hero
Robin Trower
British guitar player Robin Trower had his first brush with fame as a member of the 60’s group Procol Harum, best known for its B3 organ hit Whiter Shade Of Pale. Following in the power trio formats of Hendrix and Cream, Trower left Procol Harum and went solo in the early 70’s. Enlisting the soulful vocals of bassist Jim Dewer and drummer Reg Isadore (later Bill Lordan), Robin began a lengthy solo career (with a brief BLT detour) that continues to this day.
At a time when originality was still considered a virtue in the music business, Robin was often unfairly criticized by the rock press for sounding too much like Jimi Hendrix, to which he responded with the classic Too Rolling Stoned, one of his biggest rock radio hits. While Robin’s playing often has “Hendrix” overtones, his playing tends to be more blues-based and features unique use of double-stops. Over the years, Trower’s personnel has changed and lately he has been leaning more towards blues than rock, but he still has the power to make a Strat sound HUGE.
Essential Recordings
Hold cursor over CD image for Amazon.com purchase information or click on the image to visit the product page.
Bridge Of Sighs
Robin Trower
This studio recording is considered by many to be Robin’s finest effort, and it’s hard to argue. From uptempo rockers Day Of The Eagle, The Fool and Me, and Little Bit Of Sympathy, to moody slow burners Bridge Of Sighs, In This Place to the Wah workout of Too Rolling Stoned, this recording validates Trower’s standing as a Rock/Blues legend. It still holds up well after all these years.
Live
Robin Trower
There have been several live Trower releases over the years, but this is my favorite. The sound quality is not the best but Trower absolutely burns, simmers, and rocks all in one set. The eight minute Daydream goes from a slow moody simmer to an absolute flurry of raging “Trower” double-stops. No studio tricks, layers, or gimmics here, just one guitar in the hands of a real player who needs nothing else. Any guitarist playing in a power trio setting should study this CD. SRV and Cream fans will also want to grab this treasure.
Day Of The Eagle - The Best Of Robin Trower
Robin Trower
This collection gives a good overview of the 70's era of Robin’s playing with the late, great James Dewar on vocals. It includes some live tracks also, but like any collection the song selection is subjective. Naturally I wouldn’t have choosen all of the same tunes but those unfamiliar with Trower’s work can hardly go wrong, and will find most of the best stuff here.
Video
links
Website
- Robin Trower
