Robin Trower – Still Shredding Like Nobody’s Business! By Michelle S.
Robin Trower is a living legend right up there with Clapton, Hendrix, Page, Beck and all the rest of the demigods of the 1960s and 70s. He’s often compared to Jimi Hendrix, which is kind of funny considering one of his previous bands, Procol Harum, made their first band debut by opening up for Hendrix. At the time, they were promoting their monster hit “A whiter Shade of Pale”, in 1967. Trower remained performing and recording with Procol Harum for several years and appearing on their first five albums.
After leaving Procol Harum, he embarked upon a remarkable solo career with the aid of James Dewar (vocals and bass) and Conrad Isadore (drums). He released his first solo Album “Twice Removed From Yesterday” this is where he got the wave of recognition and captured people’s attention. From fans and critics.
It wasn’t until 1974 when he released his second album called “Bridge of Sighs” that really made the commercial breakthrough for Trower. It included the hits “Bridge of Sighs”, “Too Rolling Stoned”, “Day of the Eagle” and “Little Bit of Sympathy” which became live concert staples. The album became certified gold in September of 1974.
He is a master of technique and tone and can play any style of music whether it’s an intoxicating blast of the blues, progressive rock or psychedelia, his guitar playing is just mind-blowing live! It’s as if his guitar is his spirit animal. His live shows are electrifying and transcendent!
While most of his contemporaries are considering retirement, it doesn’t look like Robin Trower is planning on going anywhere but on tour! At 74, he’s still creating and playing for the masses. In fact, he just released his latest endeavor “Coming Closer To The Day” which came out this past March just after his birthday.
According to a press release, “The guitarist finds himself in a golden late-bloom of creativity. In recent years, his solo output has been championed by both press and public, with the impact of 2014’s Something’s About To Change, 2016’s Where You Are Going To and 2017’s Time & Emotion setting up some of his best-attended U.S. dates since he conquered that continent with Bridge of Sighs in the mid-’70s.
Robin Trower’s tour of the U.S. will begin on April 2 in Alexandria, Va., and wrap on May 17 in Seattle. He’ll be accompanied by Richard Watts on bass and vocals, and Chris Taggart on drums, performing songs from the new album along with favorites from the Trower catalog. Tickets are available through Stubhub or Ticketmaster.