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

Concert Review: Robin Trower - B.B. Kings, New York - Saturday, 14 October 2006

This concert will stay embedded in my memory for a long time. My visit to New York was fourfold: to see and experience the city; witness the Robin Trower Band in concert across the pond; attend a classical concert at the Lincoln Centre (Beethoven), and catch Woody Allen and his jazz ensemble at The Carlyle. I accomplished all four objectives and I’m still in aftershock.

As I collected my ticket at B.B. Kings mid afternoon I was pleased to be genially greeted by Laurie Brace, Road Manager/Sound Engineer for Robin Trower. Subsequently Laurie ensured I was given first class treatment before, during and after the concert, aided by his partner in crime, Steve ‘the Hat’ Russell, Backline and custodian of Robin’s guitars. Their generosity of time and thoughtfulness were, and remain, greatly appreciated. Not easy when setting up equipment, PA levels for the sound check, and making sure the band are content and their performance is as successful as humanly possible.

It was a pleasure to meet Neil Calandra for the first time after appreciating his photographic work, mostly through Steve Shail's site, and also Neil's friend, Ronnie. Laurie reserved a table for us facing Robin’s stage position which I didn’t expect and was grateful for; thanks again Laurie. A young guitarist called Jack joined us with his father (sorry I forget his name). Both had never witnessed the Robin Trower Band live in concert. After the show they confirmed they had been completely knocked out by the performance of the band, Robin’s guitar playing, and the pulsating atmosphere generated by the music.

Robin, Dave, Pete and Davey were extremely friendly and hospitable when they arrived for the sound check even though visibility tired. The travelling and gig schedule on this second leg of the tour can’t have been easy. The band played ‘Lady Love’ as Laurie adjusted the PA levels. I was surprised the levels set for tonight’s performance were lower than I heard on the recent UK tours. I thought Robin was keeping his guitar volume at about seven, even during soloing, to save extra volume for that extra punch during the show.

This wasn’t the case and during the actual performance the overall sound balance was first-rate with Davey’s vocals noticeably audible in the mix in conjunction with distinct bass sequences supplied by Dave Bronze and the drumming finesse of Pete Thompson. From the opening chords of ‘Twice removed from Yesterday’ it was evident the band had somehow regained their energy and I had caught them on a good night.

Without doubt Dave Bronze and Pete Thompson combine to provide a great rhythm section that compliments and inspires Robin’s playing; they know where Robin wants to go during his soloing and assist him in getting there. The band really hit home with an emotionally charged version of ‘Islands’. Robin playing melodic, soulful, bluesy charged licks and individually sustained notes that made you shiver; sheer genius . . .

Other highlights included blistering renditions of ‘Victims of the Fury’, ‘Too Rolling Stoned’, ‘Day of the Eagle’ and ‘Little Bit of Sympathy’. Robin’s solos highlighted his formidable vibrato, awesome string bending, tremendous guitar tone and the intense deep emotional feeling permeating his playing. Like the Chrysler building ‘Bridge of Sighs’ is a masterpiece; the former architectural, the latter musical, and any musician would be proud of creating and having this song in their set.

I believe songs like ‘Twice Removed from Yesterday’, and ‘Hannah’ cannot be replicated live without the warm soulful voice of James Dewar. The singing part of these songs is so important I don’t believe a singer exists who can come near. Yet, Davey's vocals are refreshingly unpretentious and exceptionally passionate. 

It would be great to see this band tour again - UK and Stateside - and for Robin to consider a degree of flexibility with the set list, and include other great songs he has written or co-written, and that work live, for example, Alethea, Take What You Need (From Me), The Fool and Me, No Time, Over You (a personal favourite of mine: great chordal sequences, outstanding guitar solo, beautiful, passionate vocal by Davey, and incredible heart rendering lyrics by Dave Bronze); and where was "Living Out Of Time"?

Post show it was great to be invited with Neil and Ronnie backstage for some banter, laughs and hospitality with Dave, Pete and Davey. I told Robin it had been a great show and thanked him for handing me his guitar pick at the end of ‘Little Bit of Sympathy’. It had encouraged a guy at the next table to get the pick at the end of 'Daydream' for his son, who was also there to witness a triumphant performance by the band.

