Page 83 - ION INDIE MAGAZINE_NOVDEC 2017

It was a packed audience, the biggest I have seen at
WALTER TROUT WITH WILL WILDE Worthing Pier. But that’s a testament to the
popularity and draw of Walter Trout. Walter is

widely recognized in the blues genre as a master of
his craft and known for his powerful blues
performances -- Trout hits the stage like a tsunami.

After the break and introductions were made by the
always zany and comical Phil Duckett, it was finally

time for Walter and his band to take centre stage --
including Michael Leasure on drums, Sammy Avila
on keys, and new boy, Danny Avila, Sammy’ son, on
bass, making his first visit to our shores. Walter, as
most of the audience was aware, is a man who is just
glad to be here. In fact, he is glad to be anywhere
after suffering a serious life-threating illness. His life
th
was saved in the 11 hour when he received a liver
transplant. Walter expressed his heartfelt gratitude

to the donor who saved his life. Thus, although
Walter plays the blues, his music is a gleeful
celebration of life.

His new #1 Billboard blues album, aptly titled “We Are All In This Together,” boasts an

impressive line-up of some of the best in music today: John Mayall, Joe Bonamassa, Kenny
Wayne Shepherd, Warren Haynes, Eric Gales, Sonny Landreth, Joe Louis Walker, Robben
Ford, Edgar Winter, Mike Zito, Randy Bachman, John Nemeth, Charlie Musselwhite and
his own son, Jon Trout.

It was apparent to all within earshot that Walter carried to the stage a renewed gusto for

life, playing with joyful abandon. Trout deftly delivered a dynamic display of full-power
blues/rock, served up with hefty doses of scintillating guitar work. Throughout his set, he
was cheered on by his attentive audience, whose whoops and hollers affirmed their
rapturous enjoyment of the night’s offerings, echoing the sentiment that they were “all
in this together”. For one member of the audience celebrating his birthday, his evening
was topped off when he was asked to “party” on stage with Walter for a couple of songs.
In fact, in keeping with the all-inclusive theme, Walter called on local musicians to join
him on stage…the more, the merrier!