Blues legend Robin Trower arrives in Manchester in support of his forthcoming new album due out in late September 2026.
JACK J HUTCHINSON
Jack J Hutchinson has been turning heads in the blues/rock world with his powerful brand of rock music. Through a string of well received albums, he has built a following and it is clear to see why. Whilst not being in the trio configuration on this tour, the duo allow the songs to breathe in a different way. Less grit, more grace.
With just guitar and bass, Hutchinson plays through a set of songs welcomed warmly by the gathering Manchester crowd. His anecdotes that accompany songs are delivered with a warm northern charm. I Will Follow You is a poignant song for his departed father who would ‘much prefer to play some AC/DC!’ It is stirring stuff and shows that Hutchinson is not all gusto.
Soul Believer rounds out the set and ends a brilliant support slot that sets the scene for the main event of the evening. Jack J Hutchinson will have a new album out in the coming months and on this showing, it will be a must listen. Not only that, a tour as a trio will be a treat.
ROBIN TROWER
At 81 years old, Robin Trower has pretty much done it all. His extensive career and extensive discography would leave many an artist and listener in awe. 2026 sees Robin Trower about to release his latest record, Shine. With some new tracks in the set and the obligatory clutch of classics, Trower and his band are full of vigour.
Opening with the classic Too Rolling Stoned, the band find their groove early. This machine is fluid; the right hand firmly knows what the left is up to. Trower lays down solo lines with his signature aplomb. The bass of Richard Watts rumbles along as Chris Taggart holds pace behind the drums. Watts’ vocals are typically strong and his voice fits the bluesy nature of the music like hand in glove.
Live Your Time is one of the tasters of the forthcoming album and it sits perfectly after the classic Too Rolling Stoned. It’s the first of two new tracks, with It’s Not Time also getting a play.
DAY OF THE EAGLE
Naturally, plenty of the biggest moments of the set come from 1974’s Bridge Of Sighs. The early run of albums for Robin Trower after Procol Harum are legendary. Day Of The Eagle and Bridge Of Sighs are perfect bed fellows in the centre of the set. The crowd respond in kind to such legendary material and the band clearly revel in this material. A call of ‘turn it up’ from the crowd is met with laughter. It’s already pretty loud; a testament to the power that this trio possess.
A trip back to Trower’s first solo record, Twice Removed From Yesterday, is included in the form of Daydream, before Little Bit Of Symphony closes out the main set in rip roaring fashion.
An encore made up of two newer songs; The Razor’s Edge and Birdsong, is a testament to the faith that Trower puts in material from the vast amount available. Both are taken from 2022’s No More Worlds to Conquer. It’s an apt way to finish. Robin Trower is all conquering and a genuine living legend. There might be no more world’s to conquer per se; however Trower walks tall in this land. It is a pleasure to watch him play, and to see the smiles emanating from crowd, but also from the band.
Robin Trower: Website