We were invited by Dave and Pete to their Hotel in the Times Square district, and as Neil Calandra said, “... for a night cap ... Nice way to end the night.” High-speed elevators shooting residents into the air, the sparkling furnishings of the hotel lounge, along with memories of the gig, music and guitar playing reverberated in my brain as I caught the uptown train at 4.00 a.m. Thanks to Robin, Dave, Pete, Davey, Laurie, Steve, Neil and Ronnie for a great night, their time and generosity, and making a tired and weary traveler come alive again with great music, repartee and genuine kindness.

Set List: Twice Removed From Yesterday; Hannah; Roads to Freedom; What’s Your Name; Islands; Day Of The Eagle; Bridge Of Sighs; Rise Up Like The Sun; Victims Of The Fury; Too Rolling Stoned; Go My Way; Another Time Another Place; Little Bit Of Sympathy Encores: Lady Love; Daydream.

Postscript: Caught Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band at The Carlyle the evening before I flew home. I used what was left of my Irish charm to get into the venue as it was sold out. The intimate atmosphere and the set list - which included New Orleans rags, marches and spirituals - was exceptional, a highlight at the end of the show was "I'll See you In My Dreams" song by Woody; not unlike the atmosphere created by "Daydream"; you could hear a pin drop. A memorable trip, indeed.


 

Concert Review: Robin Trower - The Academy 3, Manchester - 28 April 2006

I was fortunate to attend tonight’s concert at Manchester Academy with my wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Emma, to witness a triumphant performance by Robin Trower and his band; Dave Bronze on Bass, Pete Thompson on Drums, and Davey Pattison on Vocals.

The Academy’s acoustics, atmosphere, crowd and musicianship of Robin and his band provided the perfect ingredients for a truly memorable concert.

In his 61st year Robin has undoubtedly made his presence felt once again in his native homeland. He is not just a superlative master of the guitar; he is a first rate musician and songwriter. It should be evident by tonight’s reception that Robin enjoys a harmonious, loyal and appreciative fan base across the UK.

The seminal works, aka, "Day of the Eagle," "Bridge of Sighs," "Daydream," "Hannah," "Islands," and "Too Rolling Stoned" were absolutely breathtaking tonight. The band were perfectly in harmony, and appeared to play with renewed energy. Robin’s atmospheric and distinctive sound, combined with his unique soulfulness and emotion, and the musical intimacy of the band, combined to make this an awe-inspiring concert.

Robin’s music continues to somehow grab your heart and reside within; comparable to a close companion of honest warmth and integrity. Robin is a true contemporary of, Beck, Page, Clapton, Green, SRV - in effect, any guitarist you wish to a name. Those fortunate to attend tonight’s concert seen, heard, and witnessed an artist in full flight; liberated, and at the pinnacle of artistry.

Thanks to Robin, Davey, Dave, and Pete, for contributing to a great performance; also Steve Rusell and Laurie Brace - two genial guys who help to ensure the equipment and sound are at their best.

It was great to meet Steve Shail for the first time; Alan Howard who is always gracious and passionate about the music; David Knight and friend Tony Roberts, who I last met at Robin’s gig at the Life Café in the same city in March 2005.

Post gig we retired to the Kro Bar, Oxford Road, with fellow blues & rock fans, Heather Collier and Cassie McBirney. Enjoyable conversation, first-rate company, and a wide selection of beers contributed to an absolutely memorable evening/morning.

Set List: Twice removed from Yesterday; Hannah; Roads to Freedom; Too much joy; Islands; Day of the Eagle; Bridge of Sighs; 20th Century Blues; Victims of the Fury; Too rolling stoned; Go my way; Another time, another place; Little bit of sympathy. Encores: Lady Love; Daydream

Concert Review: Robin Trower - The Irish Centre, Leeds - 22 November 2005

This was special - why? - it just happened to be my birthday, so tickets, flights and accommodation were booked well in advance. My wife and I flew from Belfast the day before the concert. I must admit I still felt slightly exhausted following the Bristol concert - but hell it was worth it. On the day of the Leeds concert I regained my energy and as the clock ticked by my eagerness to witness again the finesse of the Robin Trower Band in concert heightened by the minute.

