Customer Reviews

Go The Distance

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Singer-guitarist Walter Trout plays a mean blues-rock guitar in what is now a grand ole tradition in the style of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Gary Moore and the Allman Brothers (ultimately traced back to B.B. King, Albert King and Albert Collins and many other greats). He has a powerful yet smooth voice that in classic blues style trades off with guitar runs. The album is blues based, straying into rock and even a couple acoustic numbers.

I read others reviews in this section that was critical of him for being unoriginal and mere technician. It is one thing to master the technique of blues runs but quite another thing to evoke the soul and feelings of the blues. Ultimately, the listener decides and I want to tell you that what he does works for me! I can't listen to this album without getting involved. Whether it' splaying air- guitar along with the CD (dangerous in traffic) or finding myself swept away and in a great mood with a smile on my face. Mr. Trout knows what the blues are all about.

It's true that what he plays are very traditional blues- rock licks but damn he plays them so well! Someone should point out that many artist such as the Beatles, Clapton, Jimi Page, Van Halen start out imitating people that they admire, mastering the techniques and learning how to make it all work to temporarily take us of out of ourselves. These artists then go on to work out a distinctive style as they evolve. I hear in Walter Trout the same raw talent. I can't wait to hear where he going to take it..I'm definitely going to "go the distance" with him.

This is a kick-butt album with a lot of spirited energy and I'm going "to ride till I'm satisfied"to paraphrase another one of his songs.

I recently caught Walter Trout live at the Oklahoma City Blues Fest. He's a bonafied blues guitar master who deserves to be heard. Trout reeled off several intense guitar solos that night that were well over 10 minutes long. This guy is one busy guitar picker! His versatile and imanginative playing though, makes every song a new experience. Although it's hard to put down on a studio album what you get at a Trout live show, he comes close on "Go The Distance". All it took was one listen for me to get hooked on this. I think it's head and shoulders above anything he's ever done before. The songs here feature cooler arrangements and better songwriting than his previous efforts. Some of the prime cuts: "Outta Control", a nice rock and roller that features some nice bumpin' organ lines. This one really got everyone up dancing the night he performed it. "Ride Till I'm Satisified", which has a nice Stevie Ray rhythm to it. The title track "Go The Distance", a slower tune and a great showcase for a burnin' Trout solo. "Message In A Doorway" as well as "Faithful", features some very good B3 organ and piano playing by Bill Mason. "Bugle Billy" is a nice change of pace tearjerker about a fallen veteran, that features a beautiful smooth trumpet solo on the end of it, along with Trout's underrated soulful singing. I loved this one. I also like and can relate to the lyrics to "I Don't Want My MTV", where he sings about "everytime I watch MTV I feel like I'm really getting old, because they never play anything that seems to satisfy my soul". My favorite cut here with the hardest hitting blues grooves is "Gotta Leave This Town". Trout really tears up the aluminum on this one, and comes closest to duplicating his live show's solo. "Go The Distance" is Trout's best studio album to date. I also recommend his live cd, which is Trout at his very best.

On a whim I went to the club that night to see who Walter Trout was and what he could do. I was amazed and I've listened to my share of blues bands. They did alot of the tunes on their new Go the Distance CD and if you feel that he lacks some artistry on the album....believe me, Walter is reigning it in to get it all to fit on this CD (13 songs!). This man can rip one solo after another...he has so much say on his guitar. True, he's not a Stevie Ray or a Hendrix but he has incorporated their style well. Some may feel he isn't as original as other noteworthy guitar players but I say give him some time. What he may seem to lack in originality he more than makes up for in his technical ability (he has the "pinky-wrapped-around-the-volume-knob whah effect down better than anyone I've heard). Another thing I noticed live was that he was running NO effects, just his 70's Fender Strat and Mesa Boogie amp and cabinet. All of what you hear comes out of that man's hands. That IS artistry my friends. If you have any love for the blues, you will feel the tug on your heart when he pours his heart out as he plays what he feels.

