Review of RT@RO 08 

​

  The release of the Robin Trower Bands live show at the Royal Oak Theatre in Detroit Michigan has been much anticipated by Trower fans world wide. 
 The initial release through Robins own website ( the release into stores will be in the early part of 2009) with its surprise addition of a four song computer dvd from the show 
was a good way to end off a very successful 2008.

 THE SONGS                                              Twice Removed From Yesterday 
                                                                                      Shame The Devil 
                                                                                     For Earth Below 
                                                                                              No Time 
                                                                                       The Fool And Me 
                                                                                    Roads To Freedom 
                                                                                                Islands 
                                                                                     Day Of The Eagle 
                                                                                       Bridge Of Sighs 
                                                                                 Rise Up Like The Sun 
                                                                                  Victims Of The Fury 
                                                                             Gonna Be More Suspicious 
                                                                                               Hannah 
                                                                                 Little Bit Of Sympathy 
                                                                                    Too Rolling Stoned 
                                                                                           Go My Way 
                                                                              Another Time Another Place 

                                  ( although a miss print on the cover lists it as Another Place, Another Time) 
  The set list choices over the last few years I feel, have been a huge part in the resurgence of interest in seeing the shows by fans with more enthusiasm than the late 90's and early 2000 tours because Robin has shown us that he can continue to surprise his audience.  Going back into his catalogue of songs and doing not only a wide selection of songs done in early touring years but also songs like For Earth Below which had never been done live. This set list is one of the best he has come up with since the rejuvenation of interest in touring starting in 2005. 
 The songs on this release have taken on a feel of their own. And Bridge Of Sighs came of with a very different solo and one of the better versions I have heard. Even in a phone conversation with Derek he said he thought BOS was as good as the version on Beyond The Mist.

​

THE BAND 
 For those who didn't get to see them perform this  year now finally get to hear  the incomparable Glenn Letsch , new on bass, after Dave Bronze decided to pursue other avenues.  Those familiar with Glenns background know that he played bass in Gamma (Ronnie Montrose) with Davey Pattison. The two go way back. Glenn also toured with RTB around 1990 for a while. 
Click here to see a few pictures of this band in 1990 
   This was the first time though that Glenn has toured with Pete Thompson and the two meshed perfectly and the rhythm section was solid throughout the tour. Glenns style adds another view on the finished song and his playing pushes Robin differently than Dave did. Outstanding playing and loved the way he does BOS. 
  Davey, once again shines.  After I listened to the cd a few times I had to call him up to tell him what I thought of it. The first thing I said to him was that Hanna was finally his. Not meaning any disrespect of the great great Jimmy Dewar (and Davey knows I would never do that) but this years version and how he did it was his own.  A tough challenge he knows I am sure every time he sings it. When Robin reaches back into the past for song selections it puts a lot of focus on Davey because of the inevitable comparisons to Jimmy Dewar. This last year he has become more comfortable and the songs are taking a different road as each member puts their own voice into them. High points with Davey for me were Hanna and Fool And Me. 
 Petes drumming really stands out in this recording. One of the best drum mixes I have ever heard from a live Trower show and it really showcases what a great drummer Pete is. 
  
 

THE PACKAGE: Two discs, one with actual footage, and a fold out cover with some great pictures, info and comments from the band. Graphic design by my old friend Eric Krause who has done a number of designs for Derek. Eric and I hooked up years ago and we actually met in 2000 when I went to my first Trower show.

 

THE RECORDING 
 mixed and mastered by Marc DeSisto. 
Marc will be sharing a bit of the process and experience for him (he IS a long time Trower fan)  with this site shortly so watch for that. 
 The overall sound of the cd is excellent. A definite live feel but everything was mixed well and you can hear everything that is going on.  Again, one of the better mixing jobs on a live album for Robin The guitar is solid and the vocal mix is in perfect balance to Robins guitar work.  Drums and bass... again well balanced in the mix. A very live feel for me. 
 

A FEW  ISSUES 
  When the cd was cut there were decisions made to edit the show to play on cd players and to allow track skipping they inserted 2 second gaps.  This "gap" unfortunately was not well conceived or received and interfered with some of the tracks and the feel of the show to some.  Personally I didn't care that it was there. 
 I have been openly critical of Robins management for not getting enough live recordings out of the tours. For missing what I see as opportunities to not only feed the Trower Fans  hunger but to make money which enables more tours or recordings. 
People keep saying hey we don't need perfection ...just shows and yet the Trower community  tells of lots of dissatisfied people because of the gaps. 
 Yes it wasn't done right... the gaps on a live recording should not be there.... but they were. There were typo errors on the song list as well  but in the end.... all I see and hear is a great live show, mixed so well that it really sounds like a live Trower show, the band was playing hot and it actually was recorded. Enjoy it, and quite honestly lets just hope that they (whoever was doing this) have learned from it and that the next one will be that much better. This is what we do at work....learn from the errors but as supporters of this band we should encourage more attempts. 
 In talking to Derek, there will be a store versions released sometime in early 2009 with the gaps removed.  I will be ordering one of these also :o) 
 This is better than any boots I have received and also any video recordings.  Derek or Alan Robinson , please continue to get these shows on record because we will buy them all.

 All in all a great package for the price.  We will watch for the store version to come out in 2009. 
 

WHAT'S NEXT

Let's hope that managers of all parties involved (Jack Bruce ) see the potential for recording the shows in Europe with Jack. Again, don't miss what could be the only opportunity to get these two guys recorded. 
 And Derek... please continue to release shows and capture every one you can. I for one, will buy them all.

 

WHAT I HAVE HEARD  FROM THE FANS  FOR THE NEXT TOUR:

 Robin..... please put the ending back on Too Rolling Stoned, it is the best part of the song, it is a "classic" RT song, don't mess with perfection.

 If you are thinking on the 2009 set list, one song we would like to see done again live ...Alethea (with drum solo) this would be a good one to at least consider (noting that it is the #1 song request in our poll as an addition to your set list.)

While nothing is listed yet..... you have to come back to the UK to tour later this year!