Customer Reviews

What Lies Beneath

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is quite good. I am not a Trower expert, but I know what I like (Phil Manzanera, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Knopfler, Hendrix, Clapton).

Personnel:
Robin Trower-guitar & Vocals;
Livingston Brown-bass;
Sam Van Essen-drums;
Roger Cotton-organ;
Andrew Haveron & Clare Hinton: strings;
Chris Taggart-drums on tracks 2,8,9.
Packaging: Fold-over digipak, with CD resting nicely on a plastic base (not stuck in a sleeve). In the front cover sleeve is a folded insert with a photo of Trower and 7-page diary of the making of the CD (nice to read about the thought and effort that went into this project). I've added a diary page and the credits to the product images above (click on them for enlargements).

This is not just a collection of songs - it's a flowing creative, often atmospheric piece - sounds great late at night. There is a generous helping of guitar throughout, with Trower's trademark hooks and grooves, wah-wah, harmonies, dissonance, etc. Solos suited to the songs. Strings and organ complement the songs where they appear. Robin's vocals hit the mark. The Amazon song clip extracts are good selections.

Brief impressions of the songs:
1. Wish you were mine - slow sensitive instrumental with strings
2. What lies beneath - spirited vocal with wah-wah guitar
3. As you watch each city fall (part 1) - slow, Hendrix'y with strings
4. As you watch each city fall (part 2) - bouncy, spacey instrumental
5. Freefall - direct, in-your-face rocker
6. Once the spell is broken - slow start, evolving into full sound
7. Sleeping on the moon - energetic with attitude
8. Time and emotion - very relaxing guitar and organ instrumental
9. Skin and bone - spirited rocker
10.Buffalo blues - slow instrumental blues with organ
11.Find a place - slow heartfelt vocal, with heavy beat

This is a very satisfying CD, and highly recommended. The only thing I would change is that it could have been a little longer - when he gets going on those grooves, you wish they lasted longer. No songs are over 5 minutes, and the entire CD clocks at 42:20. In concert a couple weeks ago in Seattle he played for 90 minutes, and those extended songs are a treat (catch the '09 tour if you can).

If you are scrolling down these reviews, trying to figure out whether this album is a good gamble to purchase, go no further. Robin Trower's "What Lies Beneath" is not merely a good album, it is marvelous, superb, splendiferous. I look at it as the summation of Trower's long career.

Listening to the thirty second "samples" simply won't do these songs justice. It was Trower's intention to craft this effort as a cohesive bunch of songs, each bleeding into the next. As a result, it's the best structured, most "musical" album Trower has done in decades.

Don't listen to people knocking on Robin's vocals. The criticism is off the mark, because his voice sounds just fine. He planned the songs in a range he could sing well, and it works because the songs are the most personal of his career...who else could have sung them?

And then there is that persistent gripe about Hendrix's influence. If you look at Robin's catalogue, you'll find that he has never once covered a Hendrix tune. It is true that he has emulated Hendrix, and on this cd "As You Watch Each City Fall" carries a heavy, Hendrix vibe. But it quotes no Hendrix tune... only "Song From a Dreamer", Robin's 1971 tribute to Hendrix, written when he was with Procol Harum.

"As You Watch..", "Find a Place", and "Once the Spell Has Broken" form a trio of majestic ballads. But the real delights are the upbeat rockers, "Freefall", "Skin and Bone", and "What Lies Beneath", which fairly drip with some SERIOUS funk. Not so surprising, maybe, given that Trower's other musical hero (besides Hendrix) is James Brown. Even the instrumentals click--they aren't throwaways, they're great mood pieces.

Livingston Brown had heavy input into the making of this album--his bass playing really opens these tunes up, and he was also responsible for some little touches of genius in the arrangements, adding vibes, celeste and even strings to the mix.

Trower has had a lot of ups and downs, with his career reaching a low point in the mid-Eighties. Since then, he has made a long, slow climb upwards. I think that part of the problem was that he wouldn't give up on the power trio format. But this album opens up a lot of possibilities, and it could be Trower's "Blow by Blow".

I'd say it's worthy of a Grammy nomination....but it's enough to see Trower's face on the inner sleeve, looking very pleased with himself. He deserves to be.

P.S: PLAY IT LOUD

This is one ethereal and transcending CD. I've been a Trower fan since 1974 and saw him live through the 70s and 80s. This CD truly hold its weight and carries forward the spacy Bridge of Sighs type sound with a more modern, mature approach. Moody and tranquil with spots of strings and Dusty Hill like vocals. This could very well be one the best rock/blues cd's of the year.

It will only leave you yearning for more.

