Robin Trower Remains True to Himself

Robin Trower

Roots and Branches

V12 Records Inc. , 2012

Robin Trower, long known as a guitarists  guitarist, releases this collection of blues classics  mixed with originals, and shows off his legendary chops with each and every turn. With 50 years of performing under his belt,  Trower often fails to get the attention or the credit he deserves. His commercial career highlight may have come with the seminal Bridge of Sighs LP, but he soldiered on like the blues man he is at heart and continued to play with determination.

With Roots and Branches, Trower is shrewd enough to bring something fresh to the songs he does cover,  and not simply bust through another familiar retelling  of a songs we’ve already heard played to death. “Hound Dog,” has a deep groove that brings it closer to the original Big Mama Thorton reading than the King’s loose hipped shout along. Same with “That’s Alright Mama.” The pace is slower, grittier and unhurried.  Mr. Trower plans to make good on his promises.

“Little Red Rooster,”  and “Born Under a Bad Sign,”  are raw, blistering  workouts, where Trower never misses an opportunity to show off one more trick he’s been holding back. Gifted and often sly in his playing, offers up everything here from the subtle to the incendiary.

The closing number, “See My Life,” He sets his tone to mimic Hendrix and performs a plausible imitation and pays homage to his own musical inspiration. Underappreciated by the masses, Trower deftly earns the respect of here of anyone who ever picked up a guitar and tried to make it sing. This is required listening for guitar heroes of all ages.