Wednesday 28 May 2008, The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, SOUTHAMPTON SO17 3AN
Words and pictures by Ronnie Kerrigan

Sentimentality, or nostalgia, does not bring me back to listen to Robin Trower’s music or to witness his ‘live’ performances – it is his art, humility and, above all, it is one of the joys in life. My brother, John, and I flew in from Belfast on the day of the concert. 

The Brook is a great venue to see and hear a band – tonight it was evident the sound system and stage monitors were operating at optimum level – the vocals and individual instruments were well balanced (Laurie Brace at the sound desk deserves praise).

The venue was filled to capacity and tonight there were a wealth of smiles, shaking heads and clapping hands - and that was before the music started – must be the water in Portswood!

Robin's playing and soloing, the band - Pete, Glenn and Davey - the fans, the venue, and staff all contributed to one of the best concerts I've attended. After the Paris gig I thought the dizzy heights the band reached that night would not be attained again on this tour – I was, thankfully, mistaken.

The RTB were given a great, warm welcome when they arrived on stage, and from the sound of ‘’Twice Removed From Yesterday” you knew it was going to be an exceptional night.  The whole band seemed to be in great spirits; each number in the set was played with enthusiasm and zest.

Robin played like only a virtuoso can, accompanied by an excellent band that generated warmth and intensity. I believe when Huddie William Leadbetter “Leadbelly” said “No white man ever had the blues” he was mistaken. Robin is a blues guitarist of the highest calibre, capable of creating music that touches your soul - most fans tonight, I’m sure, felt totally connected to the music. Performances this magical never leave the memory.

Pete and Glenn provided a superb rhythm section for Robin to fly above with his solos. Tonight Davey’s vocals could be heard clearly and were great on “Shame the Devil”,  “Day of the Eagle”, “No Time” and “For Earth Below”. Robin seems to be playing with greater zeal during the solos on this tour – how he achieves it at 63 is beyond me? – long may it continue.

The vibe and soloing during “The Fool And Me”, “No Time” and “Rise Up Like The Sun” was exceptional.

A welcoming cheer and clapping always accompanies the trill at the beginning of “Bridge of Sighs” – tonight it is a roar. The band and the crowd are as one. Robin’s playing is so spontaneous; he just feels the vibe and goes with it. During the solo he indicated to the band to take it up a notch and he began to make his guitar wail for a few minutes gradually falling to a whisper - enthralling. 

While it’s great to listen to the studio version, or one of the numerous recorded live versions, nothing beats hearing this song played live when you are there. I believe it only truly exists each time Robin plays it – when the sound is hitting you from the stage, and Robin is completely lost in his art. To me great music and guitar playing – as evidenced tonight - provides release from conscious thought, engenders tranquillity, and has a wonderful therapeutic value.

Thanks to Robin, Pete, Davey and Glenn for a truly riveting concert. Also, thanks for enhancing the evening after the performance by your friendliness. It was the icing on the cake. Also, Laurie for being Laurie. Some great photographs and memories.

It was great to meet up with Angie again – hope you enjoyed the Guinness? Also, Alan Howard, Jim Pearce and John Waters.

Thanks also to Dylan Clarke, Manager at The Brook, whose kindness and co-operation helped to make the concert special for my brother and I. It’s a great venue with great staff and facilities.  Just wish it wasn’t so far away.

What’s next? Who knows? – but it will be hard to beat tonight’s concert, atmospheric crowd and venue.

Setlist

Twice Removed From Yesterday
Shame The Devil
For Earth Below
No Time
The Fool And Me
Roads To Freedom
Islands
Day Of The Eagle
Bridge Of Sighs
Rise Up Like The Sun
Victims Of The Fury
Gonna Be More Suspicious
Hannah
Little Bit Of Sympathy

Too Rolling Stoned
Go My Way
Another Time Another Place

Return to homepage for more fan photos and reviews or click below for more robintrowerlive.co.uk reviews

Brighton No Time for farewells      Exeter Totally sold      Bilston Blistering Bilston
Glasgow Dedicated to Jimmy      London Let me hear you say YEAH!      Manchester Pride comes before a fall
Sheffield Balls of steel      Southampton From Portswood to poignancy
Stratford-Upon-Avon The play’s the thing      Birkenhead Fab Four in Birkenhead
Fleetwood Fulfillingness’ Fleetwood Finale      For more reviews visit Steve Shail’s site here!
 

If you have any info or comments please get in touch by e-mail.

This site, first realised in March 2005, is a howardtowers production published by Alan Howard in the UK.