Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
This is widely perceived as a sellout, but for no good reason. Cray continues to deliver the goods: great songs, great playing. If anything Cray is too consistent; the material stretches a bit. Cray tackles homelessness on  Night Patrol." His straight blues shuffle, "Across the Line," is a showpiece, as is the Stax-perfect ballad "At Last." "I Can't Go Home" is a masterpiece of dramatic soul singing and became a concert highlight. (J.G.)-- © Frank John Hadley 1993--From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD