WALTER TROUT – The Outsider

There are many blues based acts out there today. While some have less of a half-life than most elements on the periodic chart, many have gone on to long luxurious careers. This is especially true of Walter Trout (and the Radicals). He has been voted as 6th best guitarist in a BBC Radio Poll in the past. He has played with some of the best blues guitarists and other musicians throughout his career. He has toured extensively through Europe and the United States countless times with nothing but accolades and high praise being thrown his way. His discography is quite extensive and Walter has been going at it since his first release, Life In The Jungle (1990, Provogue Records) to this day where his The Outsider (2008, Provogue Records), the long-waited studio album, is now available.

Since his debut release back in 1990 till today, Mr. Trout has only been using two record labels except for one year back in 1994 with Silvertone-a very short lived affair indeed. In the past, Provogue (whom Walter started with) distributed his albums in Europe primarily and Ruf used the United States as its main core. After nine years with Ruf Records, Walter Trout decided to sign with just one label, that being Provogue. He has seen them get better year after year and he wanted to be part of their ever increasing roster of Blues greats. Provogue is an independent label based out of the Netherlands whose focus is mainly guitar driven heavy Blues Rock. With such names as Joe Bonamassa, Rick Derringer, Leslie West, Pat Travers, Scott McKeon, Julian Sas, and Eric Gales. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be part of that fraternity?

Provogue is now distributing in the United States for the first time under the Megaforce/Sony RED name. That is why this has been a long-awaited, highly anticipated event. After signing solely with Provogue and now being distributed in the States for the first time under its own label, Walter Trout doesn’t have to worry about things that might have gotten in his way before. Now he can concentrate solely on what he does best… tell stories with his 6-string while laying down some incredible Rock/Blues music.

Born in 1951 in Ocean City, New Jersey, Walter’s love of music had him playing trumpet at an early age. In the mid-60’s he switched over to electric guitar. In his late teens and early 20’s, Trout was playing in numerous Jersey bands competing at the time with a young Bruce Springsteen. In 1973, Trout packed up his belongings and drove out to Los Angeles where he met a slew of characters over the years, including some of the biggest names in the industry. By 1981, his reputation led to an invitation to join Canned Heat, a popular Blues/Rock band back then. He remained with them through 1984. Shortly after this, Trout was asked to join the legendary John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Life couldn’t be any better for the young Trout as he and fellow guitarist Coco Montoya lifted the band to new levels, enjoyed unprecedented album sales and high profile tours on several continents. It was guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana who noticed an intoxicated Trout during an East Berlin performance drowning himself in a bottle of Jack, spiraling out of control along with his career to a sure quick demise. Taking Walter aside, Carlos carefully and gently explained that he was wasting away God’s given talent that he possessed. Sobriety followed along with an illustrious and rewarding career.

Trout’s The Outsider covers 13 tunes and comes in at 68 plus minutes. It has 8 tracks that are typical Blues/Rock tunes guaranteed to get you hoppin’ and boppin’. There are also 4 tracks that are acoustic in nature and not electric. However, with these 4 there is a bit of accordion, harmonica, banjo, and even electric mixed in. One tune in particular (“Sanjay”), that at first listen doesn’t belong, has a classical Indian sound in certain parts and does indeed use those types of instruments often found in that genre of music.

The best rockin’ tunes of the bunch are “Welcome To The Human Race (a strong opener),” “The Love Song Of J. Alfred Bluesrock (could almost be mistaken for a SRV tune),” “Don’t Wanna Fall (a really groovy tune-a bit eerie and psychedelic at times),” “Child Of Another Day (great running bass line on this one/great harmonica and guitar solo),” “The Restless Age (musicianship wise might be strongest track of all),” “Gone Too Long (strong guitar solo at midway),” “Can’t Have It All (makes one have flashbacks of the movie Roadhouse for some reason),” and the title track “The Outsider (great closer/great guitar fill-ins and strong solo).” Of course these are all of the electric guitar tunes on the album but they are all great, especially if Blues/Rock guitar is what your bag is. One is stronger than the other in one way, shape, or form as they say, but there are no cheaters or tunes that just make it or slide by here. These eight tracks are all powerful from beginning to end. Fans of this genre will not be disappointed in any way.

There is so much that can be said about this particular musician, all positive in every aspect. His career is long by today’s’ standards, yet hardly known or recognized by so many music/Blues/Rock lovers out there. This should change, and will without a doubt, after listening to this release. To understand just how good Walter Trout actually is and to come away with a better understanding of his talented and rewarding career, one must go to his official website and do some exploring on your own. It is full of so much information that you will get a better appreciation for this wonderful artist and musician.