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know the blues... Records
Robert Cray Time Will Tell is Robert Cray’s first effort for Sanctuary Records. With a new label, he is speaking with a new voice. These are songs that come from having the freedom to dig deep and deliver from the inner soul. Some will still argue whether Robert Cray is playing the blues. What is evident from this release is that these songs are Robert Cray. Turning fifty this year, Robert has had time to look a life and delivers a masterpiece defining where he is today. Once again stretching the envelope of what we call the blues; he is taking chances that reward with a CD that paints a realistic picture of today. These are songs to listen to and to think about. He does not hold back on this disc taking on current events as well as everyday life. Starting with the opening song, “Survivor”, he takes a political stance on what’s happening with the current desert war and continues with a look at the other Middle East conflict in “Distant Shore.” The problems of growing old are examined on “Up in the Sky” that features the Robert on the bluesitar producing a flashback effect to the sixties. Growing old and alone is the subject of “Spare Some Love?” raising the questions that must be addressed. The lyrics of “Back Door Slam” echo the old school style of Willie Dixon or Bo Diddley punctuated by the dark guitar hook. The Family Stone horns provide a soulful moan leading into and throughout “Your Pal” which deals with the obvious love right in front of you. The disc closes with “Time Makes Two” featuring the interplay between Robert’s guitar solo and the Turtle Island String Quartet. Once again Robert Cray proves that the blues and strings can be a combined to produce a beautiful thing. Throughout this disc, Robert vocals are strong and silky smooth. His guitar playing is on the money and not a note is wasted. This band has been together for a long time now and they are tight. They know the important of space in music. They know when not to overplay and have learned how to sculpture a great performance. The rhythm section of Karl Sevareid on bass and Kevin Hayes on drums provide a solid base upon which these songs built. Jim Pugh is the master on the keyboards adding just the right touch to color and add texture to the CD. I highly suggest you get this disc and meet the real Robert Cray. - reviewed by Rich Gordon |
