WALTER TROUT and FRIENDS

“Full Circle”

Ruf Records

WALTER TROUT AND FRIENDS: Full Circle  CD

First studio CD in five years with a whole host of guests on, primarily, guitar and vocal duties, plus a few on keys and harmonica. The album opens with a steaming slow blues in the form of 'She Takes More Than She Gives' which features John Mayall on piano, harmonica and vocals along with ex-Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward and it's a superb song that sets the tone for the whole album with fine vocals delivered with passion while Trout's guitar solo mid-song is simply incredible.

After this you get the smokin' 'Workin' Overtime' which sees Trout and Jeff Healey doing a guitar duel that takes your breath away as the song spirals to great heights and beyond. Equally admirable, although obviously less incendiary, is the acoustic guitar interplay of the following track, 'Firehouse Mama' where guitarist Eric Sardinas joins the fray.

The mighty swagger of 'Who's Listenin' In' is up next with Coco Montoya as guest on vocals and guitar, with another storm-force set of electric guitar leads and solos as the song progresses.

'Slap Happy' is a wild blues-jazz instrumental that allows guitarist Junior Watson to trade licks, while the sprightly and muscular song that is 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' features a fine vocal from Trout and some sizzling work from Guitar Shorty on vocals and guitar, that complements Trout's work to perfection.

A further 7 tracks featuring, among others, John Mayall (on guitar this time), Bernard Allison, Joe Bonamassa, are all of equally outstanding quality, making this possibly the best album he's done to date.

 Andy Garibaldi [ Dead Earnest ]