The Stratocaster Master: Exploring the Genius of Robin Trower
by Wayne J. Gardner
“Robin Trower is an extraordinary guitarist, with a unique sound and style that is instantly recognizable.” — Eric Johnson
Robin Trower is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. With his soulful, bluesy playing style, he has influenced countless musicians over the years, earning him a place among the most respected guitarists in rock history. In this blog, I’ll be exploring his career, his albums, songs, and some of his best live performances. I’ll also briefly mention the time when I met Robin Trower at The Coach House San Juan Capistrano in 2000, where we jammed backstage.
Career Overview
Robin Trower began his music career in the mid-1960s, playing with a number of different bands before joining Procol Harum in 1967.
An Essex boy from the same post-war generation that produced the likes of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, the young Trower got his pre-teenage kicks from the burgeoning, intoxicating beat of rock’n’roll — Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Elvis Presley. He should be a household name, and it’s a travesty he’s not!
Trower talks of the Procol Harum days & why he went solo, “I started to realize that I was coming up with a lot more ideas than Procol had room for. So I was driven to go forward into my own thing.
“It was something I had to do. I was driven. Those were the days when you could have more confidence. It wasn’t like today, where everybody and his brother are making an album and putting it out.
“There weren’t many people who could cut it. It could have all gone awry. But I believed in my creativity. I believed in my talent.”
Ref: https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/robin_trower_recalls_why_he_left_procol_harum.html
With Procol Harum, Trower recorded several albums and enjoyed some success, but it wasn’t until he struck out on his own in the 1970s that he truly found his voice as a guitarist and writer.
Trower’s solo career took off in the mid-70s, with the release of his debut album “Twice Removed from Yesterday” in 1973. The album featured a number of standout tracks, including “I Can’t Wait Much Longer” and “Man of the World,” and showcased Trower’s virtuosic guitar playing and James Dewar’s soulful vocals.
Over the years, Trower has released many more albums, including classics like “Bridge of Sighs” (1974), “For Earth Below” (1975), and “Long Misty Days” (1976). He has also collaborated with other musicians, including Jack Bruce and Bryan Ferry.
Albums and Songs
Trower’s discography is filled with incredible albums and songs, but some of his most notable releases in my view include:
“Twice Removed from Yesterday” (1973): This was guitarist and songwriter Robin Trower’s first solo album. It was released in March 1973. Cover art is by “Funky” Paul Olsen. The album was re-released on CD in 1990 by Capitol.
“Bridge of Sighs” (1974): This album is widely considered to be Trower’s masterpiece, and features some of his most iconic songs, including “Bridge of Sighs,” “Too Rolling Stoned,” and “Day of the Eagle.”
“For Earth Below” (1975): This album builds on the success of “Bridge of Sighs,” and features standout tracks like “Shame the Devil” and “Gonna Be More Suspicious.”
“Long Misty Days” (1976): With this album, Trower delves deeper into his blues influences, and delivers a collection of songs that are both soulful and intense. Highlights include “Same Rain Falls” and “Caledonia.”
“In City Dreams” (1977): In City Dreams marked a change in direction for Robin Trower. He played his axe just as sweetly as before, but he began to put more emphasis on song accessibility. Additionally, he brought in a funk-style bass player named Rustee Allen to give more punch to the rhythm.
The album was a welcome change from the misty, murky blues of his earlier records, but the songs weren’t strong enough to effectively displace what had made his name in the first place: potent guitar work. Several of the songs have a real “party” feel, such as the opener “Somebody’s Calling” and the 12-bar blues of “Further On Up the Road,” with its raucous background noise. “Bluebird” calls to mind “Little Wing” by Hendrix, but James Dewar’s saccharine singing ultimately ruins the effect.
The one song that successfully conveys the mood that Trower intended for this record is “Sweet Wine of Love,” a mid-tempo tune about a wedding night celebration; it’s straightforward and melodic, with a lilting, understated guitar solo.
Ref: https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-city-dreams-mw0000204930
“Caravan to Midnight” (1978): This album sees Trower exploring new sounds and textures, incorporating elements of funk and R&B into his signature blues-rock sound. The standout track is “Fool.”
“Victims Of The Fury” (1980): The album was released in 1980 and features Trower’s signature guitar playing, as well as his unique approach to songwriting and production. Highlights include “Only Time”, “Into The Flame”, “Victims of the Fury” and “Roads to Freedom.”
