Chat Transcript--Robin
Trower
Edited transcript from the June 16, 1997 event
hosted by the WebChat Broadcasting
System.
Robin Trower:
Hello everybody! This is my first time in cyberspace, so I'm looking forward
to the experience. Please ask anything you want (at least about music!).
Robin, I am looking forward to seeing you in Fort Collins, Colorado on
the 28th!
Robin Trower:
Hi! I hope you enjoy the show. I haven't played there before--what's the
venue like?
It is a recently remodeled building in downtown. I haven't been there yet.
Robin, my ticket says you will be with "special guests." Can
you say who they are?
Robin Trower:
I'm afraid not! They're probably a local band, though. Maybe you've got
some ideas?
There is a local band: Ben Wah and the Blue Balls. Excellent guitarist!!
Lots of blues... Stevie Ray and Hendrix covers. He is very entertaining
and puts on a hell of a show.
Saw you years ago in Montreal at Man and His World circa 1970 as Procol
Harum and also a couple years ago at Portland, Maine (excellent!). Ever
hear from the guys in Procol Harum?
Robin Trower:
Yes, I spoke to Keith Reid last week. In fact, he came to see me on my
first day's rehearsal for this tour.
Did Keith Reid discuss the upcoming 30 year anniversary reunion of Procol
Harum in Redhill on July the 19th? I understand you have dates around that
time, but I would hope to see you there.
Robin Trower:
I did hear about the Procol Harum reunion, but unfortunately I'm on tour
in the states during that period.
I was wondering if you have any plans to work with Procol Harum again.
The Prodigal Stranger LP was very strong. Also, how did you get that backwards
attack sound on the interior fills of Bridge of Sighs title track? That
sound is tremendous.
Robin Trower:
No plans at the moment to work with Procol Harum again. And what do do
you mean by the "backward sounds?"
I met you a few years ago in Spokane, Washington at a laundramat of all
places. You were playing at Gatsby's. I probably made a complete fool of
myself. I was so much in awe, I guess, that I didn't even think to ask
you for an interview. I am a free-lance writer, and wrote two articles
for Goldmine: one on David Bowie and one on Dave Brubeck. Actually, this
is my first chat.
Robin Trower:
Hi! Very nice to meet you again. By the way, you didn't find a white sock,
did you?
For years I've had this arrangement of "Sunny," the old Bobby
Hebb song, running through my head. Robin Trower style, sort of along the
lines of your song "Hannah." Never tried to put it on tape though.
Forgot to even mention it that second time I met you. No, I didn't find
a white sock.
Hey Robin. Great to meet you. Bridge of Sighs is one of my favorite albums.
Robin Trower:
Thanks! Bridge of Sighs has just been reissued on a "gold" format.
It sounds excellent, if you'd care to give it a go.
"Gold Format"?
Robin Trower:
The "gold" format is re-mastered from the original master disk
and pressed on a gold foil CD. It has noticeably better quality. (And is,
of course, more expensive!)
Thanks Robin! I'll pick up a copy soon!
On your new album "Someday Blues," are you doing all or most
of the vocals? Are you going to be handling vocals now on the stage?
What took you so long to get behind the mike? You've got a great voice
for the blues!
Hi Robin, Picked up an early copy of "Someday Blues." Excellent--both
the playing and the vocals. Please don't forget us out here in Northern
California on your tour.
Robin Trower:
I'm very glad you liked the new album. Especially pleased that you liked
the vocals. I'm afraid we won't be in your part of the world until the
new year.
I own every album you've made and without question I believe "Someday
Blues" is your best to date. Do you think you'll continue to do the
vocals on future albums?
Robin Trower:
I would sincerely like to continue singing. It depends now on how strong
a response we receive with this album. By the way, thank you very very
much.
Hi Robin, Caught your shows in Seattle. Great as usual. Two questions:
First, I remember reading in an interview that you said that the guitar
is a poor imitation of the human voice and that if you could you would
be a singer. Do you still feel that way? Does your decision to sing reflect
this?
Robin Trower:
Good questions! Singing, for me, is a natural progression from trying to
squeeze more out of the guitar. For example, trying to make the guitar
sound more like a human voice. Which is why I'm playing fingerstyle on
the new album (in pursuit of that aim).
How are you playing without the pick? Are you using several fingers including
thumb (up / down strokes)? You know you've given us a whole new style to
devour with this new record.
Robin Trower:
Playing without the pick, for me, is basically a thumb and forefinger style.
The thumb for downstrokes and upstrokes with the finger.
Is "Someday Blues" available in record stores in the states yet?
I haven't seen it as of three days ago.
Robin Trower:
I'm very sorry to hear you haven't been able to find it yet. I believe
it should be out very soon now.
I just picked up "The Essential Robin Trower." It's a great mix!
Maybe your new album was just sold out!
Robin, we have a release date of the 30th of June for the new album in
England. Can you confirm this?
Robin Trower:
June 30 is correct for the UK release date. Thanks for the inquiry.
