Larry McCray
Blues Rock Review - #1 Album of 2022
“Blues Without You…. one of the strongest blues guitar albums released for many years. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that there will be a better blues record released in 2022. McCray presents the same kind of two-fisted combo that made giants like B.B. and Freddie King such formidable artists, with not only the ability to play blisteringly effective solos but also a voice that can rival the best blues singers from any bygone age”– Guitar Player
Larry McCray first emerged on the international stage with his debut release on Point Blank/Virgin in 1990. Through the 1990’s and behind 4 albums on that label, he quickly ascended the hierarchy of the blues and roots world, not just as a guitarist who could slay but also as an impassioned singer who could knock out audiences with his soulful, barrel-chested vocals.
Over the past three decades of nonstop touring and recording, Larry has played and shared the stage with such blues and rock greats as BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, John Mayall, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, Keb Mo, Jonny Lang, Joe Walsh, Levon Helm, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Albert Collins, and Joe Bonamassa. No stranger to the deep and endless world of the jam band universe either, Larry is beloved by and has performed with many of the greats in that world, including touring with The Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes, Gov’t Mule, Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, and countless others.
Now, with the release of his new album Blues Without You (March 25, 2022), Larry McCray is poised to re-emerge as one our great American roots and blues performers. The new album is a masterful, genre busting 12-track release that touches on country, jazz, gospel…and of course the blues. Recorded on famed guitarist Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive label with producer Josh Smith, the breadth of McCray’s songwriting talents are on full display, found on tracks such as the classic blues shuffle Arkansas, the retro soul of Breaking News and the poignant ballad Down To The Bottom (featuring Warren Haynes).
“Blues Without You is truly an incredible record and should become a record that blues enthusiasts are listening to and talking about for years (9.5/10)”. – Blues Rock Review
“In the Spirit of B.B. King, Luther Allison, and Little Milton, Larry is among the Greats! It’s now up to the world to rediscover him. He’s been here all along.” – Joe Bonamassa