The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Guitarist Robert Cray coming to Hartford on Aug. 12
Once touted as the next generation of blues, Robert Cray has carried that mantle and then some.
Infinity Hall in Hartford gives you a chance to see the multi-Grammy Award-winning star guitarist and singer/songwriter as he returns with his band to smoke the hall with an evening of infectious blues/rock at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Tickets are always in demand when Cray comes to town.
With five Grammy Awards, 15 nominations, millions of record sales worldwide, and thousands of sold out performances, this rock blues icon is considered “one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.” His distinctive style helped introduce a new generation of rock fans to the language and form of the blues. He really became a name to deal with once his Strong Persuader album was released in 1986.
Since then, Cray has gone on to record 16 Billboard charting studio albums and has written or performed with everyone, from Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from Bonnie Raitt to John Lee Hooker. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011 at the age of 57, he is one of the youngest living legends to receive the prestigious honor.
Cray’s music remains undefinable, although blues is the foundation. His music is a melting pot of traditional American rock, soul, jazz, gospel, funk and R&B.
Cray cites Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy and B.B. King as formative guitar influences, alongside singers like Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, but just as pivotal for the aspiring bluesman was witnessing Albert Collins play a set at his highschool dance. Good role models and his efforts to learn have captured audiences worldwide.
The Weight Band returns to the state for a visit to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center on Saturday. Featured are members of The Band, The Levon Helm Band, and Rick Danko Group, performing songs of The Band.
The Weight Band is keeping the spirit and the music alive that helped define an era. Members of The Weight were either actual players in The Band, or are directly and deeply connected to its legacy. The group features Jim Weider from The Band, Brian Mitchell of the Levon Helm Band, Marty Grebb, who wrote for The Band and worked with Rick Danko and Richard Manuel, Albert Rogers from the Jim Weider Band and frequent performer at The Barn’s Midnight Rambles. Michael Bram, the newest member of The Weight, played with Jason Mraz.
Prepare for an unforgettable performance and enjoy timeless hits like “The Weight”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, “Ophelia”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, “Rag Mama Rag” and so many others. Hear the most authentic presentation of The Band’s music performed on stage today.
Sunday, Big Brother and the Holding Company show up in Old Saybrook, capping a memory weekend for Blues Beat.
Black-Eyed Sally’s is proud to feature the amazing Toni Lynn Washington from Boston, this Saturday. Now when you talk about “soul blues,” Washington’s name is sure to come up. She took to music at an early age, singing with her school and church choirs. She has had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and received the 1999 Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2003 she released her fourth CD since 1997, and her first on the Northern Blues label. She’s a New England treasure, with talent to fill the room.
Friday, Vitamin B-3 one of the new bands on the block that show again the states talent takes the stage at Sally’s. The mighty Hammond B-3 is an instrument that can handle a night’s entertainment by itself. From a volcanic swell, down-and-dirty blues wails or soulful gospel chords, the Hammond sound is at the heart of everything Vitamin B-3 plays. Add some drums and guitar with accompanying vocals and they give you classic R&B to southern soul to deep blues and occasional forays into jazz and funk, Vitamin B-3 keeps the rhythms pumping all night long.
Take advantage of a local visit from the Balkun Brothers at Bleacher’s Bar on Saturday. They are making a name for themselves across the globe with a new CD and bondless energy. Catch your breath and keep up.
Don’t forget to check the outdoor venues for more summer concerts.
Big news for 2 Left Feet: both the Saturday headliner, Savoy Brown and Sunday’s headliner, Walter Trout, are releasing new CDs at this time. Catch the new hits as they become public.
Of note this week: 41 Bridge St Live has having the official opening of The Green Door Restaurant on Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.. If you haven’t had the chance to try out the brand new restaurant experience, The Green Door, now is your chance.
The official restaurant opening celebration on The Green Door’s Riverside Deck will feature live Island Music, signature speakeasy cocktails, complimentary passed appetizers, with the spectacular view of the Farmington River and so much more. The Green Door is a speakeasy styled restaurant with a locally-sourced menu and a wide variety of 1920s inspired cocktails. With both indoor and outdoor seating facing the scenic Farmington River, you can spot wildlife while enjoying farmto-table fare.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.