It's time for fans to celebrate as the long awaited Robin Trower live DVD and CD will be released in the US on February 21, 2006 (it was released in Europe in Nov. 2005). Living Out Of Time was recorded on his 60th birthday, at 'Harmonie' in Bonn, Germany on March 9th, 2005. This is vintage Trower in a modern day setting, during the Rockpalast Crossroads Festival.

One thing I've always loved and respected about Robin Trower is his amazing ability to stay true to himself and his classic sound, even thirty years later. He consistently releases new CDs as well, without the all too common trait of mellowing out while entering the final stages of musical maturity, like others whose names we need not mention. Living Out Of Time stays true to that form. He feels as though his playing is at his best right now, and I'm certain fans will agree. His signature Strat tone and blues-rock showmanship are highlighted throughout, alongside the superb vocals of Davey Pattison, his off and on vocalist since Passion. Pattison's soulful voice is very reminiscent of former, beloved Trower vocalist, James Dewar. The superb rhythm section is bassist Dave Bronze and drummer Pete Thomson, both longtime Trower band members as well.

Following a warm introduction, the band breaks into an exuberant 'Too Rolling Stoned'. The opening chord segues into a wailing lead that ensues until the pause, where the recognizable riff gets it all pumping strong. That distorted wah-wah technique that Trower has always been known for is the tone of the moment. Davey Pattison belts out, "Oh, a stitch in time just about saved me, from going through the same old moves." You're in classic rock heaven now, and primed for the 13-song set, full of those wonderful blues-rock jams and wailing guitar solos.

All this time, you may be looking at the screen and at the birthday boy, healthy and strong, yet sixty all the same. Not only are his chops and technique still in place, but the music is just as it was thirty years ago, maybe even better in certain areas. And as I had mentioned earlier, Pattison's voice fits like a glove. He takes a break for the song 'Breathless', where Trower takes to the mic. He does a fairly decent job at it, too. There's a mixture of new and old material in the set, making things very interesting.

The DVD and the CD are identical in content; though, from a staunch Trower fans point of view, it's great to have one for the car and another to watch in the living room. The difference is that he's more personable with the audience on the DVD, because most of the chatter was left off the CD. The DVD starts with the audience singing 'Happy Birthday' while holding up lit sparklers, representing celebrative candles. Robin then thanks them, adding, "Just give me a few minutes to make sure I'm not in tune." It made me think, because other than being humorous, that statement could mean a few different things to guitarists. There's a picture gallery and an interesting interview on the DVD as well.

All in all, it's great to finally get a Robin Trower DVD, viewable in 16:9 picture format and recorded in quality Dolby Digital 5.1/2.0 PCM Stereo sound.

Living Out Of Time DVD/CD

1. Too Rolling Stoned
2. Sweet Angel
3. What's Your Name
4. Rise Up Like The Sun
5. Daydream
6. Living Out Of Time
7. Breathless
8. Day Of The Eagle
9. Bridge Of Sighs
10. Close Every Door
11. I Want You To Love Me
12. Please Tell Me
13. Little Bit Of Sympathy

Director: Peter Sommer
Producer: Reinhard Wulf and Peter Sommer
Executive Producer: Thomas Ruf
Ruf Records 2005

Links
Robin Trower
Ruf Records