On the CD "Essential Robin Trower," were some of the songs remixed?
It had a little different "feel" to it.
Robin Trower:
To my knowledge there are no re-mixes on the "Essential..." album.
What tuning did you use on your slide piece "Extermination Blues,"
and are you still tunning down a whole step on your current setup?
Robin Trower:
Apart from the guitar being tuned down a whole step, there's nothing unusual
about the tuning on "Extermination Blues." The slide playing
on that track was just sheer luck!
In Seattle you played a slow song called "Secret Place" that
had an amazing progression of chords. Where can I find a recording of that
tune?
Robin Trower:
Secret Place is from my last album, "20th Century Blues." Available
at record stores, or direct by writing to: P.O. Box 27670, Los Angeles,
CA 90027-0670.
Robin, can you settle a debate? What is the title of your first album?
Robin Trower:
My first solo album was called "Twice Removed From Yesterday."
That's what I thought, but a friend says you have a self-titled album out
as your debut.
Hi Robin! What kind of effects do you use live now?
Robin Trower:
I use a Vox Wah pedal, and a Dejavibe (made by Mike Fuller in California).
What is your guitar preference?
Robin Trower:
A Strat--always!
Any new equipment you're using that you're psyched about?
Robin Trower:
I currently use a Hot Rod Deville 212 amp and it sounds great! Also I really
like the older Blues DeVille 212 amp.
Have you tried any of the preamp processors on the market today? Any opinions
?
I'm curious as to what kind of distortion device you used back in the '70s
and what kind you use now. That is, if you do use a fuzz box at all.
Robin Trower:
In the '70s I had a Volume/Distortion box that was made for me by an electronics
guy I met up with in London. I am currently using NO overdrive pedal--just
the overdrive in the Blues DeVille/Hot Rod Deville.
Hello Mr. Trower. I'd like to know if you autograph your records/CD's after
the shows?
Robin Trower:
I always autograph stuff when given the opportunity.
If I send you some old album jackets with return postage, could I get them
autographed?
Robin Trower:
PLEASE do NOT send any of your valuable materials. We can't take responsibility
for returning them. If you'd like autographs, bring them to a concert.
I'm an avid collector of guitar picks. I was wondering if there was any
way of getting a personalized guitar pick from you?
Robin Trower:
Come to the show and ask one of the crew.
Robin, I'm currently working on my second novel and I wondered if you have
any tips on maintaining privacy in one's life with employment in public
mediums such as yours?
Robin Trower:
There's only one way around the privacy issue--don't get too famous!
I'm interested in listening to one of your tunes called "Song For
A Dreamer." Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the piece. I have
a CD which says that it's on Procol Harum's "Broken Barricades"
album, but something else I read implied it was on a Robin Trower Album.
I have a humongous record collection (unsorted at this time). Which album
would I be searching for? I'd love to hear it.
Robin Trower:
You are correct: "Song for a Dreamer" is on Procol Harum's "Broken
Barricades" album.
My wife and I saw your show in '94 at the Coach House and will be there
June 21. I have a question. You are on a CD-video called "Night of
the Guitar." Livingstone Brown & Mayuyu are also on the recording.
Was this recorded in England at a Jimi Hendrix Tribute, where you met Livingstone
& Mayuyu? Or was this a separate event or a tour?
Robin Trower:
I did meet Livingstone and Mayuyu on the Night of the Guitar tour. I don't
think any of it was a Jimi Hendrix tribute. That may have been another
show that they were involved in.
Are Livingston and Mayuyu on tour with you? Livingston was very enthusiastic
vocalist. Where did you find them?
Robin Trower:
Livingston is touring with me, and also a new drummer from California called
Alvino Bennett.
Robin, I've been a fan for almost 20 years. When I was first introduced
to your work I wrote you to get some info. You sent back two letters and
made a young guitarist happy. Thank you for that. I wanted to know about
Jimmy Dewar--I was saddened to hear about his condition. Any word on him?
I was just devastated, or stunned I should say, when I recently learned
what happened. I had no idea. James Dewar and Greg Lake were my favorite
'70s male vocalists.
How is James Dewar? I know he had the stroke, but how is he doing lately?
Robin Trower:
I'm afraid Jimmy is not doing well. I wrote to him 2-3 weeks ago to tell
him about the new "Best Of" Robin Trower album which features
him very heavily--but never received a reply. I'm still waiting, but he
is often in my prayers.
Robin, from the day I heard "Day of the Eagle" I was hooked.
Your playing influeced me tremendously. "Daydream" live will
always be my favorite, but I think Caledonia may be your next best recorded
solo. Any thoughts on other recordings that were your favorites? Also it's
sad to hear about Jim Dewar. Is there a foundation or an address to write
to him?
Robin Trower:
I'm glad you like the solo on Caledonia. One of my favorite pieces of solo
work is on the song "Benny Dancer" from the "Back It Up"
album. Thanks for the kind thoughts about James, but I don't think there's
any point at this time trying to write.
