Trout’s backstory is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. Five decades in the making; it is equal parts thriller, romance, suspense and horror. There are musical fireworks, critical acclaim and fists-aloft triumph, offset by wilderness years and brushes with the jaws of narcotic oblivion. There are feted early stints as gunslinger in bands from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to Canned Heat, and the solo career that’s still blazing a quarter-century later. The veteran bluesman has seen and done it all, with just one omission: he’s never made a covers album, until now. “Luther Allison’s Blues is my first,” Trout notes. “I’ve thought about doing this album for years. It was just time.”
Of all the peaks in Trout’s trajectory, his abiding memory of the late Chicago bluesman is perhaps the most literal. It’s 1986, and high above Lake Geneva, at the palatial Alpine chalet of late Montreux Jazz Festival Svengali Claude Nobs, lunch is being served. “So we’re up at the top of the Alps,” Trout recalls, “in this big room with John Mayall, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Robert Cray, Otis Rush, and as we’re eating, Dr. John is serenading us on acoustic piano. I was sat there with Luther Allison, and we had a great talk.
“Luther was one of the all-time greats,” Trout continues, “and it was just an unbelievably potent thing to watch him perform. Just the energy and commitment that guy had, he was one of a kind. We played together once, at the Jazz Fest that year, and just as we walked offstage, somebody pointed a camera and we hugged and smiled. And that photo is on the cover of the CD.”When he died [in 1997], the idea of this album was planted in my brain.
Released June 10, 2013 on Provogue Records, this latest collection was bottled at Hollywood’s Entourage Studios alongside producer Eric Corne: the same combination that birthed 2012’s acclaimed solo release, Blues For The Modern Daze. The atmosphere, remembers Trout, was one of spit, grit and seat-of-the-pants energy: “Spontaneity is so important with this sort of music. Everybody was saying, ‘Well, aren’t you gonna get together and rehearse?’, but you don’t want to over-analyse or get too sterile. This album was all pretty much first or second takes. It’s gotta have warts on it. It’s gotta have a bit of grease in it.”
None of which should imply Luther Allison’s Blues was a throwaway project. “At times, it was, like, have I taken on too much here?” admits Trout. “Like, am I actually capable of doing justice to this? To me, Cherry Red Wine is one of the all-time greatest blues songs ever written, and Luther’s original version is so unbelievably passionate and emotional that even to sing it was a daunting task. If I had my way with this album, it would reignite interest in the man and his work, make people go back and check out the originals.”
Trout knows all about the life-shaping power of a great record. Rewind to the mid-Sixties, and he was put on his path by an older brother with a habit of blasting the family home in New Jersey with seminal blues-rock platters from Paul Butterfield’s 1965 debut to John Mayall’s seismic Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. “He brought home John Mayall, and told me, ‘You gotta hear this guy!’” reflects the 62-year-old guitarist, who was soon inspired to buy his first Gibson Les Paul while on a day trip to Philadelphia. “I have fond memories of all those records. I still listen to them.”
Local bands never got the breaks, and in 1973, Trout made the death-or-glory move to LA, where he slept on couches and scrabbled for work. “I came out here and it was a overwhelming thing,” he says, “because I didn’t know anybody. I just started going around to clubs where there were bands playing and asked if I could sit in. My first gig, I was stand-up lead singer in a country band, singing Merle Haggard tunes. And with my third paycheque, I went and bought that Strat that’s still on the cover of all my CDs.”
In a city of Hicksville hopefuls, Trout’s ferocious talent on lead guitar and gift-of-the-gab soon marked him out. “I went to a party and that’s where I met Jesse Ed Davis, who was the first really famous guy I played with,” he remembers, of the sideman era that also saw him work alongside Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulson and Joe Tex. “I just weasled my way into his band, and I was with Jessie for two years.
By 1981, Trout had switched to West Coast boogie-blues titans Canned Heat for a period he diplomatically recalls as “turbulent”, but even this gig was topped three years later by a fantastical phone call from John Mayall, dangling the revered guitar slot in his iconic Bluesbreakers outfit. “As far as being a blues-guitar sideman, that gig is the pinnacle,” states Trout. “That’s Mount Everest. You could play with B.B. King or Buddy Guy, but you’re just gonna play chords all night. This guy features you. You get to play solos. He yells your name after every song, brings you to the front of the stage, and lets you sing. He creates a place for you in the world. Where do you go from there…?”
Trout would answer that question in emphatic style on March 6, 1989. As guitarist, his tenure had brought thrilling flammability to the Breakers’ sound and produced stone-cold classics including One Life To Live, but as the newly sober guitarist played a lavish show at a Gothenburg symphony hall on his 38th birthday, he sensed the hand of destiny. “To walk away from the Bluesbreakers,” he admits, “a lot of people thought was completely crazy, because I could have stayed with John as long as I wanted. I mean, John to this day is like a dad to me. He was behind me when I was all screwed up, kept me in the band, believed in me, and gave me the opportunity to progress and grow up in a certain way. So that was a huge decision, and it was scary, but I had to do it, because I knew I had more, y’know?”
