It’s impossible to play a run with as much feeling as a single note. I’ve never been so much into runs as making single notes cry.
~ Robin Trower

It’s been a while since we touched base, and it seems that for the first time in the three year history of The Blues Blogger I’m having trouble with what to say… Much has happened in the past year; some things have been sad and others so very sweet… So I apologize if I sound a little awkward.

You see, last spring I accepted a new offline day gig. This was a challenging and rewarding opportunity to help support my family. It’s very technical and requires significant left brain thinking; or as I refer to as the logical scrooge side. As a result, there’s been an unfamiliar stillness in the air. People walk by me curiously; rolling their eyes as I go about exercising my silent left brain affairs.

In the meantime, E-mails from concerned readers of my blog and continuous requests to publish material online made me ponder how to get back on track. Like I said in my first post of the year, Blues 2010: Still Got the Groove, TBB is a one man show.

Then I overheard some music that my wife TBBW was listening to upstairs… I’ve heard that mesmerizing sound so many times before; especially in my youth. But this time around it really got me thinking. Then I recalled a phone conversation I had several weeks back where Robin Trower’s name came up.

Suddenly my hiatus was over. And for the moment, my study room this past weekend was once again filled with that awesome rush of sounds and the feelings the music brings.

For the past three years The Blues Blogger has not only been known as a destination for blues/jazz and classic rock music fans, but also as a unique blog where the guitar is a central focus. Listening to the latest release of Robin Trower’s new album The Playful Heart gave me the chance to not only feature an important guitar icon, but also provided me with the unexpected right turn I needed.

ROBIN TROWER

His name may not come up in conversation as often as his colleagues Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page or Jeff Beck, but make no mistake about it; Trower has done his share in bringing a distinctive tone and inventive vision to audiences worldwide.

After leaving Procol Harum in 1972, he began a solo career and formed The Robin Trower Band. His 1973 debut album Twice Removed From Yesterday got attention for its brilliant mix of psychedelic-rock and blues. But it was his landmark second release Bridge Of Sighs that would be his signature LP. The album would rise to #7 on Billboard magazine’s top 200 charts, and also established the guitarist as an admired rock headliner.

Robin Talks About The Playful Heart

Several records in the seventies and an ensuing live LP, all earned him gold album awards. However, towards the end of the seventies Trower began to waft from his signature sound in an attempt to capture a funkier harder rock flavor.

In the early-1980s, Trower teamed up with one of my favorite bass players and former Cream bassist Jack Bruce for a pair of albums. Now out of my teenage daze, it was 1981′s B.L.T (Bruce Lordan & Trower) with its superb blend of rock, blues, and soul that had a multitude of spins on my turntable way back then.

With 1997’ s release of Someday Blues, Trower once again changed his propensity in favor of a raw blues-rock sound, which continued on 2004′s Living Out Of Time and 2005′s Another Days Blues. Trower would re-unite with Jack Bruce in 2008 for the album Seven Moons and resulting Seven Moons Live DVD in 2009.

Later in 2009, he released another solo effort What Lies Beneath, and for the first time stepped in front of the microphone to sing his own material.

Robin On Recording The Playful Heart

Like so many of his peers, Trower continues to perform and record to considerable praise. With his new release The Playful Heart we see a more reflective sounding Robin Trower. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started listening to this album, but was quite drawn by the catchy riffs and emotional playing alongside that characteristic Trower tone. It was certainly the right prescription to snap me out of my commonsensical left sided thought waves.

There are several highlights here from the rockin’ “The Turning,” to the catchy “Dressed in Gold,” and melodic “Camille.” The album covers the gamut from rock/blues, jazzy textures with funky grooves all wrapped in a wistful vibe. It was recorded with his touring band: vocalist Davey Pattison, drummer Pete Thompson and bassist Glenn Letsch. The album was produced by Livingston Brown who has worked in the past as a touring and session musician with artists such as Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry and Sting.

On The Playful Heart Trower comes out with an album that is sure to please not only his long times fans, but hopefully a new generation of guitar aficionados who may not be as familiar.

So now I want to turn this post over to you. Are you a Robin Trower fan? Any highlights from his illustrious career that stand out for you? Have you ever seen, or will you be seeing Robin and his band as they pass through your town in the New Year? I’d love to hear your thoughts. So please leave your comments in the section below.

Thank you for your support! I wish you all a very safe and festive holiday season.

The Blues Blogger

“This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all. It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map… If it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” ~Eric Clapton

Worldwide CD Giveaway – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED –

(Congratulations to Ron Grande & Tim Null who’ve both won a copy of the disc. Your new Clapton CD is now on the way to you… You’re gonna love it!!!)

