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A couple that had been at the bar at City Winery walked up to the concert check-in kiosk and asked who was playing. The young 20-something said, “Some blues guy. I think he played at Woodstock.”
He didn’t, but he was there when he was 18 and was able to meet Janis Joplin. Ten years later he would become the guitar and harmonica player in one of the bands he saw there, Canned Heat. And if also playing with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers for five years doesn’t settle the bona fides, then sample any of his 30 solo recordings.
Of course, the attendant didn’t know that, and the couple walked back to the bar to think about it.
So, what’s a 72 year old blues rocker to do? Keep playing to people in the know! The band hit the stage and launched into his traditional opening of “I Can Tell.” It’s a strident statement of what’s ahead – hard rocking blues, a talented band and a lot of guitar solos. Shortly after the 7 minute or so opener, Trout said he’d been doing this for 54 years. “I love playing rock. Then the song ends and I feel like I’m 95.”
“Richard’s Blues” was a standout featuring keyboardist Richard T. Bear working through a blues romp, which segued into a nice story about playing unrehearsed with Big Mama Thornton whose expectation was that he should just play like B.B. King. He then demonstrated he could do just that before shifting to a rocking “Please Don’t Take My Love Away.”
The evening was gloriously full of this type of interaction, at times referencing the blues (breaking from “Waiting for the Dawn” to emphasize a coming line (the night is never ending when you’re laying there all alone – “That there is the blues”) and other times celebrating life in self-deprecating reflection and at other times just flat out funny in words and delivery. The moving part was a call to be an organ donor, as he wouldn’t be around today had he not had a transplant. There’s more stories, but that’s why you should catch him on tour, like long time fan, Ann from Wyoming, who flew to Atlanta just to see him again.
For those that may think of an elder statesman of the blues playing songs that get played again and again, try his new album Ride, which is as reflective as you’ll find in any album, never mind the blues. In addition to “Waiting for the Dawn,” he played the leadoff track, “Ghosts,” which he introduced as being about one of those moments when you hear an old song that actually reminds you of something unpleasant, as well as the title track which captures a time without obligations and the desire to see what’s out there.
He was accompanied at times by Jackson Taylor Lee whose grandfather taught Trout how to play guitar. He played rhythm guitar at times and was able to uncork a couple fiery solos that persuasive that the band’s nickname (“The Future”) could be right. Bassist John Avila and Keyboardist Richard T. Bear also had sterling solo spots, so the show is not all about the guitar. Along with drummer Michael Leasure, each of the members have a storied past which Trout shared with the audience.
“Going Down” closed the evening as it does most of Trout’s sets. If you love the blues and haven’t heard of Trout, give him a try. Phrasing, tone, technique, emotive solos – he has all that. But he also ventures from the standard blues themes with interesting lyrics and various moods helped by the talents of his band. There’s no question that he demonstrates the best of what live music has to offer.
More photos and a video follow.
One Response
Like the review. You have touched upon what Walter is all about.
PS: Thanks for the mention. LOL