Robin Trower in the UK
Dave Knight for BtP: Manchester, 28
April 2006
I went to see Trower on Friday in
Manchester. He was playing at the Academy 3, which holds I would say
200–300 or so. When I arrived at the venue at about 8.15 the place was packed
and I could just sense it was to be 'one of those nights'. On arrival, the
audience were presented with Trower's setlist for the evening, an unusual step I
thought: Twice Removed From Yesterday / Hannah / Roads to
Freedom / Too Much Joy / Islands / Day of the Eagle /
Bridge of Sighs / 20th Century Blues / Victims of the
Fury / Too Rolling Stoned / Go My Way / Another Time,
Another Place / Little Bit of Sympathy / Lady Love /
Daydream.
On stage when I arrived was the support
act, Samuel C Lees: an impressive blues player in the style of Stevie
Ray Vaughan, one to watch for the future I think.
It is a Bank Holiday weekend here in
England: maybe this was the contributing factor to a certain 'buzz'
about the place. Bang on 9.00pm the lights dimmed and Robin appeared on
stage to a tremendous reception from the audience, looking in great
shape. The band launched into Twice Removed From Yesterday.
Right from the start people were
dancing and clapping and singing along, and this was obviously was
sensed by the band who throughout were grinning like Cheshire Cats to
each other. The relaxed atmosphere led to what I believe to be one of
the best performances I have ever had pleasure to witness. Robin, who
seemed to be suffering from a cold, displayed his master-class of
playing to a level which seemed to surprise even
Dave Bronze and Davey
Pattison, who were giving little glances to each other.
I went with a friend on Friday who,
although a fan for many years, had never actually seen Trower live
before. During the solo on Bridge of Sighs I glanced across to him to see he was
just standing there with his eyes closed absorbing the music. Afterwards
he admitted he really was taken to another place.
This was my fourth time in a twelve-month period to see the band, and I can honestly say, they just get
better and better. If any of you have booked your tickets for the
Stateside shows then you are in for a real treat; if not DO NOT miss
out – get your tickets now.
Roll on eight days' time and Crewe!
Also, it was a pleasure to meet Steve
Shail on Friday and compliment him on his
Steve's Place Trower website. Without
the likes of him, Roland, Jens etc we would not be in a position to
discuss any of this, we should not forget this.
Robin Trower's own diary comment
MANCHESTER
Another dry, dead sounding stage but Laurie (our sound man) said he
was very happy with sound out front. What a great audience though.
My energy flagged because of heavy cold but the guys took up the
slack.