Next month it’s The Blues Blogger’s 3rd Anniversary. However, to coincide with Eric Clapton’s upcoming 19th solo album “Clapton” later this month, I thought it might be fun to give away 2 copies of the CD and announce the winners on the day of the release… Your opportunity to win could not be simpler. In fact many of you reading this are already entered. I will explain shortly…

First

I Have a Question for You

If somebody asked you, “what song in your past acts likes a soundtrack to your youth?” Would you know right away? If you had to think about it, what song would play in your mind? I know what song that would be for me. And I’ve mentioned it many times from my very first post Electric Blues Masters, to Joe Bonamassa Live at The Royal Albert Hall and of course Freddie King I Am a Blues Master. That song is John Mayall & The Blues Breakers featuring Eric Clapton’s version of Freddie King’s Hideaway. It’s the first audible groove I vividly recall my brother playing along to on his guitar on the bunk bed below in the room we shared while growing up.

For Eric Clapton

some of the tunes that make him reminisce about his childhood, he got the opportunity to record on his upcoming album. These selections are gems which were passed down to Eric from his grandparents. It’s an assortment of songs by such noted composers as Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. Clapton covers everything from old brass bands to obscure country blues, in addition to brand-new originals. The result is tranquil, reflective, and quite different from anything he’s done in the past.

Working with guitarist and producer Doyle Bramhall II, Clapton brings together an impressive range of talent to back him on this self-titled release. Musicians and guests include drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond. Also featured on this eclectic offering is JJ Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Steve Winwood, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks.

You can preview four complete songs, including the new single “Diamonds Made From Rain” from the Clapton album here on the widget below:

Clapton has also announced several live dates in 2011 including 4 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. And has assembled a remarkable band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists…

For more details you can go to Eric Clapton’s site by clicking here

While many of my long time readers are familiar with my posts, what many of you may not know was how Clapton inadvertently influenced the idea for me to create this blog three years ago.

Time has passed quickly since I succeeded in freaking my entire family out with the news of my heart attack 36 months ago. It forced me into a situation where I had a lot of time to think. When my brother heard the news and realized I would be alright, he told my wife TBBW on the phone to get me Clapton’s recently released autobiography. A hard cover copy of the book would be at my bedside when I opened my eyes one morning in the hospital. While reading that book and recovering at home, I got the idea of creating a music blog where I could combine my appreciation for music and my long time desire to write.

That desire to write started when I first heard Hideaway when I was a kid, but I never really concentrated too much on it until after I read Eric’s biography three years ago. The book made me reminisce about my own life and the music that surrounded me when I was young. The blog then became a therapeutic canvas for me. It would also be a place where lovers of blues, jazz, and fans of some good old rock n roll could come together and share their thoughts; past and present.

For these past three years The Blues Blogger site has grown in an extremely profound way, and as a result so have I. I’m truly very humbled by all your kind words and overwhelming support…

And Now…

Do You Want To Win a Copy of Eric Clapton’s Upcoming CD?

The Rules Are Simple – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -

All email subscribers of The Blues Blogger anywhere in the world will get the opportunity to win 2 possible copies of Eric’s 19th solo album “Clapton” in a random draw giveaway.

(All current Blues Blogger subscribers are automatically entered.)

You will need to subscribe to my e-mail list at the top of the page where it says “Receive Updates by Email.” Enter your email address and press click here. When you submit the form, you will receive a verification message in your e-mail in-box. Once you respond to this message you are subscribed. That’s it! I promise no spam and you can always unsubscribe at anytime…

This random prize giveaway will end September 26th, 2010 at 11:00 pm eastern time in the U.S. When the winners are notified, they’ll have 12 hours to respond or a new name will be drawn.

But now if I could, I’d like to get back to my original question - Do you have a favorite tune that plays in your mind from the past? Are there any songs or performances from Eric Clapton from your youth that you’d like to share?

As an extra added bonus, if you comment on this post as well as being an active subscriber, I will put an additional ballot in the draw to increase your chances of winning. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and a terrific memorable record to gain.

I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck,

The Blues Blogger

“I used to be a little insecure about whether I could sing the blues authentically. I can do my version of it, and this has our stamp on it. It would be an empty exercise if we weren’t bringing something to the party.” ~Tom Petty

A steady wave of contagious blues resonates from the study room downstairs. Tapping my foot while writing, my wife TBBW walks into the study and nonchalantly catches a glimpse at my computer monitor…

——————————————————————————————

TBBW: (teasing) You’re writing about Tom Petty?

TBB: Is there something wrong with that?

TBBW: No, not at all. Its just we’ve been married 16 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever heard you listen to any of his music. Let alone write a piece about him. I’d say I’m a little surprised and curious… Hmm, must be the Mojo that’s got ya hooked… And you’re The Blues Blogger. I should have known it.

——————————————————————————————–

A little while back I got my first opportunity to hear some of the tracks on Tom Petty and The Heartbreaker’s new release Mojo. Yes, I was familiar with all the hits, but Mojo, the group’s first studio release in 8 years, really caught my attention. Right from the opening track “Jefferson Jericho Blues,” a bluesy rock shuffle, and the Allman-esque “First Flash of Freedom” I was immediately intrigued. I even updated my facebook account saying so. The last time I was this taken by a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers album I was a teenager listening to the tune “Breakdown.” How the years have a way of passing by…

Tom Petty

Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Petty attended Gainesville High School. He became enamored with rock ‘n’ roll at the age of ten after being invited by his uncle to the set of the movie Follow That Dream where the young Petty met Elvis Presley. Like so many musical souls in the sixties, Petty knew his destiny the moment he saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Petty formed the band the Sundowners with guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench and was later known as Mudcrutch. A lot of the influences on Mojo developed from this association. Mudcrutch went their separate ways for a while, but eventually Petty, Tench and Campbell hooked up with Ron Blair and Stan Lynch resulting in the first Heartbreakers line-up. Their debut album “Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers” and the strength of the song Breakdown eventually made the top 40. At the time the band became popular in The United Kingdom while touring with Nils Lofgren… The rest of the story leading up to 2010 is certainly a musical journey that is well documented in rock music history.

