Go My Way

Robin Trower's first rock, as opposed to blues, studio album in five years, returns the guitarist to the fluid, Hendrix-infused trio sound of his salad days. While the songwriting isn't quite up to the quality of his '70s work, Trower's snaky, echoed, languid guitar and his powerful duo's sympathetic backing make this a welcome addition to his extensive catalog. While the smooth, soulful whisky-soaked vocals of original singer Jimmy Dewer are sorely missed (Trower, who handles some of the singing here is at best adequate), the songs still shimmer with the uniquely silvery quality fans have come to expect from the guitarist. Tunes like "Into Dusk," "Run With the Wolves," and, especially, the nine-minute opening title track with their "Little Wing"-"Third Stone From the Sun" grooves, would have been right at home on Bridge of Sighs. The snappy mid-tempo rocker "Too Much Joy" shoehorns Trower's distinctive guitar solo into a three-minute pop tune, but the similarly inclined chunky "This Old World" doesn't rise above its blues-rock cliches. Trower excels on ballads and slightly funky, slowly simmering psychedelic rockers like "Take This River" where his lava lamp guitar flourishes intricately weave between the dreamy words and construct musical visions uniquely his own. Likely difficult to find because of its indie label release, Go My Way is a welcome return from Robin Trower. Those unfamiliar with his work are advised to first hunt down his '70s classics, but longtime fans will be delighted with this solid, uncompromising album. ~ Hal Horowitz