Chrysalis [Release date 03.04.26]
Guitarist Robin Trower made himself as a guitarist, originally with Procol Harum, before forging a successful solo career.
Most will (or should) know his classic second album, Bridge Of Sighs, which was remastered and expanded last year, check out the review here
While Procol Harum nodded to the progressive, Trower took a more blues take on rock guitar, often favouring the power trio line-up. His third album For Earth Below (1975) was his first working with drummer Bill Lordan, who would become a regular Trower collaborator. Completing the band is bassist/vocalist James Dewer, formerly of Stone The Crows.
The subsequent tour saw a show at Stockholm Concert Hall, Sweden in February 1975 recorded for radio broadcast. Not realising it was also being recorded for record, the band were relaxed and on blistering form too, and thus this 1976 released live set came out sounding fantastic.
Originally released as a single album, that original release (and mix) is here as disc 2, but to start with that, the set opens with Too Rolling Stoned. A great driving and funky rhythm kicks off, before Trowers guitar bursts in. Sometimes the guitar and rhythm work together, hand in hand, before drifting off in on-fire form. Some of the fretboard work during the solo a little reminiscent of Hendrix, and the bass line changes to take the pace up or down as required. Then Daydream, an eight minute slower track, the vocals showing feeling and restraint, the whimsical moments adding a calmer bluesy feel. But even with that, the guitar is allowed to work and stand out. Closing the original side 1 is BB King’s Rock Me Baby; a chunky boogie with some frenetic fretwork. Some nice meandering too.
Lady Love kicks off side too, another solid rock number with blues leanings. Then, slower paced but no less noisy is I Can’t Wait Much Longer, co-written by Trower and Frankie Miller. Alethea is another rocker that makes room for a neat drum solo. And closing track Little Bit Of Sympathy makes room for all three to have a bit of a workout too.
It’s an excellent (if single LP) live set that should be spoken about much much more.
So working backwards, disc 1 is a 2026 mix of the full and complete show, as recorded. You get the crowd cheer as the band kick into Day Of The Eagle. And while the original is a good listen, this opens up noticeably, clarity and depth.
The seven minute workout of Bridge Of Sighs is well worth checking out, while Gonne Be More Suspicious is a great track that also brought Hendrix comparisons. The updated sound adds a touch more soul. And Too Rolling Stoned includes the crowd cheers as it’s introduced. Confessin’ Midnight has a wonderful groove too.
Now this is what live albums should sound like; every song the original LP was cut to fit, with sometimes more than the pause, intro and crowd response edited, and the live feel gets lost; it’s here now. With 12 uncut tracks, including five over the original release, correct running order restored, this is great. And with the digibook including a booklet, annotated by Bill Lordon, this release is, at the very least, how albums should be reissued.
Essential listening. *****
Review by Joe Geesin
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