Review: Robin Trower Feat. Sari Schorr ‘Joyful Sky’
By Marc Dorian
British guitar legend Robin Trower has joined forces with the acclaimed New York-based vocalist Sari Schorr for their upcoming album, ‘Joyful Sky,’ scheduled for release on October 27 via the Provogue/Mascot Label Group. This collaboration is a testament to Trower’s unwavering creativity and refusal to slow down, even at age 78.
Trower’s illustrious career in rock guitar first gained prominence during his tenure with the 1960s sensation Procol Harum. His gold-selling 1974 solo album, ‘Bridge of Sighs,’ which reached #7 on the US Billboard chart, solidified his enduring reputation. Over the years, Trower has consistently delivered remarkable musical projects as a solo artist and collaborator, working with talents such as Jack Bruce and participating in the United State Of Mind supergroup alongside Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown.
The inclusion of Sari Schorr as the vocalist for ‘Joyful Sky’ took a roundabout route. Initially, Trower’s manager, who also manages Schorr, inquired if he would be interested in doing some songwriting for her. Trower’s first inclination was to hear how Schorr would interpret his song, “I Will Always Be Your Shelter,” a track from his previous release, ‘No More Worlds To Conquer.’ Trower rearranged the song for her, and from there, the project grew. The album’s ten tracks comprise a mix of rearranged pre-existing songs tailored to Schorr’s voice, while others were entirely new.
Schorr notes, “The songs that Robin wrote felt so natural to me. Not having the pressure to write allowed me to just be a storyteller. I had so much faith in his vision.”
Sari Schorr is a powerhouse vocalist and a member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame. With two studio albums and a live recording under her name, her sultry, smoky voice seamlessly fits the rock, blues, and R&B-flavored sounds of ‘Joyful Sky.’
The lead single, “Burn,” is the album’s smoldering opener. The slow blues number exploring the theme of soothing a partner finds Sari’s soulful vocals in full force.
“I’ll Be Moving On” has a bit of a mysterious sound to it and drips with emotive vocals. While Schorr wails over the break-up song with her lower and upper range on display, Trower lends tasty guitar licks and phrasing throughout.
“The Distance” amps up the rock element, standing out as one of the album’s strongest cuts. Trower lays down a gritty, melodic guitar riff with his Strat over some interesting chordal movement while Schorr belts out the tale of reminiscing about days gone by.
The title track of the album, “Joyful Sky,” addresses some of Trower’s political concerns. However, the chorus serves as a reminder to remain positive and seize life’s opportunities. Trower’s effects-soaked guitar work adds to the song’s dramatic atmosphere, culminating in a lyrical solo.
Fans of extended, 70s-style songs will revel in “The Circle Is Complete,” which surpasses 7 minutes in length. The track delivers a two-part experience reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s “Layla.” It transitions from a bass-driven rocker with scorching guitar solos to a slow, moody instrumental outro. This is quintessential Robin Trower presented here.
The album closes with the previously mentioned “I Will Always Be Your Shelter.” This rendition is a little moodier, and as Trower had suspected, the chorus serves as a perfect vehicle for Schorr’s vocals to soar and shine.
In ‘Joyful Sky’ featuring Sari Schorr, Robin Trower has once again discovered a winning collaboration, dishing out a mix of rock, blues, and soulful songs that highlight his timeless creativity as a guitar legend.
“I’ll Be Moving On”
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