Bad Influence [Bonus Tracks #1] (CD - 1983)

Additional personnel: David Ii (percussion); Philip Walker, Tony Matthews, Night Train Clemens (background vocals).

Recorded at Music Lab, Los Angeles, California. Includes liner notes by Lee Hildebrand.

Personnel: Robert Cray (vocals, guitar); Albert Clemens (vocals); Warren Rand (saxophone, alto saxophone); Mike Vannice (saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboards); Dave Olson (drums); David Li (percussion); Night Train Clemons, Tony Matthews, Phillip Walker, Tony Mathews (background vocals).

Photographers: Lynne R. Henderson; Donna Cline.

One of Robert Cray's best albums ever, and the one that etched him into the consciousness of blues aficionados prior to his mainstream explosion. Produced beautifully by Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, the set sports some gorgeous originals ("Phone Booth," "Bad Influence," "So Many Women, So Little Time") and two well-chosen covers, Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Don't Touch Me" and Eddie Floyd's Stax-era "Got to Make a Comeback." Few albums portend greatness the way this one did. ~ Bill Dahl

Cray's second effort hews to the same musical template as TOO MANY COOKS, his under-appreciated debut. That is to say that BAD INFLUENCE is hardly the work of a blues puritan. There's just as much Memphis-style R&B and soul as blues in the mix, making for a potent fusion.

Cray's guitar work is more impressive than ever, particularly on "No Big Deal," where he rips jagged metallic lines out of his Stratocaster as if he were channeling Otis Rush. The two bonus tracks are particularly entertaining, as Cray offers a suitably rowdy version of Texas bluesman Peppermint Harris' often covered "I Got Loaded" and an intense, almost gospel-style reading of Booker T.'s "Share What You've Got, Keep What You Need."

Bad Influence is one of Robert Cray's best albums ever, and the one that etched him into the consciousness of blues aficionados prior to his mainstream explosion. Produced beautifully by Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, the set sports some gorgeous originals ("Phone Booth," "Bad Influence," "So Many Women, So Little Time") and two well-chosen covers, Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Don't Touch Me" and Eddie Floyd's Stax-era "Got to Make a Comeback." Few albums portend greatness the way this one did. [This Hightone edition included two bonus tracks.] ~ Bill Dahl minimize