“Where You Are Going To” (2016): Trower’s most recent release features 10 new tracks that showcase his continued growth as a musician. Highlights include “When Will the Next Blow Fall” and “We Will Be Together Someday.”
“BLT” (1981):
BLT is a collaborative album by British musicians Robin Trower, Jack Bruce, and Bill Lordan, released in 1981. The album features a blend of blues, rock, and jazz, with Trower’s signature guitar sound and Bruce’s powerful vocals and bass playing. Lordan’s drumming provides a solid foundation for the songs, which range from the hard-rocking “Gonna Shut You Down” to the more laid-back and atmospheric “Into the Flame.”
Overall, BLT is a solid effort from three talented musicians, showcasing their individual strengths while also complementing each other’s styles. While not as well-known as some of Trower’s or Bruce’s other works, BLT is still a worthwhile listen for fans of classic rock and blues.
Standout tracks include “Won’t Let You Down”, “Carmen” and “No Island Lost”
The music these fellows weave is tremendous and becomes a distinctive work in the Jack Bruce catalog, combining his talents with colleagues who share his vision. The fluid sounds which make “Life on Earth” such an appealing opener for side two show that even on a title written solely by Bruce,the only one on the disc, it blends in perfectly with the material, mostly written by Trower and Reid. “Carmen” is absolutely haunting, and this is one of those beautiful discs that true fans have to seek out. Ref: https://www.allmusic.com/album/blt-mw0000691414
An awesome power trio!
Best Live Performances
Robin Trower is known for his electrifying live performances, which often feature extended guitar solos and jam sessions. Some of his best live performances include:
“Robin Trower Live!” (1976): This album captures Trower at the height of his powers with the Trower / Dewar/ Lordan line up. It delivered blistering versions of songs like “Daydream” and “Too Rolling Stoned.” … a true cassic!
Robin Trower — BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert (1975): This concert film captures Trower’s 1975 performance live at the BBC Radio 1 studios in London. This rare & hard-to-find album delivers a fantastic set that includes classics like “Twice Removed From Yesterday” and “Alethea,” as well as “Bridge Of Sighs.”
Here’s a store I located: https://www.discogs.com/release/4369114-Robin-Trower-BBC-Radio-1-Live-In-Concert
“Robin Trower — Rock Goes to College” (1980): This live performance was recorded for a BBC television show, and features Trower and his band tearing through classic songs like “Bridge of Sighs”, “Day of the Eagle” & “Little Bit Of Sympathy”.
“Robin Trower — Greatest Hits Live (King Biscuit Flower Hour Series”: (1977)
If anyone remembers, one of the best features about the King Biscuit Flower Hour releases is that none of the titles in its Greatest Hits Live series is dressed up in any way. These are shows recorded and presented as they were performed, warts and all. This Robin Trower date, recorded in 1977 at the New Haven Coliseum, is a case in point. The balances are off on the sound and some of the levels are in the red, but too damn bad because the performance here is frighteningly raw, passionate, and on. Compared to Trower’s officially released live album, this is equal to, or even better!
The song selection is terrific in that it opens with one of his most underrated classics, “Lady Love,” which is as much a hard R&B tune as it is a rocker, and then slips through the most important tracks from Bridge of Sighs while touching on For Earth Below and introducing material from In City Dreams and Caravan to Midnight — his two most underrated records. On “Somebody Calling,” Trower proves there’s more to him than Hendrix flash; there’s a real rhythm section that can funk it up as hard as Jeff Beck did on “Superstition.” The Trower power trio is augmented here by bassist Rusty Allen, freeing the late James Dewar up to concentrate on being the tough soul singer he was. By this time, Bill Lordan had replaced Reg Isidore on drums and the unit gelled, turning blues, psychedelic hard rock, and funk into a massive wall of melodic noise. Check the gritty funk of “Falling Star,” the rollicking “Too Rolling Stoned,” played in overdrive, the dreamy floating textures in “Smile,” and the screaming blues-rock of “Fool & Me.” From here, Trower kicks into three more from Bridge of Sighs, including the title track, “Day of the Eagle,” and “Little Bit of Sympathy.” The set ends with “Further on Up the Road,” with everything turned up to ten and bleeding through the channels on the PA, and it makes not one whit of difference. If anything, it makes this live album feel live. This is a burning performance, inspired as it gets with all of the excesses and mistakes left in. I highly recommended this one!