Quarter of a century later, what seemed like career suicide has been vindicated by a thrilling catalogue of 22 solo albums, a still-growing army of fans and accolades including a nod as “the world’s greatest rock guitarist” in legendary DJ Bob Harris’s autobiography The Whispering Years, and a #6 placing on BBC Radio One’s countdown of the Top 20 Guitarists of All Time. Meanwhile, Trout’s most recent original album, Blues For The Modern Daze, was heralded by titles like Classic Rock Blues as perhaps his finest to date. “I feel like with Modern Daze,” he nods, “I found the style I’ve been searching for over 20 albums. It’s working, it comes out good, and I can play it well.”
A lesser artist might rest on such laurels. As Walter Trout powers into his 25th year as a solo star, there’s no whiff of the ennui or creative autopilot that hobbles the later output of most veterans. On the contrary, there’s a sense of growing momentum, perhaps even of a little surprise. “It’s hard to believe I’m still alive, to be honest,” he smiles. “I should have been dead by 30, with the life I was leading. But I still have a career, and at 62, I’m still climbing the ladder, which keeps it exciting, instead of trying to rekindle past glories. I feel like I play with more fire than when I was 25. I’m still reaching, y’know…?”
Walter Trout Battles Liver Disease - Update
Great News
July 19, 2014
Great news: Yesterday, we managed to get the financial aspects handled and Walter was immediately transferred to the state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Center here in Omaha, NE. It is on a hospital campus, so in case he needs it, the hospital services are available to him. However, their focus is to work on strengthening and rehabilitating exclusively! So Walter will be working with occupational and physical therapists all day, and will be able to progress more efficiently.
As we were waiting for the financial aspects of the transfer to come together, Walter got up and took a walk with me. He boogied down the hospital hall faster than he has been able to walk previously. He has a new leg brace that is helping correct some temporary issues with his right foot. I could barely keep up as I clung, at times almost horizontally, to his gate belt while he sprinted past supply carts and rounding doctors! Then he actually ate half of an ice cream sandwich! Both very encouraging events! Other than that he is continuing the tube feeding at the rehabilitation center. But the ability and willingness to actually put food in his mouth…. Awesome!
Thank you to all of you who continue to support us and surround us with your positive energy and love. We really feel it! And it makes a big difference.
I have Skyped and been on the phone with our sons, and they are doing well at home. The neighbors hear them…. I have confirmation of that too, as they are in the garage practicing, jamming, and playing music to their heart’s content from early to late…. Thank you patient, awesome neighbors!!! If all continues to go well, I may even be able to get home to them next week for a little while to partake in the festivities…. We’ll see.
The ebb and flow of life continues to pulsate through our lives. The rollercoaster ride continues. The intensity of the ups and downs is mind-altering! Literally! And I find that as I move through it all, pain and fear are not as scary as my fear of them. I think of the emotions as colors. Is there a bad color? No just different ones that all contribute to the rainbow of potentiality of experience. The trick for me is to keep moving through them and not get stuck. Writing here helps, as do your comments and love, and my morning walks. All of it helps me gain perspective to keep moving and seeing clearly.
As I was contemplating this analogy of emotions being like colors and the importance of moving through them and not get stuck, the universe provided me a beautiful synchronistic affirmation. On my morning walk, I altered my route slightly from my normal one. Suddenly, I saw people in work-out attire coming towards me, one more colorful than the other. When I got close enough, I saw that they were all going to attend the “The Color Run”. A 5K run here in Omaha that celebrates “healthiness, happiness, and individuality.”
Yesterday another affirmation: I had just finished writing about emotional lock-down in my journal, and I got up feeling I had moved through it, and I found a key to the front door that I had missed for a long time. It was hidden in my glasses case in the cloths I use to clean my lenses. Seeing clearly and wiping off my lenses of interpretation unlocks emotions to just be what they are: colors of the emotional rainbow.
The trek continues. We keep moving. And Walter is exactly where he needs to be now. What joy!
Marie
Woman Don't Lie
Walter Trout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why you wanna do me wrong, aha
When you tell me that you love me
Why do you stay out all night long, aha
When you get on down to the real nitty-gritty
Woman, you just might as well tell me why
(tell me why)
Will a matchbox hold my clothes
You been doing me wrong
Trying to throw me outdoors
You expect me to love you, baby
Love you with my heart and soul
See, a love like mine will never grow old
Tell me you love me
Why you wanna do me wrong, ha, tell me girl
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Woman don't lie (don't you lie)
Woman don't lie
Well, if you know you don't love me
Please, tell me the reason why (tell me why)
Well, when it gets on down
To the real nitty-gritty
Please, tell me the reason why
(won't you tell me why)
Sometimes I wonder
Will a matchbox hold my clothes
You been doing me wrong
Trying to throw me outdoors
You expect me to love you, baby
Love you with my heart and soul
A love like mine will never grow old
Tell me you love me
Why why why, the reason why
Tell me the reason why
Well, you tell me you love me
Why why why you wanna do me wrong
Ma ma ma mama when you tell me you love me
Why do you wanna do me wrong
Oh, when you get on down
To the real nitty-gritty
You woman do me wrong
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Don't lie to me
Let's get on down to the real nitty-gritty
Please, tell me the reason why
Tell me the reason why
Well, when you tell me you love me
Woman, you ain't got a lie woman, you lie
The lyrics of Walter Trout's song "Woman Don't Lie" convey a sense of frustration and betrayal in a romantic relationship. The singer is questioning the sincerity of their partner's love and expressing confusion about their actions.
