Tonight I went to The Robin 2 in Bilston, with playmates Paul & Steve, to see Robin Trower. The first time I have seen the man, having spent a lot of time regretting not going to see him with Jack Bruce a while ago.
Admitting to liking Trower was risky for a while. The poor man's Hendrix etc. But somehow, his music, fuelled by evocative fx, mystic lyrics and killer riffs has stayed on my playlist for a long time. I also realised tonight for the first time, that the drum patterns from his albums, are part of the foundation of my pathetic skin bashing (along with John Densmore and Charlie Watts).
In the interval, I was considering the longevity of Mr. Trower (is there anyone else called Trower?) I recalled that I was given a copy of Twice Removed From Yesterday for my 21st birthday (by chum Dave McGinn). Surely not 37 years ago, I thought. I bought a three cd set recently - which is very cheap- and includes the first album. I can now confirm that it was released 37 years ago. Holy Moses! Will people be going to see current bands in 37 years time? Of course they may do,confirming that I am a fossil in waiting, but I doubt it somehow.
The set was perfect. The gurning was perfect. The sound was perfect,and the audience of course could clap in time. Only hair - loss and wrinkles got in the way. One Strat. for the whole night, and 2 tune-ups. Bliss.
The current vocalist is perfect, as he has the same delivery as the late James Dewar, and the bass and drums were spot on.
Thirty seven years. Thirty seven years.Th....
One week ago, we went to see Gwyn Ashton, with Kev on drums, at The Lock at Wolverley. Frankly, it rivalled tonight's gig. They were exceptional. The set was peppered with surprises, such as Eleanor Rigby, which was a great second encore. An audience which was much smaller than this gig deserved, saw two men playing a free at the door gig, at a level I have seldom seen at major venues and festivals. My brother Paul was sat at my right. His mouth hung open at times. To my right was (guitarist) Steve, who was at times, laughing at the improbability of what we were watching and hearing. A new number, which is a tribute to one of my gtr. heroes ~ Roy Buchanan, went down well with me, and will develop even further I'm sure.
http://www.gwynashton.com/
I played harp on Monday night at the open mic, on three numbers with Steve & George. We performed Boom Boom, Dear Doctor (from Beggars Banquet) and All Your Love by Otis Rush. Then I played harp with Tony on Little Old Wine Drinker Me, on which he transposed place names from the USA to Kidderminster and Bewdley. He is a little tinker. A good turnout on a rainy night. However, what I - as an old grumpy don't like, is that the young audience who come to see their friends, leave as soon as they have played. The older folk hang around to chew the fat, and we have all learned from each other, and made new chums as a result. A bit sad for them really. Instant gratification?
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