CD Review: Robin Trower: "Farther On Up the Road - The Chrysalis Years (1977-1983)" [3 CD Box set] - Release Date: 27 February 2012

After the successful release in July 2010 of A Tale Untold: the Chrysalis Years 1973-1976 Chrysalis Records has issued a second compilation of albums by Robin Trower spanning the period 1977 to 1983. Similar to the first compilation this release comprises a 3 CD Box Set.

The set is titled: Farther On Up the Road - The Chrysalis Years (1977-1983) and contains six albums and two bonus tracks: a radio edit of 'Bluebird', and a b-side, 'One In A Million.' Again, most ardent fans of Robin's guitar playing and songwriting will have most, or, all, of the tracks on vinyl, CD and MP3. It is still, however, a compilation worth adding to a record collection.

It's gratifying to see a photograph of the late Reg Isadore included in the liner notes; he was an exceptional drummer and musician. I'm surprised there isn't a photograph of Bill Lordan. Bill played drums on four of the albums and isn't acknowledged with a photograph. I believe also that Bobby Clouter played drums on seven of the nine tracks on the album Back It Up, and Alan Clarke played drums on two tracks: 'Back It Up' and 'Islands'. Someone should meticulously proofread the credits before a record is released, and ensure that all the musicians' physically involved with the music are given due credit and respect.

Bill Lordan

Robin's good fortune in meeting James (Jimmy) Dewar can't be underestimated. Jimmy, as ever, connects with the listener in a way most vocalist's can only dream. His voice is beautiful, and brings a unique kind of greatness to the music. He was also an outstanding lyricist and tremendous bass player. If fate had been gracious, perhaps Jimmy and Robin would have collaborated again and produced music of profound power, passion and relevance. Robin and Jimmy's recorded work and 'live' performances are full of seminal masterpieces which bring unbridled joy to many fans worldwide, and continues to inspire and attract new admirers each day. A wonderful legacy.

James (Jimmy) Dewar - Bass, Vocals & Lyricist

Tracklisting

Choosing one song, one album, a compilation of tracks, or albums, cannot begin to encompass Robin Trower's gift and passion as a guitarist and musician, or the depth and variety of his extensive musical output. No doubt the album Bridge Of Sighs, and the track of the same name, provide a powerful introduction to his musical style and guitar playing. Nevertheless, Robin's musical output is remarkable in terms of its quality, melodic intensity and his mastery of the guitar. There are millions of 'gifted' guitarists in the world but few mature into musical artists who play with astounding virtuosity and are able to compose music of the highest quality with a plethora of masterpieces. 

I believe, in the main, that this collection contains music of the highest quality. It is music of exploration, intensity, variety and colours - and it produces its fair share of magic. Nevertheless, as far as recording is concerned, the album Truce remains a disappointment. It has its share of undistinguished studio tracks, and - apart from a few performances where the interplay of Robin, Jack Bruce and Reg Isadore (all extraordinary gifted musicians) reach the creative standards one would expect - the overall atmosphere is uninspiring. The shortcomings lie, in part, in the poor quality of the songwriting.

The release of Back It Up in 1983 showed a return to Robin's customary creative standards. The new rhythm section: bassist Dave Bronze (an expressive player with a vivid bass tone) on seven of the tracks, and drummers Bobby Clouter and Alan Clarke (players of great style and intuition), and the return of James Dewar on vocals (and bass for two tracks), seems to have spurred Robin to push himself, yet again, to high limits both creatively and musically. 

Jimmy Dewar (most importantly), Reg Isadore and Bill Lordan, played a 'crucial' part in forming the identity, mood and texture of Robin's vision and creativity, and to bring the end result to the record buying public and concert audiences. While some of the tracks instantly capture the listener's attention, the collection contains music waiting to be discovered, or rediscovered, as there is a sense of timelessness, and wonder, in most of the performances and guitar solos.