Whoa, whoa, what is this--a Best of Robin Trower? Tell us more, please!
Robin Trower:
I've just been putting together my favorite tracks from over the years,
and have digitally re-mastered them all for an upcoming Chrysallis release
entitled: "From Earth Below, the Best of Robin Trower."
Any idea on release date for your "Best of" collection?
Robin Trower:
The "Best Of..." should be released sometime in November. Thanks
for asking!
Robin, at what age did you start playing? Were you a child prodigy?
Robin Trower:
I started playing at age 14. I definitely was NOT a child prodigy, but
it is my ambition to be one!
How many years have you been cranking out the music?
Robin Trower:
I've been playing "more than a few" years! (And less than "too
many...")
What's the future hold for Robin Trower? Can you tell us of any new directions
you're pursuing? What piques your interest these days?
Robin Trower:
At the moment I'm in the middle of co-producing the new Bryan Ferry album,
due out in the new year. And obviously I'm touring the U.S. and working
on material for my next album (as well as looking for a house in Ireland).
Who were your early influences (besides the obvious)? I listen to your
playing before the Robin Trower band, and I really hear a quite different
style. Have you always been playing blues? Possibly you learned some classical
guitar also.
Robin Trower:
My first really big influence was B.B. King. Hearing him changed the way
I thought about the instrument. Then I went on to Albert King and Jimi
Hendrix and, obviously, many others.
I just sent in my subscription for your "Trower Power" newsletter,
and am looking forward to having the latest info.
Robin Trower:
Thanks! If anybody else want the Trower Power newsletter, they can get
a free issue by sending their name and address to: lastars@aol.com
Mr. Trower. I have an album of live material called "Guitar Bandit."
It sounds like a very small audience and it's really outstanding! Do you
know when or where this was recorded?
Robin Trower:
Sounds like this "Guitar Bandit" recording you have is a bootleg.
I've seen some "bootleg" concert videos of you on the internet.
Do you have any plans to acquire the rights to any of these made-for-TV
spots and release better copies? I've seen some of the bootlegs and the
quality leaves something to be desired.
Robin Trower:
We don't have any plans to release live videos--though we'd like to.
I noticed your Handle Link refers to Fender's Web Site. Do you work or
consult with their organization?
Robin Trower:
I am a Fender endorsee, and all my current guitars are built for me at
the Custom Shop.
Any new groups you like?
Robin Trower:
I've heard some stuff by a band called Kula Shaker that I liked very much.
Robin, any advice for beginners?
Robin Trower:
Just try and listen to the originators, not the imitators.
Looking at all the questions/statements going on it's great to see that
the influence your music has had on me and my playing style has also touched
so many others. How do you feel about your influence on so many others?
Robin Trower:
"Influence" is not something I ever think about. If one did,
one might start to think one was any good. Dangerous stuff!
You signed the headstock of one of my Strats at The Park West in Chicago
some years back, while I was doing some tech work for The Flynn Brothers
(opening act). I didn't get the chance to thank you so I'm doing it now.
And thank you for all the years of incredible tracks you have shared with
us all. Best wishes on finding your dream home in Ireland!
Robin Trower:
Well, everybody, I've really enjoyed my first time on the Net. And hope
to "talk" to you again some time. Goodbye!
Robin, I just want to thank you for all the great music. Here's hoping
you keep performing for 30 more years! I'll be there in my wheel chair
cheering you on! Keep up the great work!
Are you going to add any dates in the Baltimore, D.C. area?
Robin Trower:
We're playing at Jaxx in Springfield in late July.
Any chance of some United Kingdom gigs?
Robin Trower:
We're looking into UK gigs at the moment. Hopefully, if there's any action
at all on the new album, we'll be able to get over there sometime in the
next few months.
Robin, do you have any upcoming dates in the Springfield, Massachussets
area?
Do you have any upcoming dates at Pearl St. in Northampton, Massachussets?
Robin Trower:
I'm afraid we won't be in Springfield this tour. Closest show will be NYC.
Do you have any immediate future plans to perform in the Spokane, Washington
area? A lot of people here still talk about the shows you did. I worked
as a darkroom tech at a photo lab here last year, and found out that I
wasn't the only Trower fan there. We had our CD players up so loud, that
you could probably hear it in the studio upstairs.
Robin Trower:
We were just in Seattle! Sorry to have missed you.
Greetings Robin! I have literally just received my copy of Someday Blues
and it's sounding very good! Are you playing two nights at The House of
Blues in July? I have tickets for the 6th only so far.
Robin Trower:
Yes, we are doing two nights at the Chicago HOB. The 5th and the 6th of
July. By the way, glad you liked the album.
Robin, please make a surprise appearance at a club in Santa Cruz on this
tour. It is a wonderful beach town. You can relax for a day or two after
your gig.
Robin Trower:
Thanks for the offer! But I'm not sure we'll have time this tour...
Robin, any plans for shows in western Canada?
Robin Trower:
I'm afraid we don't have any plans to visit Canada at all this trip. (Boo
hoo!)