There has been immense hype in the media regarding the purported musical highlights of 2005: the reunion of ‘Cream’ (tickets selling beyond face value for as much as £1,500; no room for genuine fans unless immensely lucky - mostly corporate sycophants sitting in the front stalls, as with other major music events held these days), and ‘Live 8’ (worthy cause - all form, but modest musical substance).

For quite a few music fans in the UK a main highlight has been the return of one of its 'unsung heroes' to the live circuit in the personage of Robin Trower on the ‘Living Out Of Time’ Tour. Just don't rely on the music press - including guitar magazines - to inform you. This tour has confirmed that Robin should be recognised as one of the top guitar players of all time (up there with Clapton, Page, Beck, SRV, and the greatly underrated Rory Gallagher). Robin is a guitar master with a unique and distinctive sound, and inspired song writing ability.

Sylvia and I went by taxi to the venue and when the doors opened made straight for the front of the stage and met Laurie Brace, Sound Engineer for Robin Trower, and Steve Russell, Backline. These guys have been instrumental in ensuring Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete have achieved the sound and success this tour has generated, and it has been a pleasure meeting them; their friendliness and banter at each venue I attended has been greatly appreciated. Prior to the show we went to the dressing room and had a picture taken for posterity – whoever Prosperity is?

I noticed Robin’s amplification had been augmented on stage with the addition of two Leslie Cabinets to enable Robin to hear his guitar clearer, and to facilitate a better sound balance for the whole band. I felt he had played too loud at the Cambridge gig and this had impacted on the overall performance on the night.

Shortly after nine the band took to the stage and the crowd moved forward to the front of the stage. The atmosphere was electric and it was obvious from the opening chord progression of ‘Twice Removed From Yesterday’ that the sound balance was superior to the Cambridge and Bristol gigs I had attended lately - also the tone of Robin’s guitar. The crowd was totally mesmerised from the start and each instrument could be heard clearly, even Robin’s voiced parts during the song were audible.

I must admit I prefer the band opening with ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ as it enables the crowd and the band to get into a hypnotic groove early in the concert. But everyone has their favourite songs . . . including Robin. ‘Hannah’ again proved superlative with Robin playing beautiful arpeggios during the chord sequences supported by Dave’s ‘stellar’ bass lines (sounding Newtonian at times!), strong drumming from Pete, and great vocals from Davey (which tonight could be heard clearly). This definitely made the gig more moving and enjoyable.

I was slightly disappointed ‘What’s Your Name’ and ‘Living out of Time’ had not been included on the set list again – perhaps more flexibility with the set list would be a plus for the group and the fans on any future tour(s) . . . only planting seeds; The Fool and Me; Alethea; Secret Place. This, however, was compensated by the inclusion of ‘Fine Day’ - song writing at its best; and incredible lead playing during the solos.



The version of ‘Bridge of Sighs’ tonight was breath-taking and the solo fully highlighted the formidable vibrato, awesome string bending, and tremendous guitar tone which Robin possesses - truly emotional with melodic phrasing. The experience is augmented by the smaller type venue which, on this tour, has proved intimate for Robin, his band, and the fans, giving the atmosphere an electric charge not facilitated at larger venues.

Next was the instrumental ‘Islands’; a melodic masterpiece which enabled the trio of Robin, Dave and Pete to take the concert to a different emotional level. Another great song live is ‘Rise up like the Sun’ which allows Robin to solo over a great rhythm provided by Pete and Dave. Robin’s soloing once again reaching heights of raw emotion and soulfulness simultaneously - a joy to behold.

Other highlights included ‘Victims Of The Fury’; ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ ‘Go My Way’; and ‘Another Time Another Place’ which highlighted Davey’s excellent vocals and Robin’s beautifully placed fill-ins. The encores included ‘Lady Love’ and ‘Daydream’.

On the night Sylvia and I agreed ‘Daydream’ was in a class of its own due to the crystallization of the band emotionally and musically - something I am sure Robin appreciates – it enables him to let his guitar soar ever higher in search of that ‘buzz’ which somehow bonds with the audience. A truly memorable night. It is obvious Robin likes to play live and hopefully this band will tour in 2006 . . . just keep the fingers crossed.

