Walter Trout's latest release "Relentless" is recorded in a way that is quite untraditional in modern music. The CD is actually a live concert, but not a concert CD. It's a live recording session in front of a few thousand fans. The recording could be called a live record, but those listening to the CD for the first time may never know, because of the lack the "crowd noise and response" to the songs. It's actually a very simple concept: no overdubs, no fixes, one shot at perfection. As for the result: pure unaltered blues, the way it was meant to be.

Accompanying the CD release is the DVD "Relentless," which is an entire performance from that CD recording, plus some. For those who have not seen Walter Trout live, this is a perfect introduction to the man. For 165 minutes, viewers get to see Trout flawlessly handle the guitar as if it was an extension of him, and witness the band bring their songs to life -- two reasons to argue that you'd be cheating yourself of the "experience" if you were to buy only ONE of the two formats.

Enough of the lay out, lets take some time to focus onto the music. The standout tracks (on both the DVD and CD) are "I'm Tired" a true testament to the joyous sounds of a young son wanting to be around his father, "The Life I Chose," a autobiographical rocker that tells of the trials and heartache of missing your family while living your life on the road, "Jericho Road" a song inspired by one of Martin Luther King Jr's speeches (those who have Trout's earlier CD "Go The Distance" will recall a song called "Lookin' For The Promise Land -- where Trout also sings of King.), "Chatroom Girl" a humorous take on what could be on the other end of that internet connection, and "My Heart Is True" a slow driving straight-ahead blues gem, reminiscent of one Albert King.

This combination is close to blues perfection. There is however, one major flaw that I discovered immediately and have not been able to get beyond. Three tracks from the DVD are not included on the CD. The DVD opens up with a rousing rendition of Robert Johnson's "Dust My Broom," followed by Trout's original "Reason I'm Gone." On the back end, the DVD closes with a an amazing take of John Lee Hooker's "Serve Me Right To Suffer." These three amazing tracks are not included on the CD, which is a big disappointment -- cause all three tracks were pure blues magic, and are part of the 'listen as a whole' -- I felt these renditions not being included on the CD made me yearn to turn on the DVD a 2nd time around -- just to give myself the feeling of "completion".

As a whole, "Relentless" is just that. The title, aptly discussed by Marie Trout in both the CD and DVD's liner notes -- is a true testament to a man who brings his music to the fans, and brings the fans into the music.

SIDE NOTE: "Relentless" has just been released is the Hybrid Multichannel SACD version of "Relentless" -- and for those with an SACD Player , will feel like they are sitting on stage with the band, as the music surrounds them. The SACD will play on all CD players (not all SACD's do), however, the 'true' SACD sound will only be heard through the SACD player.

 Brian Cohen ("Are You Blues" Founder)
Email Brian