ROBIN TROWER

“Living Out Of Time” CD / DVD

Ruf Records

Robin Trower is considered by many to be one of the finest guitarists in rock music. With a unique and identifiable blues rock sound that has often been compared to the legendary Jimi Hendrix, Trower’s musical career has now spanned over four decades. Robin Trower earned his musical chops playing guitar in various London clubs during the 1960’s before joining the band Procol Harum, best known for the classic “Whiter Shade of Pale”, in 1967. Trower would later move on to a successful solo career, churning out authentic blues-based staples such as “Too Rolling Stoned”, “Bridge Of Sighs”, and “Day Of The Eagle”. His signature Fender Stratocaster sound and album rock material, despite never gaining the same commercial successful as Hendrix, continues to stand the test of time today.

Ruf Records has now released the long awaited “Living Out Of Time – Live”, Trower’s 25th album and his very first DVD, recorded on his 60th birthday in Bonn, Germany in March 2005. Trower’s playing still sounds as fierce as it did in his younger day. This inspired 13-song performance was recorded by WDR Rockpalast at the Crossroads Festival in Germany. Trower has always remained faithful to his classic rock and blues sound, and “Living Out Of Time – Live” displays Trower and the bandmates at their very best. Davey Pattison’s soulful voice compliments former Trower vocalist James Dewar’s sound nicely, and bassist Dave Bronze and drummer Pete Thomson, both longtime band members, deliver an inspired performance. Right from the first few notes of the show, with begins with the Trower signature classic “Too Rolling Stoned”, it is evident that Robin Trower’s dynamic guitar playing remains sharp and soulful. The set list is comprised of original material from most every aspect of Trower's extensive career, and Trower himself even lends a hand on vocals for “Breathless” and does an admiral job.

The “Living Out Of Time – Live” CD and DVD are identical in content. The DVD, viewable in 16:9 picture format and recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 / 2.0 PCM stereo sound, also includes a one-one one interview with Trower as well as a picture gallery. “Living Out Of Time – Live” provides a terrific compilation for those looking to be introduced to Robin Trower’s music, while long-time fans will who have admired the veteran’s guitarists work will appreciate that Trower still has the chops that would be the envy of guitarists half his age. It’s great to see that Robin Trower is still going strong.

- Don Sikorski

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