Chrysalis Records releases a memorable sonic vinyl upgrade to a live Robin Trower album.
Robin Trower – Robin Trower Live! – Chrysalis Records (1976)/[4/3/2026] CRV230-4 50th anniversary edition 180-gram double vinyl ****1/2:
(Robin Trower – guitar; James Dewar – bass, vocals; Bill Lordan – drums)
English guitarist Robin Trower was part of the 1960’s British blues scene. His first group (The Paramounts) included pianist Gary Booker. In 1967, he became part of the progressive rock band Procol Harum. Trower played on five albums with the band, and wrote a few songs, most notably “Whiskey Train”. His piercing blues guitar added a gritty element, but inevitably left for more artistic independence. In 1971, he formed the Robin Trower Band with bassist/vocalist James Dewar and drummer Bill Lordan. This was a power trio, influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Trower is considered by many to be the standard bearer for the explosive, psychedelic blues genre viscerally represented by Hendrix and Cream. For 5 decades, Trower has recorded and performed as a solo artist, most often in a trio, including stints with Jack Bruce and Bryan Ferry. He rejoined Procol Harum for two late-career albums.
Chrysalis Records has reissued a 50th anniversary edition 180-gram double vinyl of Robin Trower Live! Recorded on 2/3/1975 at the Stockholm Concert Hall for the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation, the album was released on vinyl in 1976, and subsequently on CD. This was a concert that captured the blues intensity and instrumental style of Trower and his band mates, James Dewar (bass, vocals) and Bill Lorden (drums). This vinyl contains the entire setlist (11 originals and one cover) in sequential order. Side A opens with the amped-up hook-laden pyrotechnics on “Day Of The Eagle”. Trower’s muscular guitar lead with furious chords, distorted effects, propulsive rhtyhm section and gritty vocals bring this slightly over 3 minute number into a jagged focus with a breathless slow down and accelerated ending.
In a psychedelic arrangement, “Bridge Of Sighs” is hypnotic with a menacing vibe. Trower’s guitar accents are exquisite and incisive with note-bending and a dizzying array of tonal effects, especially in the extended solo. With potent lead and vocals, “Gonna Be More Suspicious” is a tightly constructed trio performance with high-energy, crisp guitar notation that feels relentless, but is delivered with nuanced tempo changes. “Fine Day” sustains the muscular play and bluesy contexts. Dewar’s emotional singing is at the center of “Lady Love” with a strong rock template and includes a blistering solo by Trower. In a considerable change of pace, “Daydream” is much slower and atmospheric.
A certain highlight is the frantic “Too Rolling Stoned”. It starts out with the rhythm section on fire, then Trower launches a fusillade of “shredded” notation and Dewar’s most appealing singing. At the 2:46 mark, there is a funky, world-class transition that hits a deep, thumping groove and finishes with several roof-shaking runs by Trower. The trio (as cited in the album notes) was relaxed for the show. “I Can’t Wait Much Longer” exudes a slow-burning intensity that sets up a fierce guitar solo. Trower moves effortlessly through the concert and delivers animated guitar lines on “Alethea” and “Little Bit Of Sympathy”. One of the cuts not on the original release, “Confessin’ The Blues” is “heavy” blues with a hard rocking vibe. The finale (“Rock Me Baby”) is a B.B. King signature tune, but the group brings a modern electricity to the arrangement.
This upgraded vinyl has a vibrant sound mix (Richard Whittaker) that amplifies the bottom end and helps center Dewar’s urgent vocals. There is considerable passion and clarity in the tonality of Tower’s Stratocaster. This will be a valuable addition to any rock or blues collection.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Robin Trower Live!
TrackList:
Side A: Day Of The Eagle; Bridge Of Sighs; Gonna Be More Suspicious
Side B: Fine Day; Lady Love; Daydream; Too Rolling Stoned
Side C: I Can’t Wait Much Longer; Alethea; Little Bit Of Sympathy
Side D: Confessin’ Midnight; Rock Me Baby.
