Robin Trower – Time and Emotion
V12 Records
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Emotion-Robin-Trower/dp/B06XGQWXSD

Rating: A-

Release Date: May 5, 2017

Robin Trower is back with perhaps his best solo album since he was in his 40s… considering Robin is 72, that is saying a lot!  It is not that Trower’s recent efforts are not worthy, but rather that his latest release Time and Emotion is so damn good. 

“The Land of Plenty” opens the album with that distorted, loud and wah-wah soaked Fender guitar that has made Robin a god among men amongst guitar nerds.   “What Was I Really Worth to You” follows the opening track up and proves right away this is not one of those albums by older dudes with one song that is killer followed by ‘filler’.  Nope... this offering is solid from beginning to end. 

Trower’s smooth-as-buttah guitar licks, screaming solos and ethereal bluesy vocals keep the listener hooked.  Sure, we have plenty of songs by Robin Trower that have that same kinda riff that opens “I’m Gone” but dammit, we can always use one more!  Robin has a vibe, a voice and a presence on his instrument that transcends time and space.  He plays from the soul and he is as intoxicated from the music he creates as his listeners. 

Robin also trots out more traditional blues sounds on songs like “If You Believe Me” and “Returned in Kind.” Both are over seven minutes in length and features a boat load of guitar solos.  On “You’re the One” his inner mellow Hendrix influence comes out loud and clear.  The song is simply beautiful, magical and mystical at the same time. This release winds down by finishing with the title track, a smooth and sultry tune that makes you want to start the disc over.

The album really has no weak tunes.  It starts and finishes strong.  Look… Robin has never knocked anyone’s socks off with flash.  He is not going to tap dance for nickels and there won’t be a million dollar light show that will dazzle you when you see him play live.  Nope, Trower is not an entertainer just for the sake of trying to entertain.  He is, however, a consummate musician who is still perfecting his craft into his eighth decade on earth.  He is a master at what he does and refuses to rest on his laurels. 

If you love electric guitar then you will love this album.   It is sly, sleek and soothing at times and rocking and rolling other times.  This guy can play. It really is that simple. 

The only person who loves this music more than Robin’s hardcore fans is… you guessed it… Robin himself.  

Bravo, Maestro!

Track Listing
1. The Land Of Plenty
2. What Was I Really Worth To You
3. I’M Gone
4. Bitten By The Snake
5. Returned In Kind
6. If You Believe In Me
7. You’Re The One
8. Can’T Turn Back The Clock
9. Make Up Your Mind
10. Try Love
11. Time And Emotion

By Althea Wright