Robert Cray The New Album October 1996

When I arrived in Memphis I found a note from Robert in my room. He is excited about the new Record. The next day he had some Radio spots to do and make, rough mixed, scratch cassettes for the band. I got to work getting the band equipment ready for shipping, including some drum hardware that I thought was Kevin's. Whoops! Sorry!

As of November 1st, a title for the new Robert Cray Album, had not been chosen. All the tracking was pretty much done and the titles to the individual songs were selected. I've been able to listen in on most of the songs the last few months, and there is a definite sound that comes out of Memphis. Maybe it's because the famous "Memphis Horns" play on most of the tracks or the cool, Guitar through the space echo, Robert uses on 2 songs. Then again, maybe is it Robert's great song writing and use of Magnatone vibrato on some others. There's no one thing. When the album is released check out Jim Pugh's Wa-Wa Piano track, its really cool. I won't say how it was done in the studio.

Wayne Jackson stopped by the studio, with a box of different kinds of Hot sauce. Robert and I picked through it. I found some good Melinda's Habanero. We got done at the studio and headed back to the hotel, when Robert mentioned "there are some Magnatone amps at this music store up the street". I said "let's stop and look". So we went in and there it was, a small Magnatone amp about the size of a Fender Champ. It had real vibrato, was in excellant condition and I wanted to own it. I thought Robert might try to bid for it, when he started to twist one of the knobs, I had to make a move quick. So I ran to the van to get my Visa card, It was all I could do, to sign the sales slip fast enough.

Well, I can't wait to get home and play through my first Magnatone amp. I'm going to add it to my collection, on the shelf next to the Fender Vibro-champ. Well, it's time to start getting my boat ready for winter. More on the new Robert Cray Album soon!