Afterwards I bought the DVD and had it signed by the band. A lot of bantering, humour, and laughing on the night after the gig as evidenced by the subsequent photographs. A big thank you to Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete; also Laurie and Steve, for making my birthday special, and also the concerts I attended in Manchester, London, Southampton, Cambridge, Bristol and Leeds. It has been an adventure full of great memories, and fantastic music played by superlative musicians.

Pete & Ronnie

The Three Tenors aka Davey, Ronnie and Dave – 'Who said vaudeville was dead?'

Set list: Twice Removed From Yesterday; Hannah; Roads To Freedom; Fine Day; Islands; Day Of the Eagle; Bridge Of Sighs; Rise Up Like The Sun; Victims Of The Fury; Too Rolling Stoned; Go My Way; Another Time, Another Place; Little Bit Of Sympathy; Encore: Lady Love; Daydream

Concert Review: Robin Trower, The Junction, Cambridge - 8 November 2005

 

It was a ‘Fine Day’ and a ‘Fine Night’. After attending gigs on the first leg of the ‘Living Out Of Time’ tour, it was great to see the set list for the second leg had been changed by Robin. This impacted on two levels: Robin, Dave, Pete and Davey appeared revitalised by the new set; and the crowd were noticeably jubilant to be given the opportunity to hear diverse songs from Robin’s extensive back catalogue. No 'Alethea', 'The Fool and Me', 'Take What You Need (From Me)', 'Over You', 'Blue For Soul', 'Living out of time', 'I want to take you with me', 'Back It Up', 'Rock Me Baby' . . . As the saying goes, ‘you can’t have everything'.

From the opening number it was patent the volume level was 10 and rising, as evidenced by the opening chord sequence of "Twice Removed From Yesterday". It was great to see this song performed live and with such power. The acoustics of the venue were problematic; causing reverberation difficulties not helpful to the band, or audience. The band really took off during the next song "Hannah" (the sound more evenly balanced) Robin playing in his usual passionate and emotional manner, supported by Dave’s strong bass lines, great drumming from Pete, and incredible vocals from Davey.

Following "Roads to Freedom" the opening chord of "Fine Day" took the concert to a new level. It has got to be one of the best songs Robin has written; the heavier sound and rhythm ‘live’ transcends the recorded version which I feel is on the softer side. Robin’s guitar playing reached new heights of emotion and soulfulness during the lead breaks in this song. I felt exhausted when it finished! A true gem.

I was surprised how good "Victims of the Fury" sounded; a great version – stronger rhythm, emotion and Robin using the wah pedal to great affect during the chorus and leads. Next was "Too Rolling Stoned" and the band was really in sync. Robin using his arsenal of techniques to great affect: string bends, use of feedback and tremolo arm, arpeggios, long sustained notes - which have to be seen and heard ‘live’ to be believed.

Other ‘highlights’ were "Another Time Another Place" showing Davey’s vocal prowess at its finest, with Robin’s guitar fill-ins enhancing the mood of the song; and a scorching version of "Little Bit of Sympathy".

The band left the stage to thunderous applause and shouts for ‘more’ from numerous hoarse voices in the crowd including myself, my brother, John K., John Waters and Martin Hughes. The encores included "Lady Love" and "Daydream". I must confess the version of "Daydream" was, for myself and my brother, the superlative song on the night on account of Robin’s guitar playing (at times amazing and truly emotional), the outstanding sound and bass playing of Dave, the pure drumming dexterity of Pete, augmented by Davey’s superb vocals. Spellbinding.

Robin & Ronnie post gig

Finally, it was great meeting up with John and Martin at the concert, and for drinks and conversation back at the hotel with Pete Thompson and Dave Bronze. Great night. Don’t forget the ‘WASP’ joke. Thanks to Robin, Dave, Pete and Davey for being so understanding in the presence of over zealous fans, and listening to our ‘ramblings’ with straight faces. Also, Laurie Brace and Steve Russell for their thoughtfulness and overall contribution to the sound at the gig.