WALTER TROUT AND THE RADICALS

“Relentless – The Concert”

Ruf Records (DVD)

If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear Walter Trout and the Radicals, you now have to opportunity to both see and hear what Trout and the Radicals are all about. “Relentless – The Concert” features the band’s May 2003 show at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound and featuring over 165 minutes of blues music from the band’s latest effort.

Trout and the boys pour every ounce of energy into this performance, offering up all of the 14 tracks from the last year’s “Relentless” disc, as well as a few other gems, notably a cover of Elmore James “Dust My Broom” to open the set, the Radicals signature closer “Serve Me Right To Suffer”, a pair of bonus tracks, and a behind the scenes look at the band and the tour. Trout and his band (Sammy Avila - Hammond B-3 organ, Jimmy Trapp – bass, Joey Pafumi - drums, and Andrew Elt - backing vocals), deliver an inspiring performance from start to finish, armed with fiery guitar solos, crisp rhythms, and an enthusiastic audience. Trout and company especially shine on the acoustic selections of “Cry If You Want To”, “Lonely Tonight”, and “Jericho Road”, but the straight ahead rockers (notably “Work No More” and “Collingswood”) show that this band means business. Pafumi’s drum solo is another treat; this guy is flat out one of the most entertaining percussionists you will see. And to hear slow blues, look no further than “Reason I’m Gone”, introduced by Trout with a simple “A minor, boys” and then some of the most inspired blues playing you will hear.

“Relentless – The Concert” is a welcome treat for fans of Walter Trout and the Radicals. If you’re less familiar with the band’s work, do yourself a favor and give this DVD your attention. Walter Trout and the Radicals know how to play the blues.

- Don Sikorski

****1/2