Throughout his fifty-year career, the American blues artist's music has always served as a lifeline and a reminder to his fans that they are not alone. This year the world was hit by a pandemic and WALTER TROUT said: "Some unbelievably crazy things are happening right now." About the new material "Ordinary Madness", he continued: "I started the record based on my own shortcomings and weaknesses, but it ended up being about all of us."

Trout has played together with eminent musicians such as JOHN LEE HOOKER, been a member of CANNED HEAT and JOHN MAYALL’S BLUESBREAKERS. His solo career began in 1989 and of course many albums have been made. The new "Ordinary Madness" was released on August 28 this year, via Provogue Records and was produced by Eric Corne. Once again the recordings took place at THE DOORS Robby Krieger's private studio in Los Angeles. "The studio is full of old recording equipment and instruments, so it is just to pick and choose", says Trout. The work was completed only days before the US shut down due to Covid 19.

It swings in a rolling way, thanks to a bunch of talented musicians and especially Walter himself. The music just seems to flow out from him, like a never-ending source. Here we find reflection and everything is served in an honest way. The guitarist also tells: “In recent years, I have broken the little finger on my left hand three times, so it took a while to fix my guitarplaying. Several of my solos reflect my anger and frustration.” He adds: ”I really like the solo on the title track. I did it two or three times, but then I nailed it.”

WALTER TROUT has now written some of his most openhearted lyrics ever. He says: "Everyone has their own problems and I am no exception. 'Ordinary Madness' does not mean that you end up in a hospital. This is something human. It is completely natural.” The song with the same name opens up this production. The electronic intro is sound and words in a messy mix, made by his eldest son Jon Trout. The result creates an emotion of the title. When the music begins, then the lovely, slowly moving blues-rhythm comes and calms you down. With a light laugh in his soft voice, he sings to us on a friendly level. You recognize yourself. Everyone sometimes experiences a little ordinary madness in themselves, of the everyday kind and it is of course everywhere, all around us too. It is called life. This brilliant composition has a noticeable closeness and Trout's guitarplaying is so beautiful.

In "Wanna Dance" you can hear nice drums and bass, as well as a phenomenal guitar playing. Walter can also sing with feeling. Now and then, like here, the voice is raspy and lively. In a cool way, everything becomes so emotional and genuine. It feels deep inside and is uplifting. Apart from the voice, the way the man sings is absolutely superb. The lyrics are not just delivered. Walter really thinks about what he sings and a contact is created with the listener.

"My Foolish Pride" is like a slowly boiling sauce with its countryblues, but the soft melody gives a hovering summer feeling. The sauce continues to simmer in "Heartland". However, here is a fantastic, exquisite play on the six strings.

Emotional, clear tones that take a hold on you, flow out of Trout's instrument in "All Out Of Tears". This song is so heartbreakingly wonderful that I am completely touched and almost without words. Much depends on the lyrics, but once again Walter proves what an outstanding guitarist he is. It is not just technique and delivery, but here we find a soulful playing. You are captured by the naturalness. He has written a few tunes together with his wife, Marie Trout. Here they also worked with the American blues singer & songwriter TEENY TUCKER and it is a tribute to her deceased son, but I cried even before I knew that.

"Final Curtain Call" offers a nice, swaying pace. Happy tones in the music are spiced up by harmonica, played by Walter himself, in an enjoyable way. But the track probably becomes better live, when the audience can sing "ooa" too. Here it almost tends to be a little teasing or too repetitious. Apart from that detail, the mood is lifted by a pleasant musical flow.

"The Sun Is Going Down" starts with vocals a cappella. Then follows a powerful playing on the strings. The artist has a touch of Rock in his blues voice, with both heaviness and mildness. I call this tune cowboy boots-blues, when an inner image of a person with such boots and hat appears, sitting on a porch in southern America. The piece was actually made about aging, when it feels like time is running out. To accept that, so you can be able to continue living.

That he loves Rock'n'roll is heard in the finishing "OK Boomer". Many people can probably agree with the line ”I love my music loud”. It is excellent Bluesrock that makes me smile. The title refers to a fairly new expression, which younger people use about older people they think are too old-fashioned. (Actually specifically those who were born during the baby boom 1946 - 1964.) You could say that the teenagers are rolling with their eyes, when someone does not understand what the youngsters mean. I do not know if the singer & guitarist is joking a bit about it, but probably he does. Trout sings about himself as the boomer he is, but that it is ok.

WALTER TROUT is longing to do concerts again, meet the people at the gigs, hug them and pose for pictures. He says: "I really look forward to playing these songs live, because the record reflects our time now..." Personally, I think this is an album that is also suitable to lie on the couch and enjoy. The music spreads in the body and can fill anyone with peace and calm. (Anna)

Bewertung:

 8,5 / 10

Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 57:43 min
Label: Provogue Records
Veröffentlichungstermin: 28.08.2020