Review: Robert Cray's vigor drives 'That's What I Heard'

Robert Cray Band, 'œThat's What I Heard" (Nozzle/Thirty Tigers)

Robert Cray and Steve Jordan continue their fruitful partnership on 'œThat's What I Heard,'ť a collection where the guitarist and singer's original songs blend seamlessly with a strong set of less-than-famous covers.

Cray and Jordan, who produces while also adding drums and percussion, have collaborated on several albums, including Cray's excellent previous record where he was joined by musicians who played for Hi Records.

On 'œThat's What I Heard," Cray is back in the studio with his longtime band, including redoubtable bass player Richard Cousins, keyboardist Dover Weinberg and new drummer Terence F. Clark.

The band's sound explodes right out of the gate on 'œAnything You Want,'ť another of Cray's typically unresolved relationship songs. Clark's performance is especially crisp. Then, the romantic is followed by the devout with a take on the Sensational Nightingales' traditional 'œBurying Ground."

Among the other Cray originals, 'œHot'ť is exactly what the title says; "This Man" is a deep groove with topicality; while 'œTo Be With You'ť and 'œCan't Make Me Change'ť are blues with a lean-and-clean guitar sound.

Cousins co-wrote 'œA Little Less Lonely'ť and '~You're the One" is from the Bobby 'œBlue'ť Bland songbook. 'œYou'll Want Me Back'ť was written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by The Impressions.

The tearful 'œPromises You Can't Keep" includes Steve Perry on backing vocals, with Ray Parker Jr. playing guitar on album closer 'œDo It,'ť a rarity from Billy Sha-Rae that sounds like Marvin Gaye borrowing some of Mitch Ryder's Detroit Wheels.

Cray, at 66, is no longer the new kid on the scene, but his youthful looks match his vigorous performances on 'œThat's What I Heard,'ť an album that expertly balances blues, R&B and soul and keeps up his streak of strong and extremely pleasing efforts.