Promoting his latest CD, DVD, LP, and SACD release “Relentless” Walter Trout and the Radicals entertained the very enthusiastic Leeds audience with a selection of old and new songs from his thirteen CD releases since leaving The Bluesbreakers in 1989.

In typical style Walter hit the Leeds crowd with a multi-note introduction to “Dust My Broom”, Elmore James' gift to the blues world. Then providing his own enduring and equally classic blues in the key of A-minor, Walter played a beautiful rendition of “Reason I'm Gone”, a fabulous emotion-packed song with wonderful vocals and searing, weeping guitar passages.

Clearly endeared to the audience, which was reciprocal, Walter played some new songs, most of which have a story attached. Walter loves to introduce those songs with a short story as to how he came to write them. One such song is “I'm Tired” the tale of his 18 month old son waking him at 7:30 in the morning after returning from a gig at dawn! Another anecdote preceded “Cry If You Want To”, a slow ballad featuring beautiful harmony vocals from Sammy Avila and tour manager Andrew Elt.

Moving on with another song inspired by Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement was “ Jericho Road ” which has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Putting the pedal down a little more, the band played a rocky “Helping Hand” with Walter's Chuck Berry influence showing through in the solos. Country blues have rubbed off on Walter and the guitar style of “The Life I Chose” illustrated this. A blues with ambiguous lyrics and typically Trout flavoured guitar, it's a nice inclusion to the set. Walter complimented the Leeds audience for their enthusiasm and warmth, proving he has lost none of his popularity in the UK .

The value-for-money concert continued it's locomotion with excellent songs such as “Collingswood” a dramatic lament about an alcoholic parent figure during childhood, then a brilliant new song “The Best You Got” showcased the Radicals with Jimmy Trapp's intricate bass riff and Sammy Avila's keyboard fills, and the skill and showmanship of Joey Pafumi on percussion.

The final number was the mesmerising Hooker/Trout “Serve Me Right To Suffer”. What a fabulous arrangement this is with its ups and downs, its harmonics and riffs, amazing drum solo, understated but powerful bass runs, and Walter's formidable vocal talent.

Most of the fans went home shell-shocked after that performance. I know, I was one of them!

Steve Lally ©