Over four decades Robin Trower has cemented his reputation as one of the guitar greats. An artist who could easily rest on his laurels, Robin nonetheless continues to release new music with last year’s ‘something’s about to change’ being a particular delight amidst his impressive back catalogue. This new album, ‘where you are going to’ is a direct continuation of that album with Robin acknowledging that he only paused the recording process in order to go out on tour. Striking an introspective tone, ‘where you are going to’ sees Robin reflecting on an incredible life and career over ten varied tracks whilst two songs directly address the passing of Robin’s wife – ‘we will be together someday’ and ‘I’m holding on to you’. Emotional, honest and heartfelt, ‘Where you are going’ not only equals its predecessor, but actually improves upon it, once again highlighting the exceptional talent that Robin possesses.
Opening with the politically charged ‘when will the next blow fall’, a reaction to the tumultuous events that have taken place in Europe in the last twelve months, Robin gets things off to a flying start with grizzled guitar and warm, rich bass providing the backdrop for Robin’s heroic solos. The album’s title track heads off into Walter Trout territory, Robin and Walter sharing the same ability to make it feel like their music directly addresses the listener, digging deep to deliver solos that are wrenched straight from the soul. A beautiful, bluesy workout, ‘where you are going’ is a masterpiece of slow-burning charm and it is no surprise that Robin chose to name the album after it. A track with a funky swing, ‘Back where you belong’ is a brilliant track that will undoubtedly pack a powerful punch live, whilst Chris Taggart keeps things moving at a cracking pace on drums. A slower blues workout, ‘Jigsaw’ juxtaposes smooth vocals and gritty guitar for a late-night workout that feels tailor made for an evening sat alone at a bar, wreathed in smoke and soaked in whiskey, as you pour out your heart to a sympathetic bartender. Robin gets his funk on once again with ‘the fruits of your desire’, a track that for all the world sounds like a lost Red Hot Chilli Peppers anthem as Robin’s deft touches on the guitar underpin a gritty vocal that crackles with lascivious energy.
The album slows a touch for the heart breaking and tender ‘we will be together someday’, a glorious ode to Robin’s late wife. The subject maybe dark, yet Robin deals with it with great hope and dignity and the track proves to be a fitting and poignant tribute to a lost loved one. The tone brightens with the soulful blues of ‘Ain’t no use to worry’, a track that recalls Stephen Still’s recent outing with The Rides, whilst ‘in too deep’ proves to be a chrome-plated rocker that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Neil Young’s heavier records. A second tribute to Robin’s wife appears in the form of ‘I’m holding on to you’, although this time it’s a far bluesier outing that feels like a late-night take on ‘come together’ with tis sweet riff and warm, rich bass line. The album closes with ‘delusion sweet delusion’, a funky workout that crackles with energy and leaves the listener very much wanting more.
Robin Trower is a true master of the guitar. His gift is not purely technical, however. Like David Gilmour, Robert Cray or Eric Clapton, it is the spaces between the notes that mean almost as much as the notes themselves, and Robin’s greatest ability remains to make it feel like every song is addressed directly to the listener. Beautifully recorded by Livingstone Brown, ‘where you are going’ sees Robin remarkably eclipsing previous effort ‘something’s about to change’ and it’s hard to imagine the album not making it into numerous end of year lists. From the warm tones of his Fender Stratocaster to Chris Taggart’s wonderfully understated performance on the drums, every piece falls perfectly into place and not a moment is wasted. The sort of album that you’ll want to play over and again, ‘Where you are going to’ is a record to treasure.
The Gig Cartel and Manhaton Records
presents
ROBIN TROWER
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 UK TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
STEVIE NIMMO
TICKETS ON SALE ON TUESDAY 29th MARCH 2016
All TICKETS: £25.00
24 HOUR BOX OFFICE: 0844 478 0898
BOOK ONLINE: www.thegigcartel.com
NORWICH – WATERFRONT
FRIDAY 30th SEPTEMBER
Tickets: £25 / Box Office: Box Office: 01603 508 050
Book Online: www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk, www.thegigcartel.com
139-141 King St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1QH
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/venues/the-waterfront.aspx
HOLMFIRTH – PICTUREDROME
SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Ticket Hotline: 0844 478 0898
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Venue Box Office: 01484 689759
Doors: 7.30pm / Stage: 8pm
Picturedrome, Market Walk, HD9 3DA
www.picturedrome.net
MANCHESTER – ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE
OF MUSIC CONCERT HALL
THURSDAY 6th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 0161 907 5555
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Manchester RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
www.rncm.ac.uk
CLITHEROE – THE GRAND
FRIDAY 7th OCTOBER
Tickets: £22.50 / Venue Box Office: 01200 421 599
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York St, Clitheroe, BB7 2DL
CHESTER – LIVE ROOMS
SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 0871 220 0260
Book Online: www.theliverooms.com, www.thegigcartel.com
Homer House, 1 Station Rd, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3DR
www.theliverooms.com
GATESHEAD – SAGE
MONDAY 10th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Box Office: 0191 443 4661
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St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
www.sagegateshead.com
GLASGOW – o2 ABC
TUESDAY 11th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Box Office: 0844 477 2000, 0844 478 0898
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300 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JA
www.o2abc.co.uk
STOCKTON – ARC
WEDNESDAY 12th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 01642 525 199
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Stockton Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1LL
www.arconline.co.uk
FROME – CHEESE AND GRAIN
FRIDAY 14th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 01373 455420
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Market Yard, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BE
www.cheeseandgrain.com
LEAMINGTON – ASSEMBLY
SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Box Office: 0844 854 1358
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Spencer St, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3NF
www.leamingtonassembly.com
EXETER – PHOENIX
SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 01392 667080
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Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS
www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
LONDON – ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
TUESDAY 18th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Box Office: 0844 478 0898
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Upper Street, London N1 2UD
www.islington.gov.uk/assemblyhall
BRIGHTON – CONCORDE 2
WEDNESDAY 19th OCTOBER
Tickets: £25 / Venue Box Office: 01273 673311
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Concorde 2, 9 Maderia Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
www.concorde2.co.uk