If you are reading this, chances are you are familiar with Walter Trout's music and are curious as to how this CD stacks up to his earlier releases. Quite simply, this is Trouts best solo effort to date. It's classic blues done in Trout's own tried and true ways. There are no real surprises here, just quality blues guitar and an excellent supporting cast on all tracks. All songs are up tempo and each moves from track to track rather seamlessly. Trout's trademark licks can especially be heard on "Ride 'Till I'm Satisfied" (fast licks) and "Go The Distance" (slow licks). The highlight of the CD may well be "Gotta Leave This Town" which has some fantastic playing throughout. If you're a Trout fan, you will will want to order this right away. If you're not a Trout fan, give it a listen to see what you've been missin'

Walter is Walter, always great. The rockin' blues are, as usual, wonderful, but it's the power of the ballads that surprised me. 'Bugle Billy' brought an unexpected lump to my throat, and 'Always been a dreamer' pierced me right through the heart with it's simplicity. Just Walter and an accoustic guitar. Powerful. 'Faithful' is pretty good, too, a little country-ish, and I preferred it live, without the female vocals. 'Message on the doorway' is even better when you know the story behind it, and last, but not by ANY means least, 'Go the distance'. The lyrics are heartfelt and inspiring. Makes anyone who's down and out, ready for another round!

Listen...Go out and buy this CD. Why did it take me so long to find this guy and his music? I don't care about any technical crap. This music is incredible. You will not be disappointed with this CD. I happen to disagree with another reviewer who stated all the songs sound alike. In my opinion that couldn't be farther from the truth. Walter brings in keyboards and the sax, but always lurking in the background is that oh so powerful guitar. So many good songs to choose from, but when I've finished listening to the CD, it seems that the lyrics from Lookin'for the promised land stick in my head. The production on that song (background vocals etc.) is powerful stuff. One last time... BUY THIS CD!

Walter and the guys just keep on recording what is, in my opinion, the best rock/blues you can find. I am no musician and have never even played an instrument, but I know what makes my foot stomp and my fingers twitch. And when I'm driving, rather than being mad at the traffic, I have a big grin on my face because Walter is in the CD player. Another MASTERPIECE from Walter and the guys. It just sounds like they're having so much fun. Thanks guys...keep up the good work.

I've been waiting for this newest release for months, and look forward to hearing it live next month.This album has only originals, which is commendable, but I've enjoyed his covers in the past. The lyrics are very contemplative; whether the topic is serious or one of a sarcastic nature, you definitely know what moves and shakes Walter. This album has a good range of styles demonstrated. There are classic blues songs, as well as country, southern-rockish, blues/rock and 70s folk-ballad. I read a review once that he didn't have a distinct enough voice. His voice is great on this album, perfect for his style. "Love So Deep" has a great blues/rock groove with powerful leads form Walter. "Out of Control" is almost Huey Lewisish and has a great sax break. "Ride Til I'm Satisfied" has great guitar licks strewn throughout. "Faithful" is a sentimental,country-rock style song complete with accordian that would make ANY married/committted guy feel guilty for even looking at another woman. "Gotta Leave This Town" is a great song with guitarwork that will remind you of Hendrix and Trower. "Doin Just Fine" is a blues classic. "I Don't Want My MTV" is upbeat, driving and sassy; very anti-establishment. It drives home the point that this man doesn't care for fame, fortune and formula music. He's here for the music..._quality_ music. And he brings alot to the table on this album. A fine work by one of the greatest blues/rock guitarists ever!

It is hard, VERY hard, to listen to this music without being completely and utterly blown away by this man's incredible talent. Walter Trout's playing is jaw-droppingly raw and packs more emotion into a single chord than some artists can manage in an entire album! But then, this is almost to be expected from a man who has played with the true blues greats, including John Lee Hooker, John Mayall, and Canned Heat. GUARANTEED to please! I can heartily recommend this album! Seriously smokin' blues!

I'm a huge fan of Walter Trout but have to say that I'm not particularly crazy about this cd... I've listened to it several times but just don't think this is his best work. In fact, I'd have to rate it lower to the bottom. Sorry! I'd love to say great things about the cd, but I can't.