Usually I use this space to review a blues CD that’s recently been added to the WEFT playlist. However Saturday night September 15 blues fans in Central Illinois had a chance to see two great blues guitarists. Both Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Robert Cray led their respective bands through an outstanding night of music at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, IL.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd led his band through a great set of rockin’ blues. Holding down the drum slot for Kenny’s band was the legendary Chris “Whipper” Layton. Chris was a founding member of Double Trouble the longtime rhythm section for Stevie Ray Vaughan. Kenny’s band also included Tony Franklin on fretless bass, who played with Jimmy Page in the group, The Firm. Longtime Kenny Wayne vocalist Noah Hunt rounded out the group.

Robert Cray performed a set of smooth blues, his vocals and guitar work were both outstanding as he played many of the hits he’s famous for over the last thirty years. Playing drums in Robert’s band was the great Tony Braunagel. Tony has played with many great musicians including Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall, Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal and has been nominated for four Blues Music Awards as a drummer. Rounding out the Robert Cray band was Richard Cousins on bass and Jim Pugh on keyboards. WEFT has a new release from the Robert Cray Band, “Nothin But Love”, tune in during our blues shows to hear some of this great CD.

It was a real treat to see two fine guitarists playing with two great bands which were held together by two great drummers.

Bob P.