Record Reviews

ROBIN TROWER ~ AT THE BBC 1973-1975 CHRYSALIS 5099907071324 (Barcode: 5099907071324) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2011 This is a collection of BBC radio recordings by the British guitarist / composer Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist and his power trio which also included vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist or Bill LordanFind albums by this artist. The album presents five radio sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the first three albums by Trower and the trio: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title" and "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", altogether thirty tracks on two CDs. All the tracks were composed by Trower or co-composed by him and Dewar, and two were co-composed by him and vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist (see below). After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie Miller, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come. Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output heard on this album, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument. The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s. There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over!

Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: 25/05/2019

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ EBBETS FIELD, 1973 GOSSIP 038 (Barcode: 823564032900) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2020 This is an archival live album by legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic power trio format with bassist / vocalist James DewarFind albums by this artist and drummer Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist, during the trio’s US tour supporting the release of the band’s debut album “Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title”. The album presents thirteen tracks, the last three being excerpts from a radio interview with Trower, recorded by the FM station that recorded the concert. Although an unofficial release, the sound quality is quite reasonable, all things considered. Most of the material originates form the a.m. album and was co-written by Trower and Dewar. Following his departure from the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most. Overall, despite the coarse sound quality, the album is a great document of the explosive period in Rock history and presents the incredible guitar technique by Trower, which he still very much possesses today, as well as the power trio naked format, which proves that it was completely self-sufficient. For the many Trower followers, this is definitely something worth having.

Updated: 15/12/2023Posted: 15/12/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1973-1983 CHRYSALIS 5060516091263 (Barcode: 5060516091263) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1983 Released: 2019 This Box Set presents all ten studio albums recorded by British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist for the ChrysalisFind albums on this label Records label: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title", "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", "Long Misty DaysFind albums with this title", "In City DreamsFind albums with this title", "Caravan To MidnightFind albums with this title", "Victims Of The FuryFind albums with this title", "B.L.T.Find albums with this title", "TruceFind albums with this title" and finally "Back It UpFind albums with this title". All these albums feature the guitar power trio format, with slight personnel changes; Trower plays the guitar of course, vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist plays and sings on most of the albums except the two collaborations with Jack BruceFind albums by this artist ("B.L.T." and "Truce") and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist (who plays on the first two album and "Truce") and Bill LordanFind albums by this artist (who plays on all the other albums except "Back It Up"). A few additional musicians are also involved, like American bassist Rustee AllenFind albums by this artist of Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist fame who plays on "In City Dreams" and "Caravan To Midnight". Almost all the material on these albums was written or co-written by Trower with a few exceptions. After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come. Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument. The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s. There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over! Side Note I can´t imagine what Chrysalis Records were thinking when they decided not to include in this Box Set the only live album Trower recorded for them, entitled simply "Robin Trower Live!Find albums with this title". With the inclusion of that album this Box Set would have become "The Complete Robin Trower Chrysalis Recordings", which beyond any doubt almost all people who bought this Box Set would have preferred! The live album was already released as part of the budget "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" series (two volumes), which in turn left out "Back It Up". So the fans and collectors got screwed for the second time! There is no limit to stupidity and meanness!

Updated: 01/06/2019Posted: 01/06/2019

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ TWICE REMOVED FROM YESTERDAY (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) CHRYSALIS 810098501446 (Barcode: 810098501446) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2023 This is a 2CD expanded reissue / remaster edition of the 1st solo studio album by legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with bassist / vocalist James DewarFind albums by this artist and drummer Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist. The original album was recorded shortly after Trower left the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, and was produced by Procol Harum keyboardist Matthew FisherFind albums by this artist. CD1 presents the original album with nine tracks. CD2 presents eight tracks, one of which is a single B-side, three are alternate mixes and four are live BBC recordings. Most of the songs were co-written by Trower and Dewar. All the tracks were newly remastered. Departing from Procol Harum unleashed the strong Blues affinity in Trower’s music, which would be his most significant musical influence, and which would dominate his solo career, which continues to this very day with dozens of highly successful recordings as a solo artist. His incredible guitar playing would become his trademark and mark him as one of the greatest British Blues-Rock guitarist in all time. Overall, this a nice reminder of this classic album released originally fifty years earlier, with some additional new material, which should make all Trower fans happy. More 50th Anniversary reissues are imminent.

Updated: 24/03/2024Posted: 24/03/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend