Robin Trower is One of the Greatest Guitar Players Ever.
Robin Trower is a rock legend. Our little group of four concert goers really scored this week. If you read my columns you know that we saw Willie Nelson on the 11th of Jan. 2008, and that was bionic. Returning to The Sunrise Theatre five days later to see Robin Trower was a special treat.
Robin Trower was born on the 9th of March in 1945, so he is 62 years old. He was born in London, England. Do you remember that he was the guitar player in Procol Harum in the ’60s? Robin not only looks excellent for a man of 62 years, but his overall vibe seems to have gotten better. Some times when I see an old friend they will ask me “how is your old lady?” I usually say ” she is becoming more like herself every day”. My impression of Robin is the same. He has become more Robin Trower like as he continues to do his thing. And that is great!
The Sunrise Theatre is as ever a great cozy and acoustically perfect venue . Most of us there were baby boomers, which surprises me since I frequently meet kids who appreciate the heavy duty rock stars from their parents day. I have original vinyl albums of Robin Trower. His sound is timeless. We need to spread the word and support Robin Trower, the man can easily keep you zoned for a whole concert.
First, for all of the guitar players out there that have to know, let me give you the vibe on the pedals and amps he had on stage. When ever I go to see a great guitar player I push my way to the stage so I can scope out his equipment. I gotta know!
So for all the gear heads:
The guitar goes into a Fulltone Deja Vibe 2 into a Fulltone Clyde Wah into an OCDrive into two Marshall heads, a JM800 of the ’80s vintage and a JMP1705 out of the ’70s. Both Marshall cabinets were Blond Tolex. And finally Robin Trower plays a new Fender American Vintage Series ’70s Stratocaster Reissue Electric Guitar Natural Ash Maple Fretboard. 
Most likely re-setup to Robin’s specs.
So, did Robin deliver the goods? Man oh man did he deliver. I doubt there was a soul there not floored by his performance. Ya know, back in the ’60s and ’70s a lot of people said that he was a Jimi Hendrix wannabe. To me that shows a real lack familiarity with either artist. Robin Trower has his own distinctive, tasty vibe that has been, in my opinion improved over many years by what I would call a lot of diligent work improving his tone and skills. In those 30 some years, he has become a better player . (My wife doesn’t agree exactly. She feels like Trower was as great the other nite as he was back when he made the Bridge Of Sighs LP, and that there is no improving on that sound. She was thrilled that after all those years he was just as good as ever.)
The main course included many of his classics from the Bridge Of Sighs album, and he mixed in a few new compositions from his newest album. It’s all vintage Robin Trower, magnified. His lack of exposure to the public is a mystery to me, however his continued development may have propelled him into one of the best and most enjoyable guitar players I have ever seen.
He played for about one and a half hours straight. It was obvious he was deeply committed to his music throughout the whole performance. The precision and skills he displayed are only developed through continuous and dedicated work in the “woodshed” and studio. Robin is not a singer, he has a singer who has been with him for a long time and has a perfect voice for the the particular vibe. I am sorry not to have the names of the band members. If you can help me with that information, please comment, they deserve to be recognized…they were excellent.
Robin Trower showed us how much he appreciated our showing up to see him by coming out to the lobby and signing his autograph to anything people asked him to sign, I even saw him sign a surfboard. He is truly a gentleman and fine person. For me that just adds to his aura.
The staff at Guitar Player Center suggests you try buying or downloading some of Robin Trower’s music. You won’t be disappointed. For downloads I use either iTunes Store Music or you can Get a 14-Day free trial to Rhapsody Unlimited then pay only $12.99 per month. or Napster has millions of songs. Try it FREE for 7 days.
For Robin Trower Cds & DVDs
Thanks for reading about Robin Trower, great guitar player. Enjoy, then please Share It with other folks, feel free to comment and add some some unknown facts or trivia for all of us.
More Concert Reviews:
Willie Nelson Concert Review.
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