The outing launches June 26 – just a couple days ahead of the album’s release date of July 1. Both San Diego and Saratoga (Calif.) score big with two-night stands toward the end of the tour in September and October. John Hiatt joins the tour in mid-July.

Known and lauded as a blues and Southern soul master, Cray is venturing into new territory on Time Will Tell. In a rare change of pace, Cray’s touring band was augmented on the disc by featured guest musicians, including a couple Sly & The Family Stone members and the Turtle Island String Quartet. Cray also recorded with an electric sitar for the first time.

Although he’s had a few gigs this year, this tour marks Cray’s first big venture since last summer.