It’s not the first time he has done this, of course, but he has never sounded more at ease and the end result blends together like a heady cocktail. Having said that, the album opens with a truly spellbinding instrumental, “Wish You Were Mine”. It would take a guitar expert to fully analyze that Robin Trower sound that oozes from every note on this luxuriously seductive opener.
The title track continues seamlessly and positively drips class. The two part “As You Watch Each City Fall” provides a massive reminder of just why this man still has such a reputation. This is like watching the aforementioned craftsman building a fine piece of bespoke furniture as he dips into some distinctly Hendrix like dream sequences.
After a blissfully atmospheric first part the second section ups the tempo nicely and features many of those trademark Trower effects as he seduces the sound from his guitar.
At this point, first time around, I was almost fearful of playing the album any further. Surely, the type of quality contained in these first four tracks cannot possibly be maintained? No need to worry. “Freefall” ups the tempo with shades of those faraway days when Trower-Power ruled whilst managing to remain relevant and fresh.
The album notes, written by the man himself, are a diary of the recording process itself. It makes for fascinating reading, highlighting just how important his art remains to him. This is a man who has been making music since the mid-sixties, starting alongside schoolmate Gary Brooker in Procol Harum, and yet his thirst for perfection radiates from every track, every effect, every line, and every blues soaked note.
The entry for December 16, 2008 records the fact that he was having problems with “Sleeping OnThe Moon”. He writes, “not happy with the lead sound, played all the solo work again, and much improved, I think.” With diary notes such as this, the effort piled into this album comes through loud and clear.
In fact, Robin Trower has launched himself into a relentless schedule of late. There was the multi-date tour that included that concert in France, a more recent fifty plus city tour of the U.S., and working and touring with Cream legend Jack Bruce with whom he released the Seven Moons album.
Article comments
1 - shitjoy
I saw Robin Trower on September 25, 2009 at the Palace Theater in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. What a show!!! There was a bit of anxiety, though, before the performance as paramedics arrived backstage to care for Trower (I heard he was suffering from the flu) and an employee at the venue told me the show would most likely be cancelled. Luckily for the sold-out Palace, the show would go on and we were treated to an unbelievable night of intense, emotional guitar-playing. I wasn't a huge Trower fan before this show and I actually didn't own any of his albums (unless you count Procol Harum's "Home") so I regrettfully can't name all the songs he played that night. I will mention, though, that I was really impressed with vocalist Davey Pattison. This show had me searching local record stores for Robin Trower's music the next day. The only album I found was "What Lies Beneath" and I like it a lot. I would be completely satisfied if this was the only Trower album I ever heard... Until my copy of "Live" arrives by mail!
2 - john Frings
There are some beautiful songs on Trower's "What Lies Beneath" unfortunately the recording is a midrange disaster. Apparently this CD was not mastered by a professional and it suffers greatly because of it.
While the bass frequencies can be appealing at time, they are overdone, the CD is excessively hot as well, very loud recording.
Trower has a very appealing voice it is too bad it is buried in the mix.
Such a s shame that some of his finest work is handicapped by a less then stellar recording.