The Robert Cray Band with SRV
Venue: Club Redux Dallas, Texas
Date: January 21, 1987
Taper: Unknown, but was originally aired live by Q102 radio
Source: FM Broadcast / Soundboard!
Transfer: CD-R from trade > EAC > FLAC Level 8
Sound Quality: A-/A in my estimation. Just a few slight disruptions that shouldn't take away from your listening enjoyment

Okay guys, to steal a line from Letterman "wake the kids and phone the neighbors"! Here's a show that's near and dear to my heart having grown up in Dallas, TX listening to KZEW (98FM) and Q102 radio. I can fondly remember hearing this come down live on Q102 the night in question as well as the many times the station replayed a song or two in heavy rotation.

If I may set the scene, Strong Persuader was gaining air-time across the country (or at least it was in Dallas) and in my opinion that album represents the pinnacle of Cray's career. From the moment that track one starts you can feel the electricity in the air and it's clear that Bob and the band are charged up. Add to the fact that 'young' Mr. Stevie Ray Vaughan was in attendance and sat in on the last three songs and you have a recipe for a blockbuster evening. These fine musicians did not disappoint.

Some personal observations of the show, please. First, db.etree.org incorrectly lists the location as Houston. Hearing it live over Dallas radio should be enough to convince you. Having spent a foggy evening or two at Club Redux should also cement the location. If that still isn't enough, listen for the mention of "I'm back here in Dallas" during 'Phone Booth' (track 11).

Secondly, this next point has always made me laugh and I'll relay it to the best of my ability. At the end of the third song (the swingin' 'T-Bone Shuffle') Cray mentions that "we're recording tonight for K-102" which illicits many of the patrons to correct him on the radio station call letters - it's Q-102. Bob quickly remedies his gaff by uttering "Q-102" repeatedly. The amusing part for this Dallas native is how the station turned Cray's blunder in to an instant Q102 promo that was played a million times over. To the savvy listener the edit (removal of K102) was obvious. This was no doubt spearheaded by the egocentric and self serving afternoon drive time DJ, Readbeard (host of the ubiquitous "In The Studio"). Never has an individual been in love with his own voice and contrived laughter more than Redbeard. Finally even more hilarious is when Cray excuses his error by stating that "I don't speak too good English. I'm from the West Coast"!

In my estimation, song highlights from the night were 'Still Around' (check out the incredible vocals) and 'Porch Light'. Oh, and if this version of 'Playin' In The Dirt' doesn't do it for ya, you need medical attention. Listen to the crowd pandemonium at the end of that tune!

As advertised, SRV sits in on the last two songs and encore with his trusty #1. While there aren't any Stevie songs played, you can't miss his licks in the background. The impromptu 'Cray / SRV Jam' is indeed tasty.

Part of my enjoyment of this site are the various stories surrounding shows like this. Hope I didn't bore you with my recollections of this magical night in Dallas. Please have fun listening and as always don't convert to MP3 or sell. That's not cool.

Regards,

DWP

1. I Guess I Showed Her 3.49
2. Still Around 4.37
3. T-Bone Shuffle 6.33
4. Right Next Door (Because Of Me) 5.01
5. Smoking Gun 6.05
6. More Than I Can Stand 3.55
7. Bad Influence 3.44
8. Playing In The Dirt 4.56
9. Porch Light 6.23
10. Foul Play 5.03
11. Phone Booth 5.01
12. False Accusations ** 4.52
13. Cray / SRV Jam ** 9.19
14. Encore: New Blood ** 6.33

** - with Stevie Ray Vaughan



Robert Cray - vocals, lead guitar
Tim Kaihatsu - rhythm guitar
Richard Cousins - bass
Peter Boe - keyboards
David Olson - drums
Stevie Ray Vaughan - special appearance, guitar (Fender - #1)