• suhl
  • Titanium
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  • From: Springfield, IL
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 936

Topic: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Hello everyone.  I preordered this album on Walter's website about two weeks ago.  To my surprise it showed up at my door last week.  Hasn't left the CD player in my car since, and I've been playing it in my apartment constantly as well.  Wow.

I have thought he one of the top songwriter's and performers in blues/rock for some time now, a bit perturbed he wasn't releasing an album of original material.  After a few spins all doubt were removed.  REally breathes new life into these songs while staying true to the original arrangements.  No restraint but pure class.  Hearing what the man can do within the confines of these songs is incredible.

I confess I have never given Luther Allison a proper listen being younger and not digging enough.  HEaring this has me watching old live videos of him and getting into him more in his own right.  Great songwriter, great tone and passionate player. 

If there is anybody out there left that thinks the guy isn't capable of being one of the top pure blues players (and singers for that matter) on the planet this should remove any doubt.  I know the same criticism has been thrown at JB, is it that they just play it too well?  I don't know, in any case, this is the best purchase I have made in a long time and can't recommend it highly enough.  Preorder it and maybe they'll send it out early to you by mistake as well!

Favorite track is currently Big City but Cherry Red Wine a close second.

Cheers

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fCdNsm7gvu8

If wine and pills were hundred dollar bills
I might keep you satisfied

suhl's Website

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Nice to hear from you wink I love Walter. I've heard a few samples and it is on the must-buy list. I am a Luther Alison fan. Can I get a scream?? lol

3 Reply by JBFan4Life (edited by JBFan4Life 2013-06-02 12:48:28)

  • From: Greater Chicagoland
  • Registered: 2012-04-21
  • Posts: 657

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Have to say, even though I'm a big fan of Walter, this one almost slipped under the radar, but I'll be ordering a copy soon, myself.

Glad it turned you on to Luther.  His kid isn't bad, either, if you haven't noticed Bernard, yet.

Here's a video link of the two of them, together.  Playing "Life is a B****"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBKX_cZ-Kwg

Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences.  You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway.  If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.
  • Kenny
  • Kenny
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,713

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

This is one helluva album and a fine fine tribute to Luther. Every blues fan should have a copy.

Still can't understand why Walter isn't more popular and selling out much larger venues. Think I have been saying that since 1994 smile

  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

I'll be seeing Walter in 1 week.  I guess I'll pick up the new CD at the show!

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster
  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Agree. Seen him several times. He deserves better recognition. sad

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)

7 Reply by hulldanfan (edited by hulldanfan 2013-06-13 07:50:17)

  • Registered: 2012-03-17
  • Posts: 235

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Kenny wrote:

This is one helluva album and a fine fine tribute to Luther. Every blues fan should have a copy.

Still can't understand why Walter isn't more popular and selling out much larger venues. Think I have been saying that since 1994 smile

I must have seen Walter 15 or 16 times and what he gives is 2+ hours of balls to the wall hard rocking blues. He gives 100% all day every day and is one of the nicest and funniest guys you could ever meet.  The number of gigs he plays is fantastic and he has been better known in the UK and Holland than in the US for most of his career.

As for why he plays smaller venues: -

(1) Whilst he is a wonderful guitar player and songwriter, he does lack variation in his playing.  I have introduced many people to Walter and they come away from show 1 saying how amazing he was.  Next time, they say, great but same as last time etc etc.

(2) Its not exactly a commercial sound or a commercial look that the band has either.

Doesn't matter to me, I love the guy and his music and I haven't missed a UK tour since I discovered him.  I like the fact that I can stand 2 feet from his guitar at a show. 

Long may he tour !!!

  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

Walter always plays his A** off.....one of the best under rated players out there

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • suhl
  • Titanium
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  • From: Springfield, IL
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 936

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

I don't think growth and major exposure are that important to him.  I also agree with the previously stated reasons.

One final note, he appears to have more fun being on stage than just about anyone I have ever seen, even with the bars.  Being that he was playing with Mayall he could likely have a career as a lead guitarist in a different band playing larger venues.  In the interview I've heard fronting his own band touring and playing original material he wrote was his career goal early on so he finally decided to take the plunge some two decades ago.  And I'm glad he did because I'd hate to be deprived of his solo material.  I find him to be an inspirational figure being as old he is and having as much fun playing as a five year old kid on Christmas morning.

