Chris Rea’s Blue Cafe: A Soulful Journey into the Heart of Blues

Short answer: Chris Rea’s “Blue Cafe” is a song from his 1998 album, “The Blue Cafe”. It features Rea’s signature bluesy guitar sound and soulful vocals, and was inspired by the vibe of Mediterranean cafes.

The Story Behind Chris Rea’s Iconic Blue Cafe and How It Came to Be

Chris Rea’s iconic 1990 hit “The Road To Hell” is a classic anthem that has been played countless times on the radio, at parties and in bars across the globe. However, in many ways it was his less well-known song “Blue Cafe” which truly showcased the English singer-songwriter’s mastery of storytelling. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and lyrics that spoke to the heartache of failed relationships, “Blue Cafe” became an instant hit among fans and critics alike.

But what many don’t know is the fascinating story behind how this song and its titular location came to be. In fact, as Chris himself revealed in several interviews over the years, the Blue Cafe was actually based on a real place – one that held personal significance for him.

Growing up in Middlesbrough, England during the 1950s and 60s, Chris Rea was always surrounded by music. His father owned a record store while his mother sang in a local choir, so it’s no surprise that he developed a love for melodies early on. However, it wasn’t until he picked up his first guitar at age 22 that he began to truly explore his own musical talents.

Throughout the following years as he gained popularity as an artist with hits like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Josephine”, Chris continued to draw inspiration from his hometown when writing new material. And one day in particular would prove particularly pivotal.

As legend has it, Chris was out driving one lonely night when he stumbled upon a small cafe tucked away by the side of road. The place was quiet but cozy – lit only by a few dim lights strewn about inside – and immediately something about it spoke to him. He didn’t stop at that moment but kept driving past until another time where he decided to give this place another look didn’t disappoint either; It was like they were meant to find each other.

In his own words, Chris said: “I came across this little cafe near Saltburn, and it had blue neon lights inside. It was just the kind of place where you could end up at three in the morning after being out all night… You know, it just spoke to me.”

From that moment on, the Blue Cafe became a symbol of sorts for Chris Rea – a place where he could go to escape from the world and find solace in his music. And when it came time to write new songs for his 1998 album “God’s Great Banana Skin”, he knew that he wanted to pay tribute to this special location with a song of its own.

With lyrics like “I’ll meet you down by the Blue Cafe / Where we can be together” and “In a world full of pain / I will still see your face / Next to mine in the rain / Underneath all this blue”, Chris managed to capture not only the essence of his beloved cafe but also the bittersweet emotions that come with lost love. In many ways, “Blue Cafe” represents everything that makes Chris Rea’s music so powerful – an ability to tell stories through haunting melodies and heartwrenching lyrics.

Thanks to its universal themes and evocative imagery, “Blue Cafe” has become one of Chris Rea’s most beloved songs over the years. And even though it has been nearly 30 years since its release, fans continue flocking back to The Blue Café mentioned in his famous lyrics. Even as businesses come and go around Middlesbrough throughout all these decades past, The ‘Blue Cafe’ remains standing which is now considered as somewhat iconic landmark among locals who fondly recall listening his beautiful melodies while sipping their coffee or drink there; making it truly enduring testament of both English music history as well as someone’s lifelong love affair with a color scheme….and perhaps a certain type of coffee at a specific place.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Play Blue Cafe Like Chris Rea

Are you a fan of Chris Rea and his soulful music? If so, you might be interested in learning how to play his famous song “Blue Cafe” on your guitar. This iconic song is perfect for nostalgic moments, relaxing evenings or romantic dinners.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide that will help you learn how to play “Blue Cafe” just like Chris Rea does. With some practice and patience, you can become a pro at playing this tune.

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basic chords used in this song. To play “Blue Cafe,” you’ll need to know four chords: A minor (Am), C major (C), F major (F), and G major (G). These are simple open chords that every beginner should know and master before moving forward.

Now let’s get started with our step-by-step guide:

Step 1: strumming pattern
The first thing you need to do is get familiar with the strumming pattern. The rhythm in “Blue Cafe” is steady throughout, so focus on keeping that consistent. The strumming pattern follows an eight-beat measure consisting of downstrokes on beats one through three, followed by upstrokes on beats four through six. Then hit another downstroke for beat seven and an upstroke on beat eight.

It might seem complicated, but if you take it slow and break it down bit by bit, it’ll start to feel more natural over time.

Step 2: Play the Intro
The beginning of any song sets the tone for what’s ahead – and in “Blue Cafe,” it instantly brings back memories of simpler times. To start the intro riff for Blue Cafe, all you need is your index finger placed on the third string second fret; now pluck strings three & four simultaneously twice before sliding up two frets until your index finger is resting on the fifth string second fret. Now pluck strings four & five twice followed by an additional two fret slide up to the seventh fret. Finish off with a pluck of the fifth and sixth strings played separately before returning to the first position on A minor chord.