Robin Trower

 Jimmy Dewar

 Bill Lordan  

Track samples and order available at: Amazon's Robin Trower Store

Concert Review: Robin Trower & Jack Bruce - The Music Hall, Worpswede, Germany - 1 March 2009

The venue for the concert is 25km north of Bremen. The village of Worpswede is intimate, quite and beautiful. As my brother and I walk towards the The Music Hall I am intrigued that such a  music venue exists so far from noisy, densely populated towns and cities. It is 5.30pm and the band are going through a sound check. The songs are "Seven Moons" and "Lives of Clay" and sound great. At the rear entrance to the hall there are a number of vans with cables running from the stage area. The performance is being recorded for broadcast on Radio Bremen.

I meet a music journalist from Hamburg and we talk about the broadcast and the venue. My brother and I talk to a number of people from different parts of Germany and Sweden who are big Jack Bruce fans. It's good to see Laurie Brace (Road Manager/Sound Engineer for Robin Trower) and Steve Russell (responsible for Jack Bruce's instruments and amplification). We talk about tonight's gig, the previous night's performance in Nijmegen, Holland and exchange a few pleasantries and jokes. Two great guys kept busy making sure all the musical equipment is working, in the right place and ready for the musicians to perform. Also, ensuring that the sound balance is as close to perfection as possible given the restraints of the venue.

Steve Russell, Ronnie, and Laurie Brace

The program and posters outside and inside the venue intrigue me. The only musician displayed is Jack Bruce. It appears Jack is the main act and Robin and Gary are supporting musicians. I understand this is the way the music industry sometimes works. Two formidable musicians collaborate on three albums, organize a short tour in Europe, and only one musician is given recognition and billing. When I discovered the set list included the entire Seven Moons album I tried to curtail judgment, but couldn't. The album has a number of great songs, but also has its share of average, unmelodic tracks.

I notice Robin's Deja Vibe is absent from his pedals. This rules out the possibility of the trio inserting other songs in the set to provide contrast: up-tempo, funkier rhythms; the chance to hear Jack playing bass and singing on "Bridge of Sighs" or "Day of the Eagle."  A view shared by numerous Robin Trower devotees and musicians at the front of the stage. Indeed, the absence of songs from earlier collaborations - BLT & Truce - is a major talking point before, during and after the concert with fans. Tracks such as: "Into Money," "No Island Lost," "Won't Let You Down," "Gonna Shut You Down," "Gone Too Far," "Fall In Love," "Little Boy Lost" would have enhanced the set and experience.

Frankly, I despair of CD/DVD/concert reviews which make you wonder if the person was at the concert. or has listened to the music on disc. Some reviews on the internet, and in magazines appear to be “cut & pasted” and follow a familiar pattern with comparisons of Robin to ... well, you know who. A review bereft of originality and sincerity does a disservice to any impassioned and skilled musical artist. 

The show started around 9:00 pm to a hall packed with eager fans. At the outset Robin's guitar sound seems low in the mix. This fails, however, to make "Seven Moons" or "Lives of Clay" any less engaging. Two powerful tracks back to back. Robin's soloing is a revelation. In fact, it is noticeable that Robin and Jack are enjoying playing together.

The sound is uncluttered and Robin's guitar sound becomes more visible during the pedestrian "Distant Places Of The Heart". During the song Robin uses his considerable vibrato and guitar voicings to great effect. A wonderful, creative journey. A masterclass in sensitive, passionate soloing. The outro solo is stunning. Jack Bruce at the finish of the song says, “Life isn't so bad after all ...”  I believe, for the moment, he's right.

Tonight Robin's Strat is plugged into a 100-watt custom built Cornell amp. I prefer his guitar tone when he uses Marshall. In fact, towards the end of the set Robin's guitar sound appears to oscillate in volume; a combination of amp and faulty connections, perhaps.

