WALTER TROUT

“Deep Trout”

Ruf Records

Mention the name Walter Trout to fans of blues music and the first thing that comes to mind is blazing guitar solos. And while any new listener will quickly hear that Trout had mastered the six string instrument, it is also evident that his songwriting continues to prosper. And it’s that very same songwriting skill that makes Walter Trout’s most recent release, “Deep Trout”, so interesting. “Deep Trout” is a compilation of Walter’s earliest efforts from 1989-1997, a period where he and the band were busy making a name for themselves overseas. It was during these years that Walter Trout would define his unique sound.

For those who like their blues hard and heavy, Walter Trout is your man. The New Jersey native has played guitar for such legends as John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat, and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers before joining efforts with bassist Jimmy Trapp on a solo career that began in 1989. And while Walter Trout and his band The Radicals have continued to forge ahead today to make a name for themselves in the states, the band is already a well established act in Europe. In fact, in a BBC poll conducted a few years back, Trout was voted the fifth greatest guitarist of all time (I believe gentlemen by the names of Hendrix, Clapton, Allman, and Page secured the spots ahead of Trout, not shabby company at all).

“Deep Trout” still offers plenty of six string mastery and over-the-top guitar flair that has become a Walter Trout trademark, but there is quite a bit more here. The gospel influenced “Under My Skin”, for example, features a melodic chorus, smooth backing vocals, and a very radio friendly sound. Ditto for the ballad “Earrings on the Table”; both are tracks with a sound that you wouldn’t expect from Trout, yet both demonstrate the early talents of a blossoming musician just waiting to be discovered by United States audiences. Three bonus tracks are also included with this collection; acoustic versions of “Life In The Jungle” and “Big Chain” and a track called “So Sad To Be Lonely” with Wilmont Mews, a rival band to Bruce Springsteen’s Steel Mill back in the Jersey days.

“Deep Trout” is a terrific retrospect of Walter Trout’s early career and provides a strong sampling of the beginning years of the fiery, intense blues playing that was to follow. Extensive liner notes detailing Walter’s career add to the value of this effort. Do yourself a favor and give “Deep Trout” a listen to hear music from the early years of one of today’s best blues guitarists.

Don Sikorski

****1/2