Ref: https://www.allmusic.com/album/greatest-hits-live-mw0000180565
On the Shoulders of Gods
In 2000, I had the opportunity to see Robin Trower perform at the famous Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California. As a guitarist & avid music fan, I was a longtime admirer of Trower’s music.
The show was spectacular.
He played loud, and all his best material up to the Victims of The Fury album. “Daydream” and “Like A Rolling Stone” was fabulous, Trower pulled off a great rendition of “Only Time”.
After being invited backstage to meet Trower, we hit it off immediately. And after chatting and him offering me various tapes, picks and merchandise, to his managers horror, Trower pulled out a couple of Strats and we ended up jamming together for about half an hour. His manager was tired and was starting to get a bit impatient, so we stopped the jam. Reflecting on this experience… meeting Robin Trower was a [day] dream come true for me.
He’s such a talented musician, and to be able to play with him (albiet on unplugged guitars) was an incredible honor. It was a night I’ll never forget… wrote a song about it too!
Robin Trower is a true guitar legend, with a career that spans more than five decades. His soulful, bluesy playing style has inspired countless musicians over the years, and his music continues to resonate with fans around the world. From his iconic albums like “Bridge of Sighs” to his electrifying live performances, Trower’s genius as a guitarist is undeniable.
Album: Twice Removed from Yesterday
“Twice Removed from Yesterday” is the debut album by British guitarist and songwriter Robin Trower, released in 1973. The album features Trower’s signature guitar work and bluesy style, and it quickly became a fan favorite and critical success. Standout tracks on the album are “”Daydream”, which has become one of Trower’s most famous live songs. The track features a haunting guitar melody and a powerful chorus, and it perfectly showcases Trower’s unique blend of blues and hard rock
Also notable are “Rock Me Baby” & “I Can’t Wait Much Longer””.
The band comprised of Robin Trower — guitar; additional vocals on “Twice Removed from Yesterday”, James Dewar — bass, vocals, Reg Isidore — drums & Matthew Fisher — producer & organ on “Daydream”.
Overall, “Twice Removed from Yesterday” is a stunning debut album that perfectly showcases Trower’s unique blend of blues and hard rock.
Album: Bridge of Sighs
“Bridge of Sighs” is widely considered to be Robin Trower’s masterpiece, and for good reason. Released in 1974, the album features Trower’s soulful, bluesy guitar work at its very best, with a series of songs that showcase his impeccable musicianship and ear for melody. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the album, exploring each track in detail and examining the studio recording techniques and production that helped to make it a classic.
“Day of the Eagle”
“Day of the Eagle” kicks off the album with a bang, with Trower’s signature guitar tone immediately setting the tone for what’s to come. The track features a driving rhythm section and catchy chorus, with Trower’s guitar solos taking center stage. In terms of production, “Day of the Eagle” features a full, rich sound, with Trower’s guitar layered on top of a thick bass and drum mix.
“Bridge of Sighs”
The title track of the album is perhaps Trower’s most well-known song, and it’s easy to see why. The track opens with a haunting, ethereal guitar riff, before kicking into a bluesy groove that showcases Trower’s virtuosic playing. The song features a series of stunning guitar solos, with Trower using a range of effects to create a wide variety of tones and textures. The production on “Bridge of Sighs” is notable for its use of reverb and delay, which give the track a spacious, atmospheric feel.
“In This Place”
“In This Place” is a slower, more reflective track, with Trower’s guitar taking on a more melodic role. The song features a memorable chorus and a beautiful, soaring guitar solo that showcases Trower’s gift for creating emotion and drama with his playing. The production on “In This Place” is more stripped-down than some of the other tracks on the album, with Trower’s guitar taking center stage in the mix.
“The Fool and Me”
“The Fool and Me” is a bluesy, riff-driven track that features a catchy chorus and some of Trower’s most soulful playing on the album. The song features a driving rhythm section and a series of searing guitar solos, with Trower’s tone ranging from clean and crisp to distorted and gritty. The production on “The Fool and Me” is notable for its use of panning, with Trower’s guitar moving from left to right in the mix.
“Too Rolling Stoned”
“Too Rolling Stoned” is a highlight of the album, with Trower’s guitar work taking on a funky, almost psychedelic quality. The song features a propulsive bass and drum groove, with Trower’s guitar playing off of the rhythm section to create a complex, multi-layered sound. The production on “Too Rolling Stoned” is notable for its use of effects like phasing and flanging, which give the track a trippy, otherworldly feel.
