Review by: James Pappaconstantine
Photograpger: James Pappaconstantine
More show photos: HERE 
The first time I saw Robert Cray was maybe 5 years ago when I saw him open for Eric Clapton in Boston. That show was incredible as also on stage that night were Doyle Bramhall and Derek Trucks, and all four of them came out for the encore and had a great jam session. So given the chance to shoot him in a small venue was something I could not refuse.
Cray was born in 1953, he started playing guitar in his teens. His first album was released in 1980 and since then he has had 20 releases, his latest, Nothin But Love, was released in 2012.
The Waterville Opera House is a great place to see a show, the 810 seat venue, is small enough where there is not a ad seat in the house. Built in 1902 it has seen many years of concerts, theatrical shows and comedians, and by the crowd at the Robert Cray show, I don’t think the shows will be stopping anytime soon.
Robert Cray and his band of three were set up toward the back of the stage, leaving 20 feet of empty floor in front of them. The drum riser and piano made up the back corners and floor monitors boxed in the front. (I thought it was kinda strange that he would not utilize the entire stage, but maybe he’s used to playing on club stages and it’s become habit to keep it tight.)
He opened the show with arguably his biggest hit, Phone Booth, a great three chord blues song that showcases Cray’s smooth voice and his great guitar tone.
His set was great and consisted of 15 songs, both new and old, and each song was met with great admiration from those in attendance.
The music was great, the band was tight, and the talent was quite apparent. My only negative take-away’s were the lack of movement  on stage, making for a rather boring photo shoot, and the lack of closeness to his audience. Having just shot B.B.King a few days earlier the difference was enormous, King was right down front, reaching out and touching and conversing with his audience in a more personal way, and even confined to a chair, was more fun to photograph.