Larry McCray:
Lead Guitar and Vocals
Steve McCray:
Drums and Vocals
Stanley Debonet:
Bass Guitar
Shawn McDonald:
Hammond Organ/Piano
Influences
McCray's first influence on guitar was none other than his sister, Clara, who toured regionally around Arkansas with her own combo, the Rockets. Clara never got to record her Freddie King-styled blues for posterity -- but her little brother has at least partially made up for that omission. Larry followed Clara up to Saginaw, MI, in 1972. She turned him on to the joys of the three Kings (B.B., Freddie, and Albert), Albert Collins, and Magic Sam, and Larry added superheated rock licks (à la Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers) to his arsenal as he began playing the local circuit with his brothers Carl on bass and Steve on drums.
Sounds Like
Some of the greatest blues and blues-based guitarists, like Jimi Hendrix or Albert King, have created classic sounds on a Gibson Flying V. Other greats, like Clapton or Beck, have found it in a Les Paul. With bluesman Larry McCray you get the best of both worlds.
The Larry McCray Band online merchandise shop is now up and running. It is very basic right now but will be updated constantly with new designs and items. Just Click the link below:
http://www.cafepress.com/larrymccray
Larry McCray is one of a handful of talented young blues performers leading the genre across boundaries and into the new century. McCray's savage blues-rock guitar and warm, soulful vocals have drawn attention worldwide.
McCray's hard work paid off when he became the first artist signed by Virgin Records' blues division - Pointblank Records. In 1990, they released his debut, "Ambition," which was well received by the U.S. and European press.
1993 saw the release of McCray's second album, Delta Hurricane, which was recorded in Memphis with the notoriously funky Uptown Horns. The guitarist's gut wrenching rendition of Warren Haynes' power ballad, "Soul Shine," opened many ears to McCray's talent and diversity.
In 1998, Born To Play The Blues moved the story of McCray's broadly appealing music forward another giant step. Bold, brawny, often dazzling guitar lines are matched with confident, soul-drenched vocals. Understated funk rhythms and crunchy rock riffs meet searing slow blues and booty-bumping shuffles.
The year 2000 found the guitarist co-establishing his own independent record company together with Koch, forming Magnolia Records. The release Believe It kicked it off, putting McCray on chart to continue to release albums on his own dime and time, without the business or rules of a pressing-type of label.
McCray also sights a career highlight as being honored as the Orville Gibson 2000 Male Blues Guitarist of the Year. "Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, like seven or eight other people were nominated, as well" stated McCray.
With Magnolia Records his new home and a young son to raise, McCray was able to pull back into his personal life for a while. McCray keeps busy on the road trying to find the time to write music.
Magnolia Records released the McCray's first live album, Live On 75, on December 6, 2005. A new studio album and tour is to follow in late 2006.
Larry, a few pix from our Harrah's gig here http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/peterwochniak/gallery-slideshow/G0000v41s7GxMkkY/?s tart= see you in st. louis...LOU
Go to www.bluesguitarnews.ning.com An all blues social network. Check it out. Main site www.bluesguitarnews.com has all the details and lots of blues networking. In fact, Strictly Nothing But The Blues. mike@mikedollins.biz Post your photos, music, videos and gig schedules too.
Just dropped by to say what a great show Saturday Night at the Lexington Music Theater, you guy's opening up for Johnny Winter was a great treat for all of us in the audience, your band has such a soulful sound all top notch players, and man can you play that guitar, great show, PEACE and LONG LIVE THE BLUES...
Saturday June 20th at The Outer Limits we are playing one night only and will be shooting 3 camera angles for our upcoming video for "Whole Lotta Waitress". Not only do we need to make sure this bar is wall to wall packed for the good of the video, but also to show the owners that we can pack their club. Click the link above for directions to the bar via google maps. The Outer Limits is located at: 8095 N. State Rd. Davison, MI We appreciate it very much!
Hello! Thanks so much for accepting my friend request!I appreciate it soo much! I really dig your music! It is a joy to listen to! Fantastic guitar playing,too!
AEROSMITH PRESS RELEASE June 8 Aerosmith .. guitarist Brad Whitford has announced that he will be sitting out part of the band's 'Guitar Hero' tour while he recovers from recent surgery.
Filling in for Whitford will be Bobby Schneck, who has performed with Green Day .., Weezer .. and Slash ... and KL II www.myspace.com/worldsgreatestbandstl
"Aerosmith .. -- Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer -- regret any inconvenience to their fans and thank everyone for their support," the band said in a statement released today (June 8).
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ADDING ME TO YOUR NETWORK OF FRIENDS. THE VERY BEST TO YOU IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU SET OUT TO DO AND LOVE AND PEACE ALWAYS, CHUCK