If you've bought Walters latest release "Go The Distance", (at the time of this review) then you have two of the four songs that are on this EP release. The songs are comprised of two new versions of 'Go The Distance' (one a radio edit), 'Looking for the Promised Land' and 'Bugle Billy'. After the September 11 terrorist attack, Walter went into the studio and recorded a revised version of 'Go The Distance' which fits perfectly with the mood of the Country. As always, Water tells a great story and the guitar playing is killer. His guitar licks are real, comprised of the guitar plugged straight into the amp without any fancy effects or tricks. All the sound comes from Walter's Fingers and his manipulation of the guitar's volume control.
'Go The Distance' was the story of someone who refuses to give up and keeps fighting until he wins. Walter revised it to reflect the mood of the Country after the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. This is a great anthem that I can see working in any size venue. A portion of the sale of this CD will be donated to www.libertyunites.org. There are two versions on this CD, the full length 4:55 song and a 4:30 radio edit.
'Looking for the Promised Land' is a song that would fit perfectly into any "Jesus Rock" band set list. Again it's a positive uplifting song about the struggle of man who keeps looking for the promised land.
'Bugle Billy' is one of the most emotional songs I have heard in a long time. It was written for a friend of Walter's who died in Vietnam. Everytime I hear it, it brings back the emotions that I felt when I was in Washington DC and went down to see the "Wall". Seeing a friends name that you used to hang around with in high school is sobering and very emotional. Walter has perfectly captured this emotion and the feelings I felt in this song.
Bottom Line: If you already own "Go The Distance," then you may not think the cost is worth it, unless you wish to assist with donations to www.libertyunites.org. If your a fan of Walter Trout, (and you should be!), then you will most likely want this EP, just to be a completist. If you haven't heard of Walter Trout, then this CD would be a good introduction. His CD "Live Trout." a two CD set recorded in Tampa, Florida a last year would also be a great introduction to his music. Walter is a great story teller, and a fine guitar player. He is very well known all over Europe and is now starting to break in the United States where his shows are attracting more fans each time he plays a venue. Check out Walter Trout now!
Walter Trout - Vocals, Guitar
James Trapp - Bass
Bernard Pershey - Drums
Bill Mason - Keyboards
web site: www.rufrecords.de
Walter Trouts Official Web Site www.waltertroutband.com
This review is copyright © 2002 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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