Robert Cray Band at the Anvil

It's over 40 years since Robert Cray recorded the first of his 20 odd albums. Over the years he has toured extensively and I've seen him in places as far apart as London, New Orleans and Sacramento. But I'm pretty sure that his show at the Anvil Theatre yesterday was the first time he had ever played Basingstoke on a Tuesday night. Robert has aged well - indeed he doesn't look much different from the way he did when I first saw him over 30 years ago. His unique voice is still as strong as ever and his guitar work is sublime - often understated, instantly recognisable. As a force in southern soul and blues he remains at his peak. Yet he scarcely moved from the microphone and there was nothing showy about his act. His band - comprising Dover Weinberg on Hammond organ, Les Falconer on drums and Richard Cousins on bass - provided excellent support as Robert performed a selection of songs from his extensive back catalogue. He began with 'You Can't Make Me Change' from his latest album 'That's What I Heard', which included a superb organ solo by Dover. 'Bouncing Back' from 'Midnight Stroll' followed and then came 'You're Everything', which showed off Robert's anguished vocal style to good effect and which included a great drum solo. 'I Don't Care', written by Mack Rice, was one of several songs taken from the 2017 album he recorded with the Hi Rhythm Section and showed that Robert can still reach those ultra high notes, and then came 'Won't Be Coming Home', from the 'Nothin' But Love' album, and the rock influenced 'Ask My Baby'. The rather gloomy 'You Had My Heart', another Hi Rhythm track, followed and Robert slowly turned down the volume towards the end. The audience was enthralled and you could have heard a pin drop as it ended in complete silence. Superb. Next up he delved into his earlier work with 'These Things', from 'Midnight Stroll', 'Phone Booth', from 'Bad Influence', and 'I Can't Fail' from the 2009 album 'Time Will Tell'. One of his best known songs 'Strong Persuader' followed and then came 'You Must Believe In Yourself' from the Hi Rhythm album, which also ended with a gradual reduction in volume to silence. As an encore Robert finished off with 'I Shiver' (from 'Shame + a Sin') and 'Time Will Tell'. Throughout his show Robert oozed class and showed off his talent to the full. Long may he continue.