Topic: Walter Trout and Ralston Bowles
Saw Walter Trout at Milton Keynes last week at the Stables Theatre. He had an American singer called Ralston Bowles as support who I also enjoyed. He made his entrance to the stage from the audience entrance, walking to the stage through the seating area whilst singing unaccomanied. He wasn't introduced as such - just apeared from the audience !! What a great entrance. I wasn't sure at first whether he was a member of the public who had got a bit carried away.
Ralston then continued - from the stage this time - with a selection of superb solo songs accompanied by accoustic guitar or a bazooki.
He had an excellent stage presence - laid back and friendly with some humerous comments between songs. Great stuff. The UK postal strike meant he had no CDs for sale which was a real shame.
After the interval, enter Walter and band. It was the first time I have seen him but got exactly what I expected - great Stratocaster blues. He introduced a 16yo lad from Newcastle on stage for one song - a talent for the future. He "duelled" with Walter in a Crossroads type way, trading licks. This was extremely entertaining especially when they were exchanging phrases using the volume control which made it sound like the guitars were having a conversation.
Another really enjoyable bit was when the band were playing and WT used the great blues phrase "let's take it down a little bit" and the volume dropped whilst he played some more sensitive passages. Another "take it down a little more" got the volume even lower, and then another which had the guitar volume completely off. Strat played to a 400 seater auditorium with no amplification and you could still hear it (just!!). The comment "there's only one way to go from here" found the sound turned back to full volume for soaring guitar, bass, hard drumming and wild keyboards - very effective.
The rest of the band were really good. I'm not a drummer but I really enjoyed this guy. There was also a guy who appeared from off stage a couple of times for some Plant type vocals on a couple of songs.
All the guys were in the bar after the gig ala Joe and were all happy to chat and sign anything you asked them to. Absolutley great stuff.
Walter was great on stage, making sure that the band, the singer and the 16yo (sorry I don't know his name) got the applause they deserved. I liked Walter before this from CDs I have. Now I've met him he has gone up as a decent guy massively for me.
This theatre must be one of the best run in the UK. From the greeting at the door via the collecting of glasses from customers at the interval leaving the seating for the bar (real glasses!!) to the very pleasant chat with the knowlegable guy at the on site music shop (loads of JOE CDs) to the "careful driving home" good night when leaving it was a joy. Well recommended. Joe should play there - but with only 400 seats, just make sure I know before they are sold out !!
