Following the discharge of his heartfelt single “Bye Bye Blues,” acclaimed blues artist and guitarist Larry McCray is again along with his newest observe, “Shiny Aspect,” the second single from his eagerly awaited album, Heartbreak Metropolis, which is about to launch on June 13 by means of KTBA Information, a label based by Joe Bonamassa. This mid-tempo observe, crafted by songwriters Josh Smith, Michael “Harvey” Value, and Steve Shepherd, was initially supposed for the legendary Bobby “Blue” Bland however went unreleased for years till Smith acknowledged McCray as the right artist to deliver it to life.
With infectious grooves, intelligent lyrics, and a fascinating call-and-response refrain, “Shiny Aspect” showcases McCray’s knack for mixing grit with allure and swagger. His raspy but soulful vocals experience a traditional blues development that balances toughness with pleasure, whereas his distinctive guitar sound electrifies the air. This observe exemplifies McCray’s means to convey uncooked emotional truths with passionate artistry.
Produced by Grammy-nominated duo Bonamassa and Smith, Heartbreak Metropolis is a daring and unfiltered assortment that captures McCray at his peak. The ten-track album is a fusion of genuine blues, classic soul, Southern grit, and a hard-won pleasure, that includes notable contributions from Reese Wynans, Kirk Fletcher, and background singers Jade Macrae and Dannielle De Andrea, in addition to visitor guitar work from Bonamassa himself. The recording came about on the famed Sundown Sound in Hollywood and was combined by Alan Hertz.
McCray first launched this undertaking with the lead single “Bye Bye Blues,” a vigorous throwback co-written with longtime collaborator Charlie Walmsley, echoing the sounds of soul legends who influenced McCray’s early profession, together with Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Little Milton.
All through Heartbreak Metropolis, McCray explores themes of reflection, resilience, and redemption, drawing from his wealthy life experiences each on and off the stage. His voice—gravelly but filled with ardour—carries the load of years of knowledge, whereas his guitar taking part in stays vibrant and fluid. With harmonies steeped in gospel influences and a tight-knit band that matches his power, Heartbreak Metropolis reclaims the essence of blues, seen by means of the lens of somebody who has survived, carried out, and profoundly skilled the style for over 4 many years.
This album follows McCray’s profitable 2022 comeback, Blues With out You, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Chart and was named the #1 Blues Album of the Yr by Blues Rock Evaluate. It marked McCray’s triumphant return after a seven-year break, re-establishing him on competition lineups and year-end accolades. In 2024, he earned induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Corridor of Fame, solidifying his legacy among the many style’s elite.
Born in Smackover, Arkansas and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, McCray has developed a guitar fashion that seamlessly blends the electrical fervor of Hendrix with the soulful sentiments of B.B. King and the rhythmic swing of the Allman Brothers. He was the primary artist to signal with Virgin Information’ Level Clean imprint within the late Nineteen Eighties, releasing a number of seminal albums, together with Ambition, Delta Hurricane, and Born to Play the Blues. All through his illustrious profession, McCray has shared levels with musical giants resembling B.B. King, Buddy Man, Albert King, the Allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, and Jonny Lang.
“Larry McCray is a legend,” states Joe Bonamassa. “We’ve recognized this for 30 years. He stands because the final of the enduring blues shouters from the Rust Belt. Echoing the spirit of BB King, Luther Allison, and Little Milton, Larry is really among the many greats. Now it is time for the world to rediscover his artistry, as he’s been right here all alongside.”
Heartbreak Metropolis by Larry McCray
1. Attempt To Be A Good Man
2. Heartbreak Metropolis
3. Bye Bye Blues
4. Shiny Aspect
5. All the pieces Falls On Me
6. I Know What I’ve Completed (feat. Joe Bonamassa)
7. Hold On Loving My Child (feat. Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith)
8. Hangman
9. Cease Your Crying
10. Loopy World
Tour Dates
Might 24 – Burton, MI – Burton Rock & Blues Pageant
August 24 – Marshfield, MA – North River Blues Fest
September 15-21 – Seattle, WA – Preserving the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit Tour
August 7 – Baton Rouge, LA – Elevating Cane’s River Heart
August 8 – Lake Charles, LA – The Rosa Hart Theatre
August 9 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theater
August 10 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Heart
August 12 – Nashville, TN – Fogg St Garden Membership
August 13 – Union Corridor, VA – The Coves
August 14 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre
August 15 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Music Corridor
August 16 – Jordan, NY – Kegs Canalside
August 17 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Heart
August 20 – Atlantic Metropolis, NJ – Mardi Gras AC @ Kennedy Plaza
August 21 – Cranston, RI – The Park Theatre
August 23 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Heart for the Arts
September 4 – Phoenix, AZ – MIM
September 5 – Las Vegas, NV – Large Blues Bender
September 6 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach Home
September 9 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic
September 10 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Heart
September 11 – Parker, CO – The Tempo Heart
September 12-13 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Pageant
** That includes Devon Allman, Jimmy Corridor, Larry McCray & Sierra Inexperienced
For extra info, go to https://larrymccrayofficial.com
About Larry McCray
Blues musician Larry McCray was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. There, he developed a robust guitar fashion and evocative voice that earned him accolades from critics and followers alike. As a pioneer of contemporary blues-rock, McCray formed the style all through the ’90s with releases on Virgin’s Level Clean label and collaborations with icons like B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Man. After dealing with quite a few private challenges, he has emerged revitalized, with a deeper, richer voice and renewed inventive route. With Heartbreak Metropolis, he reinforces his place as a timeless torchbearer of the blues.
https://larrymccrayofficial.com/
https://www.fb.com/OfficialLarryMcCray
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6LicWU_lIonIhmzxH3zOg
https://www.instagram.com/OfficialLarryMcCray/