The first stanza addresses the contradiction between their partner professing love while simultaneously engaging in behavior that undermines the relationship. The singer wonders why their partner stays out all night when they claim to love them, emphasizing the disconnect between their words and actions.
In the second stanza, the singer contemplates the possibility of being abandoned by their partner. They feel mistreated and suspect that their partner wants to throw them out of their lives. Despite this, they expect unconditional love and devotion from their partner. The singer believes that true love, like theirs, is everlasting and not subject to fading with time.
The third stanza continues to question the partner's fidelity and seeks an explanation for their hurtful behavior. The singer pleads for honesty, wanting to understand why their partner is betraying them. They desire transparency in the relationship and hope that their partner will reveal the motives behind their actions.
The chorus emphasizes the title of the song and serves as a mantra for the singer. They assert that they want the truth and will not tolerate any lies or deception. The repetition and emphasis on "Woman don't lie" further emphasize the singer's plea for honesty and transparency in the relationship.
Ultimately, the lyrics express the singer's frustration and desire for the truth in a relationship characterized by conflicting words and actions. They are seeking answers and reassurance while grappling with the uncertainty and emotional turmoil caused by their partner's behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
When you tell me you love me
When you express your love for me
Why you wanna do me wrong, aha
Why do you want to deceive me or hurt me?
When you tell me that you love me
When you claim to have affection for me
Why do you stay out all night long, aha
Why do you spend the entire night away from home?
When you get on down to the real nitty-gritty
When you confront the true core of the matter
Woman, you just might as well tell me why
Woman, you might as well explain the true reasons to me
(tell me why)
(please tell me why)
Sometimes I wonder
At times, I question
Will a matchbox hold my clothes
Can a small box hold all my belongings?
You been doing me wrong
You have been treating me badly
Trying to throw me outdoors
Attempting to force me out of the house
You expect me to love you, baby
You anticipate me loving you, my dear
Love you with my heart and soul
Giving you my wholehearted love
See, a love like mine will never grow old
You should understand that my love will remain timeless
Tell me you love me
Inform me of your love
Why you wanna do me wrong, ha, tell me girl
Why do you desire to betray me, tell me, my dear
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Women shouldn't deceive or fib
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Women shouldn't deceive or fib
Woman don't lie (don't you lie)
Women shouldn't deceive or fib
Woman don't lie
Women should be honest and truthful
Well, if you know you don't love me
So, if you are aware that you don't have feelings for me
Please, tell me the reason why (tell me why)
Kindly explain to me the cause or motivation
Well, when it gets on down
So, when it comes to this serious matter
To the real nitty-gritty
To the truth or essence
Please, tell me the reason why
Please, provide me with the true justification
(won't you tell me why)
(could you please tell me why)
Tell me the reason why
Inform me of the true motive
Well, you tell me you love me
So, when you claim that you love me
Why why why you wanna do me wrong
Why, oh why, do you wish to mistreat me?
Ma ma ma mama when you tell me you love me
Oh, dear mother, when you express your love for me
Why do you wanna do me wrong
Why do you desire to treat me badly?
Oh, when you get on down
Oh, when you finally confront
To the real nitty-gritty
The genuine truth or essence
You woman do me wrong
You, as a woman, mistreat me
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Women should refrain from deceiving or fibbing
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Women should refrain from deceiving or fibbing
Woman don't lie (woman don't lie)
Women should refrain from deceiving or fibbing
Don't lie to me
Please, don't deceive me
Let's get on down to the real nitty-gritty
Let's delve into the absolute truth or essence
Please, tell me the reason why
Kindly provide me with the true justification
Tell me the reason why
Inform me of the true motive
Well, when you tell me you love me
So, when you express your love for me
Woman, you ain't got a lie woman, you lie
Woman, you don't need to deceive, but you do
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@beercoffeecompany9916
Blues will never die
@misslainy1
This is another KA performed by Walter and Sugaray...I love this!
@Majestics191
Great tune, Walter!
@DaveSadlerMusic
A great take on Luther "Snake Boy" Johnson's classic!
@henkkruidenier1238
Coooool Song Walter ~^^;;^^~ Cheeeeerzzz Greeeetzzz Henk.
@jimmyrburns6820
Hey,....Knock 'em dead, Walter.
@adamberwick2644
Ever since God 🙏 created Adam &Eve we as Men have been Cursed by Women's Lies Damn them All...