Courtesy of Robin Trower Com

Among the most underrated singer-bassists from the classic rock era, the late, great Scotsman James Dewar anchored Robin Trower’s groundbreaking ensembles throughout the 1970s, including the ex-Procol Harum guitarist’s masterpiece Bridge of Sighs in 1974.

With a battered Fender Precision and gritty vocals ala Ray Charles, Paul Rodgers, Frankie Miller and Otis Redding, Dewar and Trower soared in tandem – melding blues, progressive, and hard rock which inspired a generation of rockers. 

Before Dewar’s work with Robin, James served as the bassist for Stone the Crows for two seminal slabs: their self-titled debut, and Ode to John Law both in 1970. Dewar also released a fine solo slab Stumbledown Romancer which was recorded in the 70s but not released until 1998.  Dewar passed in 2002 from a rare disease.

John Dewar Sound & Vision…

Stone the Crows and Maggie Bell “Love ‘74” https://youtu.be/YkK49SmUycE

“Bridge of Sighs” https://youtu.be/sBQXeb5iJCg

“A Little Bit of Sympathy” https://youtu.be/DjdRzl2PMGU

“Too Rolled Stoned” https://youtu.be/Xpu66oLjWmk

“Stumbledown Romancer” https://youtu.be/hHrqGteD1kc

A master of the “heavy” groove with a “no frills,” soulful rhythmic approach – Glenn Letsch has been called upon to wax sides and anchor ensembles led by guitar legends Ronnie Montrose and Robin Trower along with such artists as Gregg Allman, Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain, among others, for a few generations and counting.

An author (Bass Lessons with the Greats, Bass Masters Class, Bass for Beginners, R & B Bass, Country Bass, James Brown Bass, among others), educator (Diablo Valley College, Bass Guitar-The Lowdown with Glen Letsch),  private instructor, recording artist, session cat, sideman, bandleader – Glenn cites James Jameson, Greg Ridley as his primary influences as a bass player, and Jonathan Cain as a profound mentor as a musician.

Notes John Wardlaw in a Ronnie Montrose fan-site interview with Glenn:  I’d have to say I learned the most playing and recording with Jonathan Cain (keyboardist and songwriter for Journey). His knowledge of music and his feel for the right thing put him on a very special level. It’s not so much that he overtly “teaches.” Rather, you learn alot by paying very close attention to – his songwriting method, his song arrangements, and his
quest for “reasonable perfection” in the studio (he recognizes when we’ve got the rippin’ take, and knows when to stop). Jonathan is successful because he knows what he’s doing. Additionally, he always writes tremendous and often times, involved bass lines on his demos. He expects you to match those parts note for note. And then, if you can, beat them. So, he always encourages excellence AND creativity. If you have something you want to say on your instrument, and it’s right, he’s always ready for it.

Dig Glenn workin’ the pocket with Jonathan Cain “Waiting on the Wind” https://youtu.be/EbaptGeuO5k

Dig Glenn live with Gamma “Ready for Action” https://youtu.be/WDVXmex8fjE

Dig Glenn tearin’ it up on “Bernadette with Glenn” Letsch & Friends: https://youtu.be/55uBfFuBC1U

Dig Glenn workin’ the Jamerson pocket again on his rendition of “What’s Goin’ On” https://youtu.be/XjPZXmmvD9U

Dig Glenn with Robin Trower The Playful Heart https://youtu.be/gF8podHnYNc

For all things Glenn Letsch – dig www.GlennLetsch.Com

He’s among the most prolific UK studio cats / sidemen whose basslines have anchored seminal sides by Eric Clapton (From The Cradle, Pilgrim), Eric Bibb, Robin Trower, Gary Moore (Blues for Jimi), my doppelganger Andy Fairweather-Low, Bo Diddley, and with various artists on The Concert for George.

Dave Bronze is a pocket and melodic player who also plies his craft on upright and extended range, always in the service of the almighty song. Aside from the aforementioned guitar gods, you’ve heard Dave with Colin Blunstone, Tom Jones, Chris Farlow, Paul Carrack, and Art of Noise, to cite a select few.

Dig Dave with Slowhand from “Blues With Russell” https://youtu.be/KP5Zn-onAk0

He had the daunting task of succeeding Larry Graham in Sly & the Family Stone – on Larry’s recommendation – and James Dewar in Robin Trower’s iconic 70s ensembles, affording the virtuoso guitarist a decidedly funkier disposition as Dewar set aside the bass to concentrate on his vocals.

Rustee Allen (sometimes referred to as “Rusty” on album credits) is a soulful pocket and harmonic player who also cut sides and/or worked on stage with Angela Bofill, Rose Stone, George Clinton, and Bobby Womack, among others.

Check out http://www.rusteeallen.com/ for all things Rustee Allen!

Rustee Allen Sound & Vision…

Robin Trower:

“In City Dreams” https://youtu.be/Ua_uPPv90Kw 

“Caravan to Midnight” https://youtu.be/GcHR3lxqsUg

Sly Stone:

“If You Want Me To Stay” https://youtu.be/gZFabOuF4Ps

“Keep On Dancin’  https://youtu.be/TwGt12ywrZs