Search - Robert Cray :: Too Many Cooks

A stellar first effort

r.j. zurek | Cape Coral, FL United States | 05/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This reissue of "Who's Been Talkin'", Robert Cray's first recording, is of obvious archival interest, but it also introduces us to the winning instrumental format Cray would use throughout his career.



As comfortable with Memphis style soul as he is with blues, Cray enlisted the help of saxophonist David Li for all the horn arrangements on this project. Joining Li is trumpeter Nolan Smith, a veteran of the Gap Band, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. This horn section would set the standard for Cray's later recordings featuring the Memphis Horns (saxophonist Andrew Love and trumpeter Wayne Jackson).



Soul singer and harmonicist Curtis Salgado started his career with Cray, and he shares lead vocal duties on O.V. Wright's "I'm Gonna Forget About You". This number and Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin'" are two highlights of the disc showcasing Salgado's talent. A Cray original, "Nice as a Fool Can Be" is a catchy blues waltz (think Buddy Guy's "No Lie") that features Cray's clean, bright Stratocaster.



Any fan of Robert Cray's who is familiar with the hits like "Strong Persuader" and "Midnight Stroll" will be pleased with this stellar first effort."