Originally published by L.S Media. May 27th 2012.
L.S. Media Rating ****
When it comes to modern day-post war Blues guitarists, few can touch Walter Trout. With the very obvious exception of Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout stands above most giants of the genre and his latest album Blues For The Modern Daze is a testimony to the longevity and brilliance of the man’s work and sheer volume of work he has been associated with.
It may surprise many who don’t normally keep up with the world away from the latest attempts of pop culture to subjectively create passing forms of entertainment that won’t be around beyond the end of the current decade. However this is only Walter Trout’s fifth solo album and after many years working alongside the likes of The Radicals and John Mayall, it has the hallmarks of a genuine classic.
The American blues guitarist pulls something rather special out of the bag for this album and the creativity that comes from within is not only spirited but shows the dedication that is needed to become of the all-time greats of any genre and any profession. Blues For The Modern Daze kicks off in fine style with the great track, Saw My Momma Crying. Whilst in some hands this song could have the usual detractors decrying blues’ preoccupation for baring the weathered soul and having the admonishment of other music types spouting off about how the genre always reverts to stereotypical type, In Walter Trout, its gutsy yet beautiful and heart rendering lyrics take it past anything that can be thrown at it.
The album itself is a collection of fine songs all written by Trout, his presence never wavers from the patient build up provided and in songs such as Money Rules the World, Brother’s Keeper and the title track Blues For The Modern Daze, there is an element of undeniable brilliance which is captured and revelled in to the point where the listener becomes embroiled in the work and it is a moment of despairing realisation when the album comes to its untimely ending.
An absolute wonderful moment in time for Blues guitar and an album that’s sure to be highly recommended and enjoyed.
Ian D. Hall