Rock legend Trower still looking forward

British musician Robin Trower first rose to prominence as the guitarist for the band Procol Harum during the late 1960s. The group went on the have such hits as “A Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Conquistador,” which were mainly vehicles for lead vocalist/organist Gary Brooker.

As the band progressed, Trower blossomed into a master guitarist and talented songwriter; in the early 1970s, he left Procol Harum to forge a solo career.

In 1973, Trower’s solo debut, “Twice Removed From Yesterday” LP, was a hit with critics and fans alike. Since then, Trower has built up a loyal following that treat each release and tour as a major event.

Trower released the “Seven Moons” album with Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce during 2008 and he recently spoke to The Free Press via telephone from New York City to talk about his new solo album, “What Lies Beneath”.

“On the new album, I worked with producer Livingston Brown, who was previously a member of my band for the ‘20th Century Blues’ album in 1994,” Trower said. “Livingston and I get along like a house on fire, and it was great to work with him again.”

“What Lies Beneath” features the stellar songwriting and fiery guitar work that fans have come to expect, but the string arrangements that accompany some of the songs give the album an almost soulful vibe.

“This is the first time I’ve used strings on one of my albums,” Trower said. “I didn’t purposely set out to make a soul album; it’s just kind of what came up while we worked on those particular songs.”

Most fans know about “What Lies Beneath” and Trower’s current tour through his official Web site, trowerpower.com. Although Trower says the Internet is a great way to let the fans know what he’s up to, he himself is not Internet-savvy.

“I have no idea what the Internet is about — I don’t even own a computer,” Trower said with a laugh. “It’s an all new marketplace though; I understand that.”

Although Trower albums such as “Bridge of Sighs” and “Go My Way” are easily obtainable, earlier albums such as “Twice Removed From Yesterday,” “For Earth Below” and “Long Misty Days” are out of print in the United States. When asked if his back catalog would be getting the remastered/bonus cuts treatment, Trower said it was all up to the record company.

“My early albums were on a label called Chrysalis, and they were purchased by EMI, so I really don’t know what they have in store for the old albums,” Trower said. “If there is a way for them to make money from it, I’m sure they’ll do it.”

When asked about his influences, Trower immediately brought up the name of two blues legends.

“Albert King is my all-time favorite guitar player,” Trower said. “I listen to a lot his stuff in the car and Howlin’ Wolf is the other guy that I still (listen to) alot.

“Albert King’s playing and Howlin’ Wolf’s music and singing still have a great effect on me. As far as rock and roll goes, Pete Townshend is a giant to me. (Townshend) plays guitar to support the song, and I think he and I have that in common.”

Trower said he also listens to alot of popular music from the 1930s and 1940s.

“I quite like the music of Dinah Washington and Al Bowlly,” Trower said. “I really like early American and British popular music.”

When the current tour is over, Trower plans to start work on his next album.

“I don’t know what the next album will sound like; I’ve got some new songs that I really love,” Trower said. “I hope to work with Livingston again since ‘What Lies Beneath’ was such a success.”

Trower said he has about eight or nine songs completed, and about four or five others in progress.

Trower said he’d never been invited to play at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads guitar festival.

“I don’t think I’m on that kind of radar, know what I mean?” Trower said. “I don’t even know if that’s something I’d want to do; it’s a bit of a guitar cheese-fest, isn’t it?”

Jon Dawson can be reached at 252-559-1083 or jdawson@freedomenc.com. To see video of Robin Trower in action, visit Jon’s blog at jdawson.encblogs.com.