Walter Trout announces new studio album 'Ordinary Madness'
It's released later this summer
Last updated 15th Jun 2020
US blues marvel Walter Trout will release his brand-new studio album ‘Ordinary Madness’ on Friday 28th August 2020 via Provogue.
Featuring 11 original compositions, Ordinary Madness was completed a few days before America went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Walter says the record is highly relevant for these turbulent times.
“There’s a lot of extraordinary madness going on right now,” Walter says of COVID-19. “This album started because I was dealing with the flaws and weakness inside me. But it ended up being about everyone.”
Honest and open in its subject matter, ‘Ordinary Madness’ touches upon themes including Walter's troubled youth and his own battle with mental health.
“Everybody is dealing with something,” Walter says. “And I’m no different from anybody else. Ordinary Madness doesn’t mean you’re gonna end up in a mental institution. It’s just being human. It’s common humanity.”
Watch the ‘Wanna Dance’ official lyric video:
‘Ordinary Madness’ features an array of musicians including Michael Leasure (drums), Johnny Griparic (bass) and Teddy ‘Zig Zag’ Andreadis (keys) – along with long-time producer Eric Corne, plus special guests Skip Edwards, Drake ‘Munkihaid’ Shining and Anthony Grisham. Additionally, Walter’s son Jon Trout created the electronic intro for opening song and title track ‘Ordinary Madness’.
The album was recorded at the private Los Angeles studio of Doors guitarist Robby Krieger. Walter comments: “The whole place is full of vintage gear, and it’s all there for you, whatever you want. The keyboard that Ray Manzarek used in The Doors – it’s just f---ing sitting there.
“I remember, on the rhythm track for ‘OK Boomer’, Michael Dumas, who runs the studio, comes walking in and says: ‘Here’s the SG that Robby used in The Doors – wanna try this?’ Then, for the rhythm guitar on Heartland, he says: ‘Here’s one of James Burton’s Paisley Telecasters...’”
Songs include ‘The Sun Is Going Down’, which is about aging and facing up to death, a Pink Floyd influenced opus called ‘Up Above My Sky’ and a highly poignant ‘All Out Of Tears’, which is a collaboration with blues singer Teeny Tucker and a tribute to her late son.
Walter says: “As the lyric says in Up Above My Sky, sometimes you have to see through the darkness to find the light. I can’t wait get back out there again, meet the people at shows, hug them and pose for a photo. And I’m really looking forward to playing these songs live. Because I think this album speaks to these times…”
The ‘Ordinary Madness’ track-listing is as follows:
1) Ordinary Madness
2) Wanna Dance
3) My Foolish Pride
4) Heartland
5) All Out of Tears
6) Final Curtain Call
7) Heaven In Your Eyes
8) The Sun Is Going Down
9) Make It Right
10) Up Above My Sky
11) OK Boomer
Walter Trout tours in the UK in January 2021 for a seven-date headline trek as part of a bigger European tour. Head to Planet Rock Tickets to buy tickets.
See Walter Trout at the following shows:
JANUARY 2020
Bury St Edmunds The Apex – 13th
Holmfirth Picturedrome – 14th
Buxton Opera House – 17th
London Islington Assembly – 19th
Brighton Concorde – 20th
From Cheese & Grain – 22nd
Gateshead Sage – 25th