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 Walter
Trout and the Radicals
Go The Distance
(Ruf 1067)
Walter Trout's ability to play frenetic guitar
breaks made him a sought after sideman for John Lee Hooker, Big Mama
Thornton, John Mayall and Canned Heat. This resulted in a mass European
following. Now, the Southern California resident is finally starting to
get recognition in his native U.S. He regularly is on the bill at the
nation's largest blues festivals where he has gained a reputation for
delivering smoldering and stunning sets. Let's get one thing straight -
Trout is a high-energy, electrifying, blues-rocker who is very light on
the blues. If you are still reading this then you must have learned to
appreciate diversity from the 12 bar university.
His 'hoarse throat' vocals are gritty and
scratchy and at times are as cutting as his plentiful, patented, scorching
guitar solos. What separates this 63-minute, all-original CD from his
previous ones is the inclusion of several non-blues-rock numbers, which
reveal a side of his personality that we have not seen.
"Faithful" is a country and 'down-on-the-bayou' sounding track
thanks to the accordion of Rick Steff. Trout ascertains romantic vocal
harmony with Trisha Freeman while delivering touching, heart-warming
solos. "Bugle Billy" is an acoustic, biography with predictable
words that keeps the rhyme pattern from breaking. Nonetheless, if you
don't have misty eyes by the end of the song, you have no soul. Things
remain unplugged for the eloquent and simply beautiful "Always Been A
Dreamer".
His backing band is no longer 'free' and they
come with the extraordinary B3 organ/keyboardist Bill Mason. Time and time
again he meets or exceeds Trout's guitar playing. Listen for yourself on
"Ride Till I'm Satisfied" and the Allman Brothers flavored
"Message On The Doorway". You won't believe the notes that Pat
Register manages to blast from his sax on "Outta Control". The
environment is inspirational and biblical on "Lookin' For The
Promised Land". Here, Trout's many backing singers have the strength
and sound of a gospel choir. The 'never quit' inspiration continues with
the autobiographical title track. The song's lyrics prove how committed
Trout is to his cause. It's a slow burner that incinerates all in its
path.
This is a disc that speaks volumes to the Trout
faithful and skeptical. For years, he has been shunned by the blues crowd
because he plays too much rock. Similarly, he has been bypassed by the
rock crowd because he plays too much blues. Trout himself proclaims,
"I don't think you'll see a more harder rocking band than my band
live." Jim Gaines has produced a raw, thumping sound. If you enjoy
heavy music delivered with kicking guitar and organ, this one is for you.
- Tim Holek
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