Robin Trower and Strange Vine

While growing up by the seaside in the sunny town of Southend-On-Sea, Trower’s early interest in music was evident through his attempts to start numerous bands. After his latest effort, “The Jam” disbanded, Trower joined Gary Brooker, his schoolfriend, to play for his band, Procul Harum.

This progressive and psychedelic rock band, named after a friend’s pet cat, provided Trower with the musical outlet he had been looking for in his formative years. Procul Harum saw instant success with their Barouque style debut single, “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The song was a commercial success, topping charts and selling millions of copies worldwide and was seen by many as the theme song to 1967’s summer of love.

Trower continued his work with Procul Harum for a number of years, touring and playing notable shows, such as the Isle of Wight festival and an opening slot on a Jimi Hendrix tour. After releasing five albums with the band, he left to start his own project, “The Robin Trower Band” in 1973.

With a new band came a new sound, and many of the band’s early albums were recognised for their Hendrix influenced style, most notably 1974’s “Bridge of Sighs”. The Robin Trower Band has released 19 studio albums since 1973, plus collaborative albums with the likes of Bryan Ferry and Jack Bruce. The band’s latest effort was 2013’s “Roots And Branches”.

He is considered by many as an icon in the guitar world, and has influenced man blues and rock ‘n’ roll fans with his signature bends and solos. Trower himself cites James Brown’s ability to merge the two genres as a major influence on him.