By Rob Garner
Photos by Andrew Sherman
In a venue steeped in musical history, Robert Cray brought his signature blend of blues and songwriting to the Longhorn Ballroom on March 1, delivering a performance rich in tone, subtlety, and masterful dynamics. And there were even a few humorous moments as well, between the band and the audience.
Cray, known for his crisp Fender Stratocaster sound and smooth, soulful vocals, gave the audience a lesson in restraint and precision. His playing was deliberate — clean bends, sparse phrasing, and a tonal palette that spanned decades. For those who knew what to listen for, generational echoes of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s could be heard in his technique and feel, congealing into his own original approach to modern blues.
The Longhorn Ballroom, a legendary Dallas venue that has hosted everyone from Bob Wills to the Sex Pistols, proved the perfect setting for Cray. The room’s acoustics and intimate atmosphere highlighted his subtle but masterful feel, especially during his performance of Strong Persuader. As the song’s dynamics fell to a whisper, the crowd leaned in. When one fan jokingly shouted that longtime bassist Richard Cousins was the “strong persuader” in question, Cray played along as he transformed the tune into a slow, dirge-like meditation.
Throughout the night, Cray swapped Stratocasters almost every other song, each guitar adding a subtle variation to his signature tone. His band, tight and seasoned, provided a solid foundation, allowing his voice and playing to shine.
The encore saw Cray lean into a minor descending chord progression, bending notes into eerie dissonance. He never relied on fiery solos or showmanship but instead let his slow, intentional licks and expressive voicings do the talking. It was a performance rooted in feel rather than flash—a testament to why the crowd adored him.
By the end of the night, Cray had reaffirmed his place as one of the most refined voices in contemporary blues, to the overwhleming approval of the Dallas audience. And the intimacy of The Longhorn Ballroom greatly contribued to that vibe. If you haven’t seen a show at the Longhorn, we highly recommend you to choose a favored artist on their calendar, and go check it out.
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