Robin Trower has taken a lot of heat since leaving Procol Harum for a solo career that many felt was a blatant Hendrix rip-off. No one questioned Trower's masterful technique as a guitarist; instead, his critics were disappointed that he had abandoned the distinctly personal ensemble style he'd developed with Procol Harum.

In City Dreams, however, finds Trower essentially back in his strong suit—R&B. The tone of his playing hasn't changed, but the form is drastically altered from his previous solo efforts. He has absorbed and perfected the challenge Hendrix offered him and come up with a disciplined R&B package recorded in Miami's Criteria studios and directed by veteran soul producer Don Davis.

A key personnel shift underscores Trower's revived commitment to R&B. The addition of bassist Rustee Allen frees James Dewar to work exclusively as the band's vocalist. And, with drummer Bill Lordan, Allen completes a rhythm section that once propelled Sly and the Family Stone. Trower's greatest moments on this record are as part of the rhythm section, where he returns to playing the characteristic fills and brilliant spacing devices largely responsible for his status with Procol Harum. And, of course, there's his lead work, as tensile and meaty as ever, particularly on an astounding rendition of Bobby "Blue" Bland's classic "Farther Up the Road." Trower has vindicated his solo move, and it's good to hear him back in top form. (RS 252)

JOHN SWENSON