Larry McCray:
Lead Guitar and Vocals
Steve McCray:
Drums and Vocals
Noel Neal:
Bass Guitar
Shawn:
Organist/Keyboard
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.
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 Cant wait to see you at mountain jam, I seen you Play a bunch of times on the road, I used to play Guitar with Bill Perry, Be Safe, Rock Mountain Jam Peace
Hey guys... That was a great show on Friday at King fish. I can always use a little motown with my BLUES!!! It was nice to meet Earl and Tony too. Sure would be nice to see you at Rubes again... Keep in touch when you can.... But always PLAY THOSE BLUES!!!!! Peace & the BLUES! Deb & Skip
THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR ADD. I LOVE YOUR POWER BLUES MUSIC... YES SR¡¡¡ DO YOU REMENBER YOUR TOUR IN BUENOS AIRES? WAS A LONG TIME AGO. GREETINGS AND BEST BEST WISHES FROM ARGENTINA. YOUR MUSICAL BROTHER... R.J.
Finally found your profile in my friends list and I added you to my top friends here at My Space! Thanks for keeping The Pat Zelenka Project in your top friends......it means a lot.
Used to love to catch you here in Lansing, MI (Station 1203, MSU opening for Buddy Guy). I'm going to try to catch your show at the Gemm Theater this month.
Hi Larry, It's been too long and Skip & I sure need to hear your smokin' BLUES! I talked to Steve today.... maybe we'll see you at King Fish this Friday(: !! Play those BLUES (just like YOU DO) our friend!!!! Deb
what's been up brother larry? sorry i missed the BB gig but will keep my eyes peeled for the next one. saw BB with Jeff Beck at DTE in '93 or 94. absofuckinlutely onw of the top 5 gigs ever.(next to Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton, Duke Robillard,and Chet Atkins) check out my pic for myspace. it's from the Brother Jack McDuff tour of '98 that I played on. RIP Bro. Jack . peace,brutha pat
Thank you for joining my friends list. I am trying to get a lot of friends together as I will soon be playing in other states. I wanted to make sure that I kept in touch with everyone and here seems to be the best place. Please feel free to check out my band(s) sites as well. Baked Monkey and Knot Limited are on my friends list and have more original music with my influence(s). Thanks again. Love to all, Amanda
Teria Morada on Cinco De Mayo @ B.B Kings, Universal Studios Live musicans and dancers...latin funk fusion style 19 piece ensemble BUY TIX online from www.myspace.com/teriamoradamusic $12 or $15 comes with a Teria Morada cd
Thanks for the add Larry, I met you on my honeymoon on the blues cruise 2006 and we jammed on the back of the boat @ 4 am, I played your rig, you helped make it a memorable time, thanks again!!!
Larry, It was nice catching up with you at the Papa Lou's show last Saturady. Thanks for the CD- the new stuff is great! Blessings and Love to you all, and thanks again! - Jon