I'm impressed once again with you Mr. Trower!! I'm an old geezer now who was once a teenager (when BOS--his second album--was released). I think that album was like an Atom Bomb going off in the guitar world at the time--and those of us who were lucky enough to be around and catch Robin, James and Bill in concert were treated to a bit of sonic nirvana! Since the passing of Jim Dewar I think a bit of Robin died. Musically anyway. There are just those musical pairings that make me believe in a higher power controlling things: Jagger/Richard, Lennon/McCartney, Page/Plant, Jimi/Mitch--you get the picture. Robin and James were just such a mystical pairing. Robins' guitar tone and James' vocal tone--well could make a grown man cry. I believe Robin struggled to find a vocalist to match his soulful playing--a tall order indeed--and to my ears never came close. Sorry to all the Patterson fans--but I can't stomach listening to those Trower CD's. This CD however is taking me back to the good old days--Robin is admittedly not the best vocalist on the globe--but I'd much rather hear him interpret his lyrics than someone else (guess this falls under: "If u want the job done right, do it yourself"!)--and his guitar work/tone has really Never been better! And that is saying volumes given his early work is the stuff of legend. Just a thought...I'd love to hear Robin and Steve Winwood do an CD--he's one Cat who's soulful vocals could really meld very well with Robins Strat Magic. Congratulations Robin on a fantastic CD!!

I was bowled over by this album-it took me a while to get back down to earth below after listening to it! I have been a fan of Trower's since "Bridge of Sighs" and this album takes me right back! What Lies Beneath has the same dreamy, bluesy signature sound that made Trower so great back then, and after for that matter--hopefully he will get his dues with this album. I do miss James Dewar's voice, but Trower has a fine blues voice in his own right and fits the music perfectly. His voice at times reminds of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits or the guitarist in the Kills. I wonder why Robin did not sing before. However, it is Trower's blues guitar that really makes this a stand out album. I have never understood why he was not more popular, his technique is awesome. I put him right up there with Blackmore, Clapton, Hendrix etc.

This is an album that showcases a mature guitar player at the very peak of his talent. The album seems reflect a man at peace with himself and content to express himself as he chooses-- and we reap the benefit. He rocks, he jazzes, blues and ballads away--and it is all good.

The comparisons to Hendrix always come up and indeed there are the bombastic Strat blasts that put you in mind of Hendrix. However, this is a man who has held the fort and far outlasted Hendrix. Trower has withstood the crazy arena days of the 70's and the deaths of other band members. He developed his own unique sound, and stayed true to it and himself all these years. No disco, shred metal, or rap music ; no drug overdoses or public rages. Just pure Trower Power. God bless, Robin!

I found Trower after I lost my Hendrix nearly 37 years ago and I have found that he has a sound all his own. I bristle at the "White Hendrix" moniker, as it cheapens both great musicians. This CD just gets better everytime I listen to it and I listen often. It really sets the mood while driving in the city, country or in traffic and was wonderful as I drove the 101 from Ventura to Pismo last week. The music sets a beautiful theme in your mind and would make a great soundtrack for a movie. I highly recommend it as a Trower fan, I wish the tracks were longer with his signature solos. I guess I will wait for the next tour.

This is Robin Trower at his bluesy, vibrato playing best. I have really enjoyed his last few releases a lot but this is the best one yet. His vocals are as smoky smooth as his guitar work and they mesh together so well. I truly was suprised at how good this one was, if you are a Trower fan, especially his recent material you will love it. The guitar tones are perfect!

I have listened to this cd now for 2 wks, it is some of Trowers best work. I like all his work but this one is so smooth, he does a great job with the vocals & has written some of his best songs in a while. Doesn't need a long review when it's this good.

Purchased Robin Trower's new CD and after seeing him live in June was alittle disapointed that Robin doesn't rock alittle harder on the new CD. But make no mistake, that Trower sound comes thru on every tune.

Still have to rate this new release 4 stars as he is truly a master of his craft and after only a few a listens can't seem to get the tunes out of my head. A great mix of slower blusy tunes with some strings included in the mix. Some uptempo Trower licks round out a fine effort by a man who is in the twilight if his career.
Don't expect the heavey fast Bridge of Sighs type of tunes. Expect a seasoned guitar craftsman who has over the years knows his instrument and can express himself thru his guitar like no other guitarist out there.

Nothing in this world is perfect. This Robin Trower CD comes very close to being that though. The arrangements of the songs and tone of Mr. Trower's guitar is superb. Intellectual is the best way I can describe it. The bass player is extraordinary. I have been continously listening to this CD since I played it and continue to be marveled by it.

There is no denying that much thought was done in creating the songs on this CD. Extemely well played and recorded. Robin Trower's singing flows well with the songs.

This CD will not dissappoint people that appreciate a well recorded, played, and written rock and blues CD. Outstanding.