Robert Cray and The Sweet Divines

Celebrate Brooklyn July 17th The first band were a Brooklyn funk/soul/doo wop band the Sweet Divines which turned out to be four young girls and a seven piece backing band who sounded like the Markeys. the band did a good job of warming up the audience. Their first number was Big train by Booker T and I'm sure there wouldn't have been many, if any in the audience who have that tune on vinyl as I do! There was a short break before Robert Cray came on and there was music playing over the PA system to set the mood. I was surprised and delighted when I heard a familiar guitar solo and realised it was `I'm leavin' you' by John Earl Walker! John had not given them any music so the guy must have bought it. It is John's best seller. John was getting a drink and hurried back to his seat. I had told the people sitting near me that it was him and they were all surprised and impressed and asked why wasn't he playing at the concerts?



Robert Cray hit the stage and hit the spot right away! He has a great voice and distinctive guitar style. He worked his way through many of his hits like `Smokin gun', `I guess I showed her' `Phone booth' and `~Right next door', and tunes from his soon to be released vinyl album. I especially liked `Love 2009' `That's what keeps me rockin' and ~Chicken in the kitchen'. His version of Elmore James's `12 year old boy' was awesome and got a huge audience response! He had four guitars on stage and while playing a guy would be tuning one and so after almost every number he changed guitars. A few numbers into the set the predicted thunderstorm hit! This just seemed to add to the atmosphere! Everyone came prepared. Ponchos were brought out and umbrellas went up! The VIP's moved back to their tent or under the stage awning. No one left. How could you? The music was unbelievable! The whole audience was mesmerised! People were dancing in the rain and calling out their appreciation of this great performer. Robert Cray and his band let their appreciation of the audience be known too. Jim Pugh on piano and organ played some great gospel grooves and drummer Tony Braunegal and bass man Richard Cousins provided a solid rhythm section. This was definately a night to remember!
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