RIK EMMETT & DAVE DUNLOP THE TROUBS – reCOVERy Room 9

Last week we presented at 0dayrox Triump’s guitarist / singer Rik Emmett album ‘Then Again… Acoustic Selections from the Triumph Catalogue’, now here’s another disc with Rik involved, requested many times here: his project alongside guitarist Dave Dunlop THE TROUBS, and their album “reCOVERy Room 9“.

Also known as Strung-Out Troubadours, ‘The Troubs’ Rik Emmett & Dave Dunlop have been playing together for almost ten years. “reCOVERy Room 9”, as the title suggests, it’s an album entirely of covers, recorded live in the studio Room 9 in Toronto, Canada. The two were kicking around ideas to help flesh out their set list and were considering what cover songs they’d like to perform.
One of the joys of recording an album of covers, said Emmett, is it’s a way to break down people’s conceptions of the style of musician he is.
“It became a bit of a game, making the list” said Emmett. “Then we looked at it as being a challenge to come up with some songs that would be unexpected (coming from us)”. It let me step so far out of what people think is Rik Emmett’s comfort zone” he said. “People didn’t expect that, and I think that’s very cool.”

Emmett is one of the best musicians Canada has ever produced. The years have been kind to him, as he still retains his unique vocal styling, while his guitar skills are better now than ever.
Always a skilled acoustic player, Emmett shines on The Troubs rendition of the Police classic “Message in a Bottle” and the Don Henley’s hit “The Boys of Summer”. These are two of the finest songs played as each retains much of the original but still works very well unplugged.
Also the Billy Joel song “Always a Woman” it’s wonderfully done on guitar without the famed piano man’s input.

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” features a heartrending vocal performance by Rik, and a very nice fingerpickin’ fight between the both talented guitarists.
One of Emmett’s favourite songs on the album is “The Galaxy Song”. It’s written by Monty Python’s Eric Idle and fans of the seminal comedy troupe will remember it from the movie Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. It’s an irreverent and fun song, and Emmett pushed hard to have it included on the album.
“I had to sell Dave on it because he originally didn’t want to do it at all,” said Emmett. “I told him to just trust me and that it’s going to be fun. It turned out great and the solo Dave plays on it is just brilliant”.

Anything Rik Emmett is involved with will be done with finesse, class and professionalism. He is a consummate performer and Dunlop is the perfect person to play with Rik.
The duo obviously is having a great time paying homage to their peers on “reCOVERy Room 9”. One would not necessarily know that from the album cover, as it appears both performers are nodding off into the darkness.
Don’t be fooled by the photo though, as these guys put on a great, albeit, mellow acoustic set that showcases another facet of talented Rik Emmett.
Highly Recommended

01 – I Hear You Knockin’
02 – Message in a Bottle
03 – The Boys of Summer
04 – Superstition
05 – Always a Woman
06 – Born to Run
07 – I’ve Just Seen a Face
08 – Have a Little Faith in Me
09 – The Galaxy Song
10 – Light Of Day
11 – State Of Grace
12 – Faithful Stranger (Love Returns)

Rik Emmet – vocals, guitar
Dave Dunlop – guitar, backing vocals, percussion

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Recovery-Room-9-Troubs/dp/B008O4AN74
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