Walter Trout Raises Eyebrows With Latest Album

By Brady Bredell
Contributing Writer

In a world dominated by horrid pop music and generic rock music, the blues has often taken the back shelf to the mass-marketed tunes of today. Some blame this on a lack of passion by modern blues artists while others claim it is a direct result of overproducing and overpromoting otherwise talentless pop artists. Luckily for blues fans, we have Walter Trout.

Best known for being among the greatest guitarists of all time (the BBC ranks him #6) and for the many years he spent with the “father of British blues,” John Mayall, Walter Trout has built a loyal fan base from the ground up. At the ripe age of 59, he isn’t planning on letting up any time soon, either. His latest, “Common Ground,” is among the best blues albums released this year.

The highlight of the new record is “Loaded Gun.” This song combines the energy of Texas blues with what at times comes off as a hard rock/heavy metal guitar style. The raw energy and pure soulfulness of Walter Trout is what makes this track stand out. “Now they gotta hear you, no need to cry. They’re gonna fear you when you let the bullets fly,” howls Trout. The southern acoustic vibe fused with hard rock elements will leave a sweet taste in your mouth for weeks to come. Blues and jamband fans alike will dig this track.

Another notable tune is “No Regrets,” marking the trademark style of Walter Trout at his finest. Kicking off with a simple guitar rhythm, “No Regrets” transmutes into a jam session of truly soulful proportions and hearty guitar portions. The song is very reminiscent of material from his 2003 album “Relentless.” Trout continues the legacy of blues greats like Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughn with this tune.

“Common Ground” covers a lot of ground. Whether it be acoustic blues or wailing guitar-driven blues, the album showcases Walter Trout at his best and is another gleaming example of how the oldest genre of American music can continue to evolve into true greatness. Only a handful of blues artists have the talent and clout of this class act. Walter Trout fans will listen to this album for years to come.

Recommended for fans of: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Guy and John Mayall. 

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If You Go

What: Walter Trout set, Fargo BluesFest
When: Sat, July 31, 6pm
Where: Newman Outdoor Field, NDSU
Info: 866.552.5837