Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm
Robert Cray
Jay-Vee Records
Three stars
Robert Cray teams up with the Hi Records rhythm section for a Memphis stroll of soulful sounds and evocative songs. Working with drummer and producer Steve Jordan at that city’s Royal Studios with musicians who backed Al Green, Ann Peebles and others, Cray soaks up the character of the room for a set led by his expressive vocals and classy guitar licks.
It opens with a cover of The Same Love That Made Me Laugh from Bill Withers, with Rev Charles Hodges on organ and piano, bassist Leroy Hodges and Archie Turner on keyboards. Tony Joe White adds guitar and harmonica to a few of his own compositions – Aspen, Colorado is a passionate burner, while Don't Steal My Love is deeply funky near-psychedelia.
Cray only takes three writing credits, but makes some wonderful choices on the rest. They include I Don't Care by Sir Mack Rice – who wrote Mustang Sally – and a split take on I'm With You, written by Lowman Pauling of The "5" Royales.
Cray’s talent and flexibility shine, and if he makes a habit of collaborating with famous rhythm sections, it would make for a fascinating series.
* Associated Press
