WALTER TROUT and
FRIENDS
“Full
Circle”
Ruf Records
Music, Video and Concert Reviews
Modern Guitars Magazine Column by Brian D. Holland
Release date: June 20, 2006
"People ask me if they should call my music blues or rock. I tell them
they can call it ‘Fred’ if they must have a label." Walter Trout
Full Circle, the latest release from Walter Trout, is jam packed with a
lot o’ great 'Fred'.
All kidding aside, no matter how one might view the genre, this New
Jersey born and bred guitarist wails some incredible blues-rock flavored
guitar. His voice is powerful and full of passion as well. Before going
solo, Walter spent years on the road with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers,
John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat, and many others. He has been putting out
energetic solo records for close to 17 years now; all together, he has
been contributing to the music world for a good 35.
Full Circle is an electric blues reverie. Throughout, Walter displays
his love for electrified blues, and plays host to some of the best
musicians involved in making it over the years. Though the CD is packed
with the usual powerful vocals and guitar playing of its host, he also
shows his modest ability to take a back seat to these amazing artists.
The first track, ‘She Takes More Than She Gives’, is a slip back into
Bluesbreaker land of the '80s. John Mayall’s amazing harp playing and
passionate vocals are incredible, as usual. This type of atmosphere is
recreated again in ‘Who’s Listenin’ In’, as blistering riffs are exchanged
between Trout and friend Coco Montoya, also an ex-Bluesbreaker. Walter’s
guitar playing smokes on every track. However, his guests are no slouches
either as their input is near or at the same level. You get double the
virtuosity of both greats within each.
Full Circle is an amazing collection of songs, in an assortment of
blues styles. From the atmospheric acoustic blues of Eric Sardinas to the
scorching flare of both Guitar Shorty and Joe Bonamassa, it sustains magic
to the last note. There exists an amazing camaraderie between Trout and
his guests throughout, and each song is driven with the utmost level of
power, passion, and fire. The whole CD was recorded live in the studio,
without any guitar fixes, changes, or overdubs. Keep in mind that although
the guest appearances add amazing persona to the awesome songs, Walter
Trout is still the prominent performer. His playing goes far beyond the
usual level of potency and enthusiasm we’re used to seeing and hearing
these days. This one will top the blues ratings for a longtime.
It might even be the best of ‘Fred’.
Full Circle Track Listing
1. She Takes More Than She Gives (with John Mayall)
2. Workin’ Overtime (w/ Jeff Healey)
3. Firehouse Mama (w/Eric Sardinas)
4. Who’s Listenin’ In (w/ Coco Montoya)
5. Slap Happy (w/ Junior Watson)
6. Wrapped Around Your Finger (w/ Guitar Shorty)
7. A Busy Man (w/ Lames Harman)
8. Highway Song (w/ John Mayall)
9. When Will It Ever Change (w/ Bernard Allison)
10. Can’t Help Falling Apart (w/ Finis Tasby)
11. After Hours (w/ Deacon Jones)
12. Cloud On The Horizon (w/ Joe Bonamassa)
13. Full Circle (Spoken words by Larry Keene)
Full Circle contains many other contributors to each song as well as
the aforementioned artists.
Modern Guitars Magazine Column by Brian D. Holland