In my recording studio days, (many moons ago) one of my personal peeves was how long it took some artists to get a particular snare sound or guitar tone. Sometimes it would be months before they would get it right. I used to marvel at the players who’d walk in and complete an album in a handful of sessions. Often those were blues or jazz influenced sessions. There’s just something about that pure raw sound that always suited my personal taste.

MOJO

Of course it takes a lot of experience to produce something that sounds this natural and appealing. After four decades, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers show they're more than capable of rising to the occasion. Recorded mostly live, with very few overdubs, what you hear on Mojo is what the band played in the studio, in one take. And that’s what I think really made me gravitate me toward this awesome new release more than anything else.

There appears to be a trend these days where seasoned veterans are going back to their roots and playing the music which initially influenced them. With this latest release, Petty lets the Heartbreakers come upfront; letting us witness how good of a band they really are. They blend all that energy together and create a fun, loose and vibrant scene. It's a cool showcase of blues influenced rock with tremendous songwriting and musicianship. And one I'm sure fans old and new will agree adds a new dimension to the band's discography and live shows. A great way to kick start summer!

There are so many really well written and thoroughly satisfying tunes on Mojo that I found it difficult to pick favorites. Perhaps that’s where you can help. Have you heard Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers latest release? Do you have any favorite selections from the album you'd like to share? Are you planning to see them during their Mojo Tour this summer? Please leave your comments after the tour schedule below.

The Blues Blogger

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Mojo Tour 2010

June 2010

06/15 Calgary, AB w/ Joe Cocker Pengrowth Saddeldome
06/16 Edmonton, AB w/ Joe Cocker Rexall Place
06/18 Saskatoon, SK w/ Joe Cocker Credit Union Centre
06/19 Winnipeg, MB w/ Joe Cocker MTS Centre.
06/22 St. Paul, MN w/ Drive-By Truckers Xcel Energy Center
06/23 Omaha, NE w/ Drive-By Truckers Qwest Center
06/25 Millwaukee, WI w/ ZZ Top Summerfest
06/26 Millwaukee, WI w/ZZ Top Summerfest

July 2010

07/10 Indianapolis, IN w/ Drive-By Truckers Verizon Wireless Music Center
07/13 Kansas City, MO w/ Drive-By Truckers Sprint Center
07/15 Cincinati, OH w/ Drive-By Truckers Riverbend Music Center
07/17 Chicago, IL w/ Drive-By Truckers United Center
07/18 St. Louis, MO w/ Drive-By Truckers Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
07/20 Cleveland, OH w/ Drive-By Truckers Blossom Music Center
07/22 Detroit, MI w/ Drive-By Truckers Palace of Auburn Hills
07/24 Pittsburgh, PA w/ Drive-By Truckers First Niagra Pavilion
07/28 New York City, NY w/ Buddy Guy Madison Square Garden
07/31 Philadelphia, PA w/ Buddy Guy Wachovia Center

August 2010

08/01 Philadelphia, PA Buddy Guy Wachovia Center
08/11 Atlanta, GA Crosby, Stills, and Nash Philips Arena.
08/12 Nashville, TN w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Sommet Center
08/14 Darien Lake, NY w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
08/15 Washington, DC w/ Crosby, Stills and Nash Jiffy Lube Live
08/17 Hartford, CT Crosby, Stills and Nash Comcast Theater
08/19 Boston, MA w/ My Morning Jacket Comcast Center
08/21 Boston, MA w/ My Morning Jacket Comcast Center
08/24 East Rutherford, NJ w/ My Morning Jacket Izod Center
08/25 Toronto, ON w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Air Canada Center
08/26 Phoenix, AZ w/ ZZ Top US Airways Center.
08/27 Saratoga Springs, NY w/ Crosby, Stills, and Nash Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center
08/28 Darien Lake, NY w/ Crosby, Stills and Nash Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

September 2010

09/16 Tampa, FLw/ ZZ Top St Pete Times Forum
09/18 Raleigh, NC w/ ZZ Top Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
09/19 Charlotte, NC w/ ZZ Top Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
09/21 Dallas, TX w/ ZZ Top Superpages.com Center
09/23 Tulsa, OK w/ ZZ Top BOK Center
09/24 Houston, TX w/ ZZ Top Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
09/28 San Diego, CA w/ ZZ Top Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

October 2010

10/01 2010 Los Angeles, CA w/ ZZ Top Hollywood Bowl
10/02 Irvine, CA w/ ZZ Top Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

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