Album Notes

Trout FIshing in America reaches a new level in their musical career with the release of their ninth CD, Closer To The Truth. These imaginative and perceptive songs of Idlet & Grimwood's are filled with thoughtful lyrics, powered by wit, humor and stellar musicianship. These are songs that provide more than a slice of life - these songs bring the listener Closer To The Truth.

CREDITS:
David Angel -Violin
Dale Armstrong - Drums
Fred Bogert - Synthesizer, Guitar, Piano, Cornet, Marimba, Organ (Hammond), Producer, Fender Rhodes
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Hoyt Dooley - Mastering
Jerry Douglas - Dobro
Fast Frederick - String Arrangements
Chris Ferrara Artwork - Photography
Keith Grimwood - Guitar (Bass), Vocals, Harmony Vocals, Bass (Upright), Clevenger Bass
Shawn Harris - Timbales, Pans
Steve Hinson - Pedal Steel
Ezra Idlet Guitar - (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Bass), Guitar (Electric), Vocals, Guitar (12 String), Harmony Vocals
Bob Mason - Cello
Chris Munson - Drums
Tim O'Brien - Mandolin
Anders Osborne - Slide Guitar
Lee Owen Banjo - Udu
Randy Powers - Photography
Mickey Raphael - Harmonica
Carl Tatz - Audio Consultant

REVIEWS:

DIRTY LINEN
August/September 2001

Emerging from the ashes of the Houston-based group St. Elmo's Fire in the late 70s, TFIA is a quirky pair of musicians. Establishing their own independent label Trout Records in 1990 with the debut Trout is Stranger than Fishin', Ezra Idlet (guitar/vocals) and Keith Grimwood (bass/vocals) split time between adult-oriented and children's music. With Closer To The Truth, TFIA aims for an older market, yet a not-so-subtle whiff of naivete and humor dominates the music.

The pair are obviously musically talented, whether or not one appreciates their wit. Assisted by Jerry Douglas, Vassar Clements, and Tim O'Brien, Idlet and Grimwood balance Closer To The Truth with a handful of 'serious' songs, such 'there You Go' and 'Big Boys in Bad Shape.' Perhaps their greatest asset is instrumentation multiplicity: While there is a definite pattern throughout the album, every song is fortified by the choice of instruments used. Whether it be harmonica, steel guitar, or cello, the instruments lend each song a distinctive stamp. And this allows Closer To The Truth a variety that is often lacking with artists of the same ilk.

Humor can often have a short shelf life. That is not so with TFIA. The duo understands the importance of change and deviates accordingly throughout this baker's dozen of songs. It is evident that TFIA has been around for quite some time. The duo has a clear handle on their music and consistently release well-recorded and structured offerings. This one is no different.

SONGWRITER'S MONTHLY
Dec. '99

The Trouts are quite an amazing pair of writers. Great ideas and clever lines seem to come naturally to these guys. They can write a great song about anything from dogs chasing cars to people getting older. Keith and Ezra have a gift, lucky for us they like to share. Revealing and universal, this is an album that really should be in your collection...especially if you want to have a look at how great songs are constructed.