Henry Yates & Walter Trout - 'Rescued From Reality: The Life And Times Of Walter Trout'

The journey Trout took and the honesty in which he talks about his life makes this book truly fascinating.

Published by: MLG Publishing

Walter Trout is a well-respected blues guitarist, who before venturing on an acclaimed solo career was in Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Put like that, this book sounds marginally interesting; however the journey Trout took and the honesty in which he talks about his life makes this book truly fascinating.

Written by Henry Yates as a transcript of many hours of interviews with Trout, the story stretches from a far from idyllic childhood in Ocean City, New Jersey (yes, Trout is part of the auspicious NJ alumni) to the present day.  The present day consists of the launch of a new album, ‘The Blues Came Callin’ and a debilitating liver condition and subsequent transplant which has resulted in a dramatic weight loss with Trout now almost unrecognisable.

Sandwiched in between this A4 sized book are astounding high quality colour photos of the man in action; unquestionably one of the blues rock greats with his band who are virtuosos in their own right.



In terms of key stories in the book, Trout moving away from drugs and drink is told earnestly but his marriage to Marie Brændgaard takes primacy. They have three children together and Marie also became his manager and turned his life around financially. As a result since the mid-90s, Trout has been in charge of his own destiny and can chose producers and recording locations etc. and has become such a force in the Blues Rock world.

There are no discographies or tour lists included, it is not that type of book; the story of Trout is told via Henry Yates in a high level way dipping into specific detail as appropriate. However, there is certainly enough for the reader to discover the true essence of Trout’s story and its lows and highs. It is clear that Trout is very supportive of young musicians making their way through the ranks - probably due to his mixed experience with his brushes with heroes (for example Duke Ellington being inspirational, whereas some notable others were much less impressive).

Hopefully there is much more to come of Walter Trout; the current news (just post the end of this book) is that Trout has had a liver transplant but there are complications and the operation was just one important step on his road to recovery. 

Rob McKenzie

Paperback, 128 pages, 10.5” x 8”, colour and b&w photos throughout.
Details at www.mascotlabelgroup.com