Deep Trout

The Early Years of Walter Trout

Ruf Records

www.rufrecords.de

15 tracks/77:10

This release takes a look back at the career of a guitar player who still doesn’t get the attention in the USA that he deserves. Trout is strong player with a high energy approach to his music. He has always been able to write interesting songs, although most of his material leans towards the rock end of the musical spectrum. “Running in Place” is a ballad that I think got radio play when it was released. It sounds very familiar and ranks as one of Trout’s best tunes. The opening track, “How Much Do You Want”, starts with a quiet, acoustic blues opening passage before Trout hits hard with an amped-up attack that takes the number in an entirely different direction.

On tracks like “Tribute to Muddy Waters” and the burning live cut “If You Just Try”, Trout demonstrates his ability to play outstanding blues guitar. You would expect that from someone who served time with John Mayall’s band. But a listen to the closing track proves that Trout had the skills back in 1972. The cut is a slow blues by Wilmont Mews, Walter’s old band, and his guitar work is already making you stop and pay attention. This is a fine release from a musician with loads of talent. It’s not all Blues but there is plenty of Trout’s outstanding guitar work and a batch of tunes that hold your interest. If you haven’t checked out any of his other releases, this one will certainly give you an accurate look at the career of Walter Trout.