Step 3: First Verse
The beginning of the verse starts with a slow strumming pattern on Am chord; then add in some single-note picking for extra flavor before switching over to C. Repeat this process again with your fingers before returning back briefly to start before playing a less defined riff using C chord.

Step 4: Chorus
The chorus picks things up and adds new chords into the mix, starting with F major chord which should be held and strummed for “She waits.” Pushing down hard almost to ensure that each note rings out loud echoes from your guitar. To complete this transition, you’ll need to change back to Am for “In my blue cafe.”

Next up is G7, which comes in at “the night it’s easy”, lastly returning once again back to F which should be long and drawn out until transitioning back into A minor.

Step 5: Second Verse
For the second verse follow through like step #3 this time leading directly into…

Step 6: Solo
During Chris Rea’s solo he actually alternates his right-hand technique between fingerpicking and strumming but for this guide we will stick solely to fingerpicking.. Ready?

Starting off again with an Am chord get ready for some fast-paced fun! Move onto something more complicated than what you’ve been dealing with thus far, finding a rolling picking pattern begun on fourth string while holding down Fifth fret note Third String as well as Fourth-Fret-Second-String note simultaneously before moving toward Seventh-fret-fourth-string notes finishing off tightly with fifth-fret-fourth-string then repeat similar moves with some modifications a few more times.

Step 7: Final Chorus Fade Out
With a final strum on the Am, move right back into chorus repeating to on until fade out is completed.

Congratulations!! You have now learnt how to play “Blue Cafe” just like Chris Rea!! Keep in mind this could take time – lots of practice will be your best tool for mastering anything, but particularly something as complex as playing the guitar. Set goals for yourself and work towards them each day so that you can truly feel accomplished when it all comes together at last!

Unpacking the Lyrics: What Does Blue Cafe Mean?

Music is a universal language that connects us with our emotions in ways words simply cannot express. It speaks to us on a personal level, often because of the lyrics that have been intricately woven into its fabric. Lyrics can inspire us, make us feel understood and allow us to create deeper connections with the music we love.

One such song that has captivated people across generations and genres is Blue Cafe by Chris Rea. Its smooth guitar melody and poignant lyrics have made it an instant classic, especially for those looking to get lost in their thoughts or curl up with their feelings.

But what does Blue Cafe mean? Let’s unpack the lyrics and find out.

The first line of the song goes “There’s a place where the cats never stop” which sets the tone for a mysterious, almost mystical setting. The “cats” could be referring to jazz musicians who are notorious for being prolific night owls and performing long sets at intimate venues like cafes.

Rea goes on to describe how “the jukebox never sleeps”, suggesting that this place buzzes with energy and life all through the night. The energy of this scene seems amplified as he sings about how there is “smoke filled air / Dirty neon light.”

As he continues his description of this fabled blue cafe, he sings about how time moves differently within its walls. He states how “time just fades away”, suggesting that when you’re in this space, it’s easy to lose track of time completely.

He then talks about a woman who waits by herself every night at one particular table – creating an air of mystery around her story and why she might be drawn back to this space over and over again.

Finally, Rea leaves us with an explanation about why he keeps coming back here time after time: “It takes your pain away.” This line shows how powerful music can be; not only can it transport us but it can also provide comfort and soothe our sorrows when we most need it.

In summary, Blue Cafe is a song about a magical place where music, mystery and energy all converge. The cafe acts as an escapist fantasy, transporting us from the mundane to a world filled with limitless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for comfort or just want to get lost in your thoughts, this song is guaranteed to take you there.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Rea’s Blue Cafe

Chris Rea’s Blue Cafe is a legendary song that has touched many hearts across generations. The smooth rhythm, lyrics, and guitar work have made it an all-time classic. However, despite its popularity, some fans still have questions about the song that they would like to be answered. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Rea’s Blue Cafe:

1. What inspired Chris Rea to write ‘Blue Cafe’?

The inspiration behind the song is quite unclear as Chris Rea has never given a definite explanation of what motivated him to write the song. Still, according to various sources, it is believed that the death of his sister sparked the idea that led to the production of ‘Blue Cafe.’

2. What does “And I gave more than I took” mean in the lyrics?

In this line of the chorus, Chris was expressing gratitude for all he had received while acknowledging his giving spirit.

3. Have any other Artists covered ‘Blue Cafe’?

Yes! There have been several cover versions of Blue Cafè by different artists from across genres were recorded since its release in 1998.

4. Was there an actual “blue cafe”?

There has not been any information on whether or not there was an actual blue cafe referenced outside of this song.

5. In which album can one find “Blue Cafe”?

‘Blue Café’ features on Chris Rea’s eighteenth studio album – The Blue Café – which was released in 1998.

