Hello Cleveland! Hello Cleveland!

Walter Trout Chhese and Grain 23/10/2010

If you like you like your rock bluesy and your blues blistering; if you like standing, arms crossed, in a large barn in Somerset, with middle-aged balding men in frighteningly tight leather outfits which should have been donated to charity years ago-then an evening with Walter Trout would be just your cup of tea.
Although Trout’s of the same vintage as Clapton, Beck, Page, Moore et al, he can easily be overlooked by audiences outside the blues world. However, as a true “guitarists’ guitarist,” Trout always delivers – with his trademark speed and aggression. Plus, after 20 years of relentless touring since leaving John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Walter shows no signs of slowing down.

OK, his set could stand a little more variety (Acoustic guitar? Slide? Harp?) – and yes, some might think basically one guitar – with one tone – for two hours might get bit wearing, but hey, judging from the crowd’s reaction, it seems like mission accomplished for Walter and his excellent if odd-looking band.

This current tour is to support WT’s latest offering, “Common Ground” – but the set list suggests Walter plays what he likes – when he likes…which is fine by me.

Some would give Trout “Guitar-God” status – yet he’s clearly happy to chat after the show, brushing aside a flood of compliments with no trace of ego…unlike some I could mention!


My Name's Sam Hughes And That's The Way It Is!