Livin' Every Day
Solo album from the formerCanned Heatguitarist is full of what Walter Trout does best--grungy, gritty guitar riffage set to killer grooves. That pretty much describes the best stuff here, including the opening title track, the rolling "Let Me Know," the funky "Say What You Mean," and the closer "Prisoner of a Dream," which adds horns and organ to the mix. Trout's also played with British blues elderJohn Mayall, and it shows in his solo work--he's got that blues-rock mix that is so typical of British blues, and so appealing when done well, as it is here. He's not quite as good at ballads; "Sweet Butterfly" wanders, and "Fool for Love" doesn't have as strong a base as the more uptempo material. On the other hand, "Through the Eyes of Love" shows that Trout can play guitar clean as well as gritty, and "Nothin' but the Blues" is solid from beginning to end. A strong entry overall, and perfect summer listening. --Genevieve Williams