“About to Begin”
“About to Begin” is a beautiful, melancholic track that features some of Trower’s most delicate guitar work. The song features a simple, stripped-down arrangement, with Trower’s guitar and James Dewar’s vocals taking center stage. The production on “About to Begin” is notable for its use of reverb and echo, which give the track a dreamy, ethereal quality.
“Lady Love”
“Lady Love” with Trower’s guitar work taking on a more bluesy, soulful quality. The song features a catchy chorus and a series of searing guitar solos, with Trower’s tone ranging from clean and jazzy to distorted and gritty. The production on “Lady Love” is notable for its use of compression, which gives the track a tight, punchy sound.
“Little Bit of Sympathy”
“Little Bit of Sympathy” closes out the album on a high note… a slow-burning blues number with a haunting guitar solo by Trower.
In terms of studio recording techniques and production, “Bridge of Sighs” was recorded at Air Studios in London using a range of analog equipment. Trower’s guitar was recorded using a combination of close miking and room miking techniques, with multiple microphones used to capture the full range of his tone. The drums were recorded in a large, open room to capture a big, powerful sound, while the bass was recorded using a combination of direct and miked signals.
“Robin Trower is one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with a sound that is both powerful and emotive.” — Steve Vai
One of the key elements of the album’s production was the use of reverb and delay, which gave the tracks a spacious, atmospheric quality. Trower’s guitar was often recorded with a touch of reverb to give it a sense of depth and space, while the drums and bass were often recorded with a larger amount of reverb to create a big, booming sound. Delay was used to create a sense of echo and space, particularly on tracks like “Bridge of Sighs” and “About to Begin”.
Overall, “Bridge of Sighs” is a masterclass in guitar playing and production, showcasing Robin Trower’s incredible musicianship and the skillful use of recording techniques to create a timeless sound. It’s no wonder that the album continues to be celebrated as a classic of the genre, and a testament to the genius of its creator.
Live Album: Robin Trower Live
“Robin Trower Live” is a 1976 album recorded at Stockholm’s Konserthuset on November 3, 1975, during Robin Trower’s first European tour as a solo artist. The album features Trower on guitar and vocals, James Dewar on bass and vocals, and Bill Lordan on drums. The recording captures the energy and raw power of Trower’s live performances, showcasing his virtuosic guitar playing and the tight interplay between the band members.
The album kicks off with “Too Rolling Stoned,” a track from Trower’s second solo album, “Bridge of Sighs.” The live version features an extended guitar solo by Trower, who showcases his signature sound of heavily distorted tones and fluid, melodic lines. The track is anchored by Dewar’s powerful bass lines and Lordan’s propulsive drumming.
“Daydream” is a bluesy number with a laid-back groove, featuring Trower’s clean, jazzy guitar tone and Dewar’s soulful vocals. The track showcases Trower’s ability to create a rich, textured sound with just his guitar, using techniques like string bending, vibrato, and sustain to create a range of expressive tones.
“Rock Me Baby” is a cover of a blues classic, featuring Trower’s fiery guitar playing and Dewar’s gritty yet soulful vocals. The track highlights the band’s ability to groove together, with Lordan’s steady drumming and Dewar’s funky bass lines anchoring Trower’s explosive solos.
Other standout tracks on the album include “Alethea,” a funky number with a catchy guitar riff and infectious chorus, and “Little Bit of Sympathy,” a slow-burning blues number with a haunting guitar solo by Trower.
In terms of gear used, Trower’s setup for the tour included a range of classic equipment, including a 1962 Fender Stratocaster, a 100-watt Marshall amplifier, and a Uni-Vibe pedal for his signature phaser effect. Dewar played a Fender Precision bass, while Lordan used a Ludwig drum kit.
The recording techniques and production on the album are notable for their simplicity and directness, capturing the band’s live sound with minimal processing or overdubbing. The album was recorded using a 16-track mobile recording studio, with minimal editing or post-production. The result is a raw, unfiltered sound that perfectly captures the energy and excitement of Trower’s live performances.
Overall, “Trower Live” is a testament to Robin Trower’s incredible musicianship and the power of his live performances. The album showcases his mastery of the guitar and his ability to connect with an audience, creating a timeless document of one of rock’s greatest guitarists in his prime.
Album: Victims Of The Fury
Robin Trower’s album “Victims of the Fury” (1980) is a masterpiece of blues-inspired rock, and I consider it be one of his finest works. The album was released in 1980 and features Trower’s signature guitar playing, as well as his unique approach to songwriting and production.
