Robert Cray – In My Soul – CD Review

 
Robert Cray
In My Soul
Provogue Records 2014
 

 
 
From the first note if you had no indication who was playing on the CD you would know it is Robert Cray. In My Soul is jammed from the first note to the last with the trademarked Robert Cray approach to the blues with a bucket full of soul deep from the Memphis tradition. Like previous Cray albums it is a mix of self-penned and classy covers as he bridges his music across the divide of Blues and Soul and knits them together to create the sound that is uniquely Robert Cray.

Bobby Bland’s ‘Deep in My Soul’ reflects back the album’s title In My Soul and is a fantastic version that showcases his mellow voice that is a swirl of warm cream over your favourite pie, sweet tender and full of textures. His ability to mix up the tempo is shown with the funky original ‘I Guess I’ll Never Know’, with its drum and bass intro and the addition of horns then the haunting voice. Unusually for a Robert Cray album there is an instrumental that works well demonstrating the interplay between the band ‘Hip Tight Onions’ penned by long-time friend & bass player Richard Cousins and Hendrix Ackle, this is a heartfelt tribute to Booker T and the MGs.
This is an album of stylish production and delivery, it will always please but never challenge. This is blues that delivers the goods with a set style and approach the lyrics often have a theme love unrequited and emotional hurt; Robert Cray sings this so well with the guitar adding the emotional tension counterbalancing the voice. I will always enjoy listening whenever a track appears on my play list, it is like your favourite jumper dependable, safe and warms your heart and soul – especially ‘Nobody’s Fault But Mine’ and ‘I Guess I will Never Know’ and his version of ‘Deep in My Soul’.

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Bluesdoodles gives this CD out of five doodle paws a doodle rating of

Track Listing

You Move Me
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Fine Yesterday
Your Good Thing’s About To Come To An End
I Guess I’ll Never Know
Hold On
what would I Say
Hip Tight Onions
You’re My everything
Deep In My Soul
Bonus track – Pillow