Midnight Stroll

Robert Cray | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 31, 1990)
• Original Release Date: September 18, 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Umvd Special Markets
• ASIN: B000001FYV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,392 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Robert Cray adds a bit more soul to the mix on this album, which features the Memphis Horns most prominently. Most of the songs are Cray doing what Cray does best--slow, soulful, done-me-wrong (or, alternatively, I-done-wrong) songs chock full of great guitar. No complaints there, and when he adds a bit of vocal growl here and there, as on the album opener "The Forecast (Calls for Pain)" (also featuring some excellent bass from Richard Cousins), and the slow shuffle "Holdin' Court," it keeps things interesting. This album indicates a slight shift in Cray's direction; although he's always included a touch of soul in his blues, here it's more pronounced than before, a tendency he continued in subsequent recordings. --Genevieve Williams

From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD

This album was honed by months on the road. By now the Memphis Horns receive star billing and achieve a perfect marriage with Cray's sound. Original members Peter Boe and David Olson are gone, and new keyboardist Jimmy Pugh favors a Hammond B-3 organ over synthesizers, a welcome move. Second guitarist Tim Kahaitsu offers interesting interplay with Cray. Also, Cray finally pushes his vocals over the edge. Highlights are "Bouncin' Back" and "Consequences." (J.G.) See also Albert Collins/Robert Cray/Johnny Copeland -- © Frank John Hadley 1993

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cray's best..., October 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Midnight Stroll (Audio CD)

If you are a Robert Cray fan and you don't own this CD, shame on you!! This disc represents Cray's blues/soul/funk hybrid at its most refined and well executed. The recordings that preceded this one were excellent, but something was missing. The records which came afterwards are great but are also too smooth and overproduced. Midnight Stroll marks the pinnacle for Cray, it manages to be tough, smooth, edgy, humorous, mean and loving all at the same time, quite an achievement! The songwriting is brilliant, and the disc tells a story, which any great recording should. There is not a throwaway tune on here, in fact each tune is a tour de force in songwriting and muscianship. Finally the horns add an excellent touch for the first time on a Cray record. Go buy this CD, you will not be disappointed if you are a blues fan or a soul fan or simply a music fan.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not the most heard, but the best, March 18, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Midnight Stroll (Audio CD)

This album followed _Strong Persuader_, which made Robert Cray famous. While SP is a terrific album, I tend to like Midnight Stroll even more. It has an excellent mix of upbeat songs that are catchy but have an edge ("Consequences," "Forecast Calls for Pain") and some excellent slow, sad blues as well. This album shows why Robert Cray is deservedly revered by guitarists, singers, and songwriters -- and why some of his more recent stuff is a bit disappointing by comparison.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A million listens and it's still good!, May 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Midnight Stroll (Audio CD)

I just finished listening to this CD for the millionth time and it grabs me every time. Musicians--if you want to understand the blues/R&B feel, play along to this one. Doesn't matter what instrument, either. I played along on bass and was once again mesmerized by the groove on this disc!