Roots And Branches

Another triumph for this sadly underrated legend. If all you know of Robin Trower is Bridge of Sighs, you're missing out on alot of fantastic music. Trower takes some older classic music and breathes new life into it. He then adds in some new music of his own and makes it flow seamlessly. The trademark guitar sound is there, and combined with his growing confidence in his own vocals we're seeing an artist at the top of his powers 40 plus years on in his career. Suffice it to say, if you are, at all, a fan of the guitar, pick up this album.

Robin Trower's latest album "Roots and Branches" is an excellent step forward for the artist. The sound is uncluttered and the sonic imaging is quite deep...the arrangements are stripped down and recorded with a glowing analog-sounding warmth. This is a quite earthy record indeed and one that reminds me a bit more of 2005's "Another Days Blues" than of Trower's more recent albums.

Trower's tone and phrasing, which has mellowed sweetly over his prolific career, is as fine as it has ever been. His shimmery guitar lines are the most vocal they have ever been. Trower's sound is unmistakable- there are very few guitarists who have such richness of tone.

The record is a mix of freshly arranged classic R&B tunes and a few fine new Trower originals; the record's pace and atmosphere are steady, assured and quite inviting. The lead vocals are split between Trower and bassist Richard Watts. While Watts is the stronger singer of the two, Trower's vocals are confident and enjoyable throughout. This is a grown up R&B album, not a rock album, and it is an exceptionally fine one from a truly seminal artist. Trower Power is alive and well!

I have to say it's nice to have Trower back to his power blues self. Not that I didn't enjoy "Seven Moons" or "What Lies Beneath" but Trower is at his best for me when he's able to stick to the straight blues. I believe this is where he's most comfortable. I love all these classic tunes and to hear Robin's modern take on them is a breath of fresh air.

This albums production reminds me of a couple of my favorite blues albums of the last few years, as the sound is crisp, clean, but yet maintains that "tube" like quality that accents blues music so well. I can tell that a ton of effort went into making this album sound the way it does. Simple, articulated, warm and dang right old Stratocaster love.

As I stated above, I'm also glad that the POWER BLUES is back. This type of power blues really runs the gamut for me. As at its best the heavy drums and thick guitar makes me pount the table with a rock hard fist...but at it's worst (SRV wannabees) I just shake my head. Fortunately Trower has always had his own sound, and he kills it here. A couple of my faves:

"When I heard your name," Killer. Love the call and response type singing and guitar riffs along with the slight vocal accompaniment. It's also one of the more upbeat songs on the album and the rhythm section brings it deep and heavy.

"That's Alright Mama," A blues shuffle with smokey harmonica and great smooth singing. His guitar solo is great in this one as he kisses the strings with his pick and really gits it on this one.

"Little Red Rooster," A sermon with Trower bringing the guitar and vocals to your face in this classic. The hammer down style really fits and I'm glad he chose to a version of this here. Six minutes of joy.

If you're into what Cyril Lance did a few years back, Greg Allman's Low Country Blues, or any of James Mathus' recent blues albums then you'll dig this. A killer modern blues classic with Trower bringin' it hard and good!