6.What’s the meaning behind “It’s just me and my memory” in verse two?

This line talks of recollection rather than confrontation with anything physical; possibly linked with hindsight or remorse from past actions.

7.How did ‘Blue Café’ perform commercially upon release?

The hit single peaked at #51 on UK Singles Chart and ranked third position for four consecutive weeks on Hot AC chart in US back then after its initial release in 1998. Several charts in Europe also saw Chris Rea’s “Blue Café” listed high on their popularity.

In conclusion, ‘Blue Cafe’ by Chris Rea is a timeless song that has stood the test of time and continue to win hearts globally. Although some questions may remain unanswered after listening to it, its musical genius cannot be overlooked by any lover of good music!

The Impact of Blue Cafe in Chris Rea’s Career and Music Industry

Few musicians can claim to have left a lasting impact on the music industry, but Chris Rea is certainly one of them. With a career spanning several decades, the British singer-songwriter has produced some iconic tracks that have become classics in their own right. One album that stands out as particularly influential in Rea’s career and the wider music industry is ‘Blue Cafe’, which was released in 1998.

While Rea had already achieved commercial success with earlier hits like “On The Beach” and “Josephine”, it was ‘Blue Cafe’ that cemented his place as a true artist in the eyes of many critics and fans alike. The album showcased Rea’s talents not just as a guitarist but also as a skilled lyricist, and offered up an eclectic mix of bluesy rock songs that blended various musical influences.

At its core, ‘Blue Cafe’ is about exploring themes of longing, nostalgia, and redemption through music. It demonstrated the depth of Rea’s abilities and marked a progression from his earlier works towards more mature songwriting.

One standout track on the album is “Square Peg, Round Hole,” which tells a poignant story about feeling out of place in the world. Inspired by Rea’s own experiences growing up with dyslexia (which made him feel like he didn’t fit in), it’s an honest song that resonates deeply with listeners.

Another powerful track is “What Made Me Love You,” a song inspired by Rea’s wife Joan who had been diagnosed with cancer at the time he wrote it. Full of emotion and vulnerability, it showcases how deeply personal music can be used to connect people across different backgrounds.

Beyond its impact on Chris Rea’s own career, ‘Blue Cafe’ has served as inspiration for countless other musicians who look to push boundaries within their respective genres. It has helped to elevate blues-rock into mainstream consciousness while influencing emerging artists to think outside of traditional templates.

In summary, ‘Blue Cafe’ is an album that has left a deep impact on both Chris Rea’s career and the wider music industry. Through its blend of bluesy rock, poignant lyrics, and emotional depth, it serves as a testament to the power of music to bring people together and evoke universal emotions. Truly ahead of its time, ‘Blue Cafe’ will continue to inspire future artists for generations to come.

Exploring the Influences and Inspirations behind Chris Rea’s Iconic Track, Blue Cafe

Chris Rea’s Blue Cafe is an iconic track that has transcended generations. Released in 1998, the song captures the essence of a smoky jazz club on a rainy night. The track is captivating and haunting, and its hypnotic melody is complemented by Chris Rea’s soulful voice. In this blog, we explore the influences and inspirations behind Chris Rea’s iconic track, Blue Cafe.

The first thing that stands out about Blue Cafe is its rhythm and bass line that immediately grabs your attention. This can be attributed to Chris Rea’s love of blues music, which undoubtedly influenced his sound on this record. Blues helps him capture the mood and atmosphere of a dark, brooding jazz club to perfection.

Chris Rea was also inspired by New Orleans jazz style evident through trumpet solos in ‘Blue Cafe’. New Orleans brass bands like Preservation Hall helped shape his concept for the song and solidified its status as an amalgamation of different genres swung together so flawlessly.

Another influence behind this timeless hit could have been Miles Davis’ album Kind Of Blue. The slow burn pieces such as “Flamenco Sketches,” or “Blue in Green”, established a precedent that made live performance art and complex chord progressions fashionable.

Apart from direct musical influences shaping Blue Cafe’s unique composition, there are also lyrical inspirations contributing to the overall aesthetic of the track.
The lyrics almost oppose one another during verse progression with frustration with relationships breeding into bitterness towards those who never took they’re feelings seriously – lines such as “Take it away,” sounds more accusatory every time they get repeated thanks to social context often ignored by abusive partners or institutions keeping women down emotionally for non-compliance

In conclusion, Chris Rea had numerous influences shaping his masterpiece ‘Blue Café’. From blues music to new age tendencies carried out by Miles Davis’ Kind Of blue he managed create something truly exceptional. Not only were musical influences the only sources of inspiration, a meaningful message was injected into the core lyrics of the song too. Blue Cafe is a testament to how different genres can mix so well to create an all-encompassing tune that speaks to people and generations quite profoundly.