Robin Trower – One Moment In Time: Live In The USA Review
The number 13 is considered unlucky for some, but not for Stratocaster master Robin Trower. His terrifically acclaimed Come And Find Me record from last year (I know it was only a month ago) was a welcome inclusion in Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2025.
In fact, 2025 was quite the highlight reel for the bonafide, legendary British blues-rock guitar statesman. He celebrated his 80th birthday, treated one of his most prominent works, From Earth Below (1975), to the deluxe treatment, and kept his prolific run of classy and captivating work burning (Come and Find Me being his 10th record since 2010!).
Buddy Guy aside, you won’t find many blues or blues-rock guitar octogenerians still in a trailblazing mood, but these two are living proof that age is just a number and resting on your legacy won’t be enough to keep you vital, relevant, and contemporary. Pricking our ears back to the British guitar icon, Trower doesn’t perhaps get slapped with the fame, notoriety, and recognition his mid-rich and creme de la creme musical tone merits.
Erroneously maligned as an Hendrix-clone rather than cherished as one of the true preeminent British greats of blues-rock guitar wizardry, you’ve only got to listen to the first bars of the fresh, funky, and invigorating ear candy of “The Razor’s Edge” to realise you’re in the titanic presence of a true artist and guitar genius.
With material carefully selected by Trower from shows recorded last year at the Music Box At The Bogota in Atlantic City and at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire, he’s perfectly captured the sound and performance of his current trio.
The smoky, throaty delivery of Richard Watts (vocals and bass) and steady yet sterling support from James Taggart on drums allow Robin’s guitar sparks to fly. Lifelong Trower fans (and let’s be honest, guitar lovers in general) will never get bored of the godly riffs, hooks, intensity, and soloing on psychedelic Trower favorites like “Too Rolling Stoned” and “Day Of The Eagle.” The dynamics between voice and guitar are perfectly committed to tape, alongside the insatiable changes in mood and tempo.
As well as the big-hitters, we’re treated to plenty of Trower’s post-millenium work and lesser-known gems. “The Razor’s Edge’ is one of four tracks from 2022’s excellent No Worlds To Conquer album on this 14-track cut, while the slow, sultry pace of the very trippy “Distant Places Of The Heart” is a tasty standout from Trower’s 2007 Seven Moons union with former Cream man Jack Bruce. Haunting and evocative, it feels like the band (and Bruce’s spirit) have taken refuge in your living room. As Trower said of his stage craft: ‘if you do it well, it’s life-affirming.’
One Moment In Time: Live In The USA bears all the hallmarks of a fantastic live recording. Think big, warm, intimate, and potently atmospheric, especially on closer “Birdsong” with its emotive licks, soulful bends, and solo bursting with Trower’s signature wah sound.
Nobody plays guitar like Robin Trower. If you were across the pond on either of these two nights, I really do envy. Simply a breathtaking performance (and moment) from a man who makes me proud to be British.
The Review: 9/10
A Hendrix clone? LOL Jimi has influenced hundreds of guitarists over the years. I remember criticism of SRV playing Voodoo Chile Slight Return Hendrix-style. No, it was a tribute.
I love so many guitarist. The ones that play from the soul that is. Nobody eeks out a note like Trower! Weather the soulless shredders like it or not. And he incorporates serious funk! Ask Joe B or ZW! They will tell you. Love to RT amazing show as always.