After a passionate and enthusiastic version of “Sunshine of Your Love” the tempo slows for a rendition of “Carmen.” The live version misses the guitar overdubs and outstanding vocal Jack produced on the original recording. Not an easy song to sing, whatever your age, or state of health.

At some point I begin to feel Gary Husband is prone to over-drum - a la Buddy Miles - and the sensitivity of some songs, while still moving, are executed with undue rigidity.

Following “We're Going Wrong,” “So Far To Yesterday,” “ Just Another Day” the infectious rhythm of “Perfect Place” enables Robin to use the wah pedal to create haunting, biting, riffs that make the song seem too short. During the song the trio create a wondrous groove which the audience share with vocal enthusiasm.

I'm grateful that supreme musicians such as Robin Trower and Jack Bruce still grace this planet, share their music, their gift, and voice wherever, and whenever, possible. Both musicians have enriched my life and those of numerous others. I hope they tour together again without constraints and a different set list. I acknowledge they call the shots. Me? I'm someone who enjoys music played "live" with passion, vigor and creativity. So who am I to talk? I knew you would understand.

Link to photographs of the performance on 'The Music Hall' site: Photos + Videos

The concert was recorded and broadcast by Radio Bremen. Click on the following link for the whole concert: Robin Trower & Jack Bruce 

Set list signed by Robin Trower and Jack Bruce

trowerpower.com

Robin Trower Interview - Cornell

JackBruce.com

Seven Moons "Live" - Robin Trower with Jack Bruce

The "Seven Moons" live album is now available to order at Amazon.co.uk. delivered free in the UK with Super Saver Delivery.

Track Listings:

01. Seven Moons
02. Lives Of clay
03. Distant Places Of The Heart
04. Sunshine Of Your Love
05. Carmen
06. She's Not The One
07. So Far To Yesterday
08. Just Another Day
09. Perfect Place
10. Bad Case Of Celebrity
11. The Last Door
12. Come To Me
13. White Room
14. Politician

It is strange this album is not listed at the official Robin Trower Store - or that Jack Bruce is not included on the "Links" page of Robin's official site. I'm not suprised that "We're Going Wrong" and "I'm Home" are not included on the 'Live' CD - they sounded listless and lacking in atmosphere in concert. Jack's vocal delivery on both tracks was poor live, and I was grateful when both songs ended.

The release of "What Lies Beneath" - in my view - overshadows Robin's recent collaboration with Jack Bruce in the studio, and in concert. I'd like to see Robin touring again with Livingston Brown on bass and vocals, and Pete Thompson on drums. Call it "The What Lies Beneath" tour. Robin has reached new heights of creativity on his recent album, which I believe, surpasses most of the music of "Seven Moons".

Robin Trower and Jack Bruce - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London - 5/8/09

According to Jack Bruce the set list for the current short tour with Robin Trower will comprise all - or most - of the eleven tracks from their collaborative album, "Seven Moons". The rest of the set will include the usual "classics" from Jack, 'Politician,' 'White Room,' 'Sunshine of your Love,' 'We're Going Wrong.' Only 'Carmen' from "B.L.T." will be included in the set. It is disappointing Robin and Jack have elected to play again - live - the whole of the "Seven Moons" album which, I believe, has its share of unmelodious songs, and dismal lyrics.

Some of the songs from the "B.L.T." or "Truce" albums - both released in 1981 - deserve inclusion in the set, and would provide a much needed change in tempo, light and shade, during the performance. During the earlier short tour, the music was - at intervals - pedestrian. Robin and Jack possess the skill, virtuosity, and confidence, to create a set that highlights their collaborative body of work in better light. It is evident Jack's vocal delivery on some of the tracks 'live' cause him some difficulty; the keys to some songs have been changed to decrease the stress on Jack's vocal chords, and, indeed, overall health.

It's a shame Robin and Jack never found time in their busy schedules to tour together during the ' 90s. Whether the current concerts, and the album "Seven Moons," stand the test of time is anyone's guess.