The title track, “Victims of the Fury,” showcases Trowers delivering a haunting guitar riff and James Dewar’s ethereal vocals. The song features Trower’s use of delay and reverb to create a sense of space and atmosphere, as well as his powerful, emotive guitar solos that build to a climax.
“The Ring,” is a classic Trower rocker, with a driving rhythm and powerful vocals. The song features a dynamic arrangement, with Trower’s guitar solos building in intensity throughout the track. The use of layered guitars and harmonies creates a rich, textured sound that is characteristic of Trower’s production style.
“Only Time,” a slower bluesy, more contemplative track that showcases Trower’s lyrical and melodic abilities. The song features a beautiful guitar solo that perfectly captures the emotional depth of the lyrics. Only Time truely optimises Trower and the bands feel in a nutshell.
The album’s sixth track, “Into the Flame,” is a powerful rocker that features some of Trower’s most explosive guitar playing. The song’s soaring chorus and driving rhythm section create a sense of urgency and intensity that is hard to resist.
In terms of recording techniques and production, “Victims of the Fury” features Trower’s signature use of layered guitars and harmonies, as well as his ability to create a sense of atmosphere and space with his use of reverb and delay. The album was recorded at The Power Station in New York, with Trower producing and mixing the album himself.
“Victims of the Fury” is a classic blues rock album that showcases Robin Trower’s incredible musicianship, songwriting, and production skills. The album’s rich, textured sound and dynamic arrangements are a testament to Trower’s unique approach to rock music, and its legacy as a classic of the genre is well-deserved.
James Dewar
I would like to mention the brilliant James Dewar, who was the vocalist and bassist for Robin Trower’s band from 1974 to 1981. He is widely regarded as one of the great blues rock vocalists of his generation and made a significant contribution to the band’s sound and success.
Dewar’s soulful and powerful voice was the perfect complement to Trower’s bluesy guitar playing, and together they created some of the most iconic rock songs of the 1970s. His vocal range and emotional expressiveness brought a depth and richness to the band’s music that set them apart from their peers.
In addition to his vocal abilities, Dewar was also an accomplished bassist and songwriter. He co-wrote many of the band’s most popular songs, including “Bridge of Sighs” and “Too Rolling Stoned,” and his bass playing provided a solid foundation for Trower’s guitar work.
Tragically, Dewar passed away in 2002 at the age of 59, but his legacy as a great vocalist and musician lives on. His contributions to Robin Trower’s music and to the rock genre as a whole are still celebrated and admired by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Overall, James Dewar was an essential part of Robin Trower’s sound and helped to shape the band’s unique style and identity. His talent and influence are a testament to the power of great vocalists in rock music and serve as a reminder of the impact that Dewar had on the genre.
Trowers legacy as a true bluesman
Robin Trower’s legacy as a true bluesman is a testament to his lifelong commitment to the genre and his deep love and respect for its traditions. From his early days as a member of Procol Harum, Trower has always been drawn to the blues, and his solo career has been marked by a deep exploration of the genre’s history and its many forms.
Trower’s playing is marked by a deep sense of emotion and expression, with every note and phrase carefully chosen to convey a feeling or an idea. His use of techniques like string bending, vibrato, and sustain are all rooted in the blues tradition, and his ability to create a rich, textured sound with just his guitar is a hallmark of his style.
Throughout his career, Trower has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the blues, including Jack Bruce, Cream’s former bassist, who played with Trower on his album “BLT”. Trower has also been heavily influenced by blues greats like Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and Albert King, and his playing reflects a deep understanding of the genre’s rich history.
Trower’s legacy as a great bluesman is also reflected in his dedication to live performance. Throughout his career, Trower has been renowned for his electrifying live shows, which showcase his incredible musicianship and his ability to connect with an audience on a deeply emotional level. Whether playing to a packed arena or an intimate club, Trower’s performances are always marked by a sense of passion and commitment, reflecting his deep love for the blues.
In conclusion, Robin Trower’s legacy as a true guitar god is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the genre and his ability to capture its spirit and essence through his music. His virtuosic guitar playing, deep emotional expression, and commitment to live performance have made him one of the most respected and revered guitarists in rock history, and his influence on the blues and rock genres will continue to be felt for generations to come.
“Trower is a guitar player’s guitar player, and his influence on rock and blues music is undeniable.” — Guitar World
