” and the (DVD only) performance of Cray’s classic “Phone Booth”.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy: Robert Cray’s This Time
Thanks and keep reading American Blues News and also check out Media Wah Wah for more of this writer’s thoughts and opinions about Movies, Music, TV & More.
NYC blues fans, make sure you check out Jack Bruce & Joey Molland live at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill on August 10th and John Mayall on the 13th!!!
Copyright © 2010 - J. Blake. All Rights Reserved
