Santa Ynez resident Robert Cray has performed at the Lobero many times, most recently holding forth with a funkier and grittier version of his signature sound, and he seemed to be having more fun than in the past. He’s a polished veteran entertainer, so he wasn’t doing jumps and splits, but there was a bit more fire in his singing and playing, and he was backed by a great band, with old friend Dover Weinberg on organ and keys (taking some tasty solos too) while bassist Richard Cousins (another longtime associate) and drummer Terrance Clark kept things percolating along with a solid and funky foundation. After 40 years, 20 recordings, five Grammys, other awards and a nearly constant touring schedule, this Blues Hall of Fame member barely seems his age and he was having a blast on the Lobero stage. The sold-out audience was having a pretty good time too, BTW.
