Guitarist At Cotton Club

It seems like its been years since we’ve heard from notable blues-rocker Pat Travers, who plays the Cotton Club in Hayden, Idaho, on Saturday.

There’s a good reason for this.

Until 1992, the singer-guitarist, known mostly for his smoking version of “Boom, Boom (Out Go The Lights),” hadn’t recorded an album in eight years.

Personal problems, stemming from alcoholism and divorce, had curbed the Canadian guitarist’s desire to make music.

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Travers was considered one of the most influential guitarists in the world.

He reinvented the blues with his playing. However, he told Guitar Player in 1993 that much of this was the result of hearing the blues second- and thirdhand during his formative years. In other words, he gained more knowledge from Eric Clapton than he did from Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon or John Lee Hooker.

During the late ‘70s, Travers released a string of top-selling albums, including the multi-platinum live LP, “Go For What You Know,” in 1979.

Since returning from his lengthy absence, the guitarist has recorded three, hard-edged, blues albums - “Blues Magnet,” “Blues Tracks” and the newly released “Halfway To Somewhere.” However, these albums might be hard to find since they’re all on independent labels.

Travers last played the area at a concert featuring Great White, Edgar Winter and Head East at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds in August. Spokane rocker Wiser Sin opens the show.

Concert starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are available at G&B and at the Cotton Club. You must be at least 21; bring your ID.