Robin Trower – Master of the Blues Rock Trio – Live at Islington Assembly Hall
Review by Phil M. Images By Nigel Neve
Taking a break from his gigs with Sari Schorr promoting their album ‘Joyful Sky’, Trower has set out on a limited date tour in support of the 50th anniversary of his iconic 1974 album ‘Bridge of Sighs’.
See Glen’s review of his gig with Schorr here:
Up first was Conolly Hayes, accompanied on this occasion by just guitar and keyboards they had a great mix of bluesy covers and their own material. Starting with ‘Love the One You’re With’ the vocal harmonies and tightness of the musicians was quickly evident. Would like to see the full band, who, we’re told, will be in attendance for their forthcoming album launch at the 100 Club later this month.
For this set of dates Trower has reverted to his more customary three-piece format which I’d seen him with at the same venue, pre-COVID, with the excellent Richard Watts on bass and vocal duties and solid beats of Chris Taggart on drums.
Trower is one of those few esteemed guitarists whose sound is immediately recognizable, and that’s evident as he kicks into ‘The Razor’s Edge’ off his 2022 album ‘No More Worlds to Conquer’, following straight into the classic ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ from ‘Bridge of Sighs’, sounding as fresh as when he first played it. For a tour celebrating the longevity of that album there are surprisingly only four of its tracks in the set list tonight with more from ‘No More Worlds to Conquer’. There’s also one of my favourites – the fantastic ‘Somebody Calling’ from ‘In City Dreams’, this rendition being almost wholly instrumental. We’re also treated to ‘Distant Places of the Heart that Trower had released with the late, great Jack Bruce. There’s the slow, brooding soulfulness of ‘Daydream’ and the end of the set is of course ‘Little Bit of Sympathy. Including Trower’s trademark “Thank you and goodnight!”. There’s time for two more in the encore before we head home, a rework of ‘Rescue Me’ and ‘Birdsong’.
A cracking evening of amazing guitar work along with the great bass work, drums and vocals.
Sadly, we learn now that the remainder of the tour has been cancelled as Trower has to undergo surgery. We wish him the very best and a speedy recuperation. Hopefully we’ll be able to hear his amazing work again in the very near future.
Band Members
Robin Trower – Guitar
Richard Watts – Bass, Vocals
Chris Taggart – Drums
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