I am seeing him again next week in St. Louis with Eric Sardinas opening and hopefully sitting in with Walter.  Can't wait!

Long may he tour!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fCdNsm7gvu8

If wine and pills were hundred dollar bills
I might keep you satisfied

suhl's Website

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

I love Luther Allison - definitely one of my favorites.  I heard one of these songs on Smokestack Lightnin last weekend, and it definitely had a Luther Allison vibe.  Walter's great, though I must admit I only have one of his albums.

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  • From: Greater Chicagoland
  • Registered: 2012-04-21
  • Posts: 657

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

hulldanfan wrote:
Kenny wrote:

This is one helluva album and a fine fine tribute to Luther. Every blues fan should have a copy.

Still can't understand why Walter isn't more popular and selling out much larger venues. Think I have been saying that since 1994 smile

I must have seen Walter 15 or 16 times and what he gives is 2+ hours of balls to the wall hard rocking blues. He gives 100% all day every day and is one of the nicest and funniest guys you could ever meet.  The number of gigs he plays is fantastic and he has been better known in the UK and Holland than in the US for most of his career.

As for why he plays smaller venues: -

(1) Whilst he is a wonderful guitar player and songwriter, he does lack variation in his playing.  I have introduced many people to Walter and they come away from show 1 saying how amazing he was.  Next time, they say, great but same as last time etc etc.

(2) Its not exactly a commercial sound or a commercial look that the band has either.

Doesn't matter to me, I love the guy and his music and I haven't missed a UK tour since I discovered him.  I like the fact that I can stand 2 feet from his guitar at a show. 

Long may he tour !!!

A+++ for a great summation, and echoes my experience, over long years as a fan.  And let's not forget, some fans forget the folks that got through some harsh "stuff" in life, and helped their fans, through their music.  (Sounds like someone we all know, even if not intimately. wink )

Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences.  You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway.  If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.

12 Reply by dknight16 (edited by dknight16 2013-06-20 19:10:51)

  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

So, saw Walter for the first time last night.  He played sitting down.  Which may be explained by a recent fall and injury to ribs and arm (or so someone said).  The thing is, the opening band played just as long.  Walter barely 90 minutes.  He seemed to love the crowd, so it wasn't an off night thing.  Blame it on health and try again next time?

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 2,578

Re: Walter Trout-Luther's Blues

JBFan4Life wrote:
hulldanfan wrote:
Kenny wrote:

This is one helluva album and a fine fine tribute to Luther. Every blues fan should have a copy.

Still can't understand why Walter isn't more popular and selling out much larger venues. Think I have been saying that since 1994 smile

I must have seen Walter 15 or 16 times and what he gives is 2+ hours of balls to the wall hard rocking blues. He gives 100% all day every day and is one of the nicest and funniest guys you could ever meet.  The number of gigs he plays is fantastic and he has been better known in the UK and Holland than in the US for most of his career.

As for why he plays smaller venues: -

(1) Whilst he is a wonderful guitar player and songwriter, he does lack variation in his playing.  I have introduced many people to Walter and they come away from show 1 saying how amazing he was.  Next time, they say, great but same as last time etc etc.

(2) Its not exactly a commercial sound or a commercial look that the band has either.

Doesn't matter to me, I love the guy and his music and I haven't missed a UK tour since I discovered him.  I like the fact that I can stand 2 feet from his guitar at a show. 

Long may he tour !!!

A+++ for a great summation, and echoes my experience, over long years as a fan.  And let's not forget, some fans forget the folks that got through some harsh "stuff" in life, and helped their fans, through their music.  (Sounds like someone we all know, even if not intimately. wink )

I'd agree with that summary too. Like your friends, I do feel that while Walter always puts on a great show, I don't go to see him every time. Maybe he actually comes around too often and a year or more's break or so from the UK, may result in his fans coming out in larger numbers. In the meantime, there are a lot of top US blues rock guitarists who travel to Europe each year, yet promoters in the UK don't seem to pick them up. I know it's tough in the current climate, but I do think sometime they will have to take a chance on them, as Walter won't be touring forever.

Yes it was his ribs he damaged.

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk