Classic Rock Album of the Day- Robin Trower - Bridge of Sighs- (1974) *** 1/2
I have seen quite a few great blues/rock guitarist in my life, including , SRV, Johnny Winter, and Billy Gibbons, and several others. But one in particular I want to recognize that has someone been lost in the sands of times is the great Robin Trower. There was a period of time in the early to mid 1970's that record companies and their execs would hype the "New Hendrix". Trower fresh from Procol Harum fame, was the latest installment in that process.
Robin Trower is definitely in that elite class, but when was the last time while listening to classic rock stations, do you hear any of his classic works especially from his second album (this one) or the subsequent one "For Earth Below". For me to pick one of these two was tough. Almost a coin toss. The only reason I chose Bridge, was because the best 3 from this one, is just a tad better than the latter. I also gave this one a nod, in that the solos seem more intense and technically tight. There were some crazy innovative ways that Trower made his Strat sing like no one had done since the man himself (Hendrix).
One thing that is a great sign of the power of a band, is its ability to create a wall of sound that mimics 5 vs 3. Even though this band is no way similar to ZZ Top in that respect, one very interesting similarity is its empcompassive feel that no note or moment is wasted. In fact, if you allow yourself to immerse yourself into the listen, you will get that same virtuoso vibe as you would during an intense Hendrix or SRV blues itineration. In any case, I am thankful that he left Procol Harum, and unleashed some fantastic rock/blues fused masterpieces.
Fun Fact- Band had zero platinum albums, which I kind of found odd, considering how big he was back in the day
Side 1-
-------------
Day of the Eagle- Marvelous blend, and marriage of blues and hard rock. Trower did a great job of picking of bassist James Dewar (from somewhat obscure band- Stone the Crows) for vocals. This is maybe the most rocking and less blues-ish number until the decrescendos the tune into a fading sun like decompress. Excellent. 2
Bridge of Sighs- Title Track intentionally channels RT's inner Hendrix. Song allows some nice peripheral percussion and a has that majestic feel in what feels like a slow mo, blowing, and I mean slow rolling blues classic. I had almost forgotten how good this album was. 4
In this Place- Song has a foundation that has tinges of the modern Soundgarden sound. Good one, but lower tier in the preference on the album. Listen to Black Hole Sun, and feel the similarity. Or maybe it's my imagination. 7
The Fool and Me- Another smoking blues tune, that RT absolutely has that Stratocaster singing. I've always stuck with my Gibsons for playing around (SG/LP), but songs like this make me want go out and binge on another ax. This is vintage Robin Trower. 5
Side 2-
------------
Too Rolling Stoned- Side 2 opens like a sledge hammer. I consider this easily one of the top 5 rock/blues tunes of the 1970's. You will swear you are hearing a 3 headed monster channeling Hendrix/SRV/RT, if you take in the final few minutes. This is transcendental blues at its best. And why this one doesn't get airplay on modern Classic Rock radio is a mystery. If you only have time to listen to one song on the album, this is the one. 1
About to Begin- This song has the misfortune of having to follow RT's greatest classic. And though it might appeal to the softer bluezy, and almost torch-lighting jazzy feel, it just doesn't check the boxes for me. 8
Lady Love- Strange add, as this more of a standard rock song of the era, versus what is in RT's roundhouse. Not bad, but out of place. 6
Little Bit of Sympathy- RT's takes a bit of an off tangent. He goes full bore with hard rock, with a crazy mix in that kind of Electric Ladyland territory. From a technique standpoint, this might be one of the most difficult work he did. I know I would have cramps in my hand if I could play this. The tonal drops along the frets are crazy good. 3
I have seen quite a few great blues/rock guitarist in my life, including , SRV, Johnny Winter, and Billy Gibbons, and several others. But one in particular I want to recognize that has someone been lost in the sands of times is the great Robin Trower. There was a period of time in the early to mid 1970's that record companies and their execs would hype the "New Hendrix". Trower fresh from Procol Harum fame, was the latest installment in that process.
Robin Trower is definitely in that elite class, but when was the last time while listening to classic rock stations, do you hear any of his classic works especially from his second album (this one) or the subsequent one "For Earth Below". For me to pick one of these two was tough. Almost a coin toss. The only reason I chose Bridge, was because the best 3 from this one, is just a tad better than the latter. I also gave this one a nod, in that the solos seem more intense and technically tight. There were some crazy innovative ways that Trower made his Strat sing like no one had done since the man himself (Hendrix).
One thing that is a great sign of the power of a band, is its ability to create a wall of sound that mimics 5 vs 3. Even though this band is no way similar to ZZ Top in that respect, one very interesting similarity is its empcompassive feel that no note or moment is wasted. In fact, if you allow yourself to immerse yourself into the listen, you will get that same virtuoso vibe as you would during an intense Hendrix or SRV blues itineration. In any case, I am thankful that he left Procol Harum, and unleashed some fantastic rock/blues fused masterpieces.
Fun Fact- Band had zero platinum albums, which I kind of found odd, considering how big he was back in the day
Side 1-
-------------
Day of the Eagle- Marvelous blend, and marriage of blues and hard rock. Trower did a great job of picking of bassist James Dewar (from somewhat obscure band- Stone the Crows) for vocals. This is maybe the most rocking and less blues-ish number until the decrescendos the tune into a fading sun like decompress. Excellent. 2
Bridge of Sighs- Title Track intentionally channels RT's inner Hendrix. Song allows some nice peripheral percussion and a has that majestic feel in what feels like a slow mo, blowing, and I mean slow rolling blues classic. I had almost forgotten how good this album was. 4
In this Place- Song has a foundation that has tinges of the modern Soundgarden sound. Good one, but lower tier in the preference on the album. Listen to Black Hole Sun, and feel the similarity. Or maybe it's my imagination. 7
The Fool and Me- Another smoking blues tune, that RT absolutely has that Stratocaster singing. I've always stuck with my Gibsons for playing around (SG/LP), but songs like this make me want go out and binge on another ax. This is vintage Robin Trower. 5
Side 2-
------------
Too Rolling Stoned- Side 2 opens like a sledge hammer. I consider this easily one of the top 5 rock/blues tunes of the 1970's. You will swear you are hearing a 3 headed monster channeling Hendrix/SRV/RT, if you take in the final few minutes. This is transcendental blues at its best. And why this one doesn't get airplay on modern Classic Rock radio is a mystery. If you only have time to listen to one song on the album, this is the one. 1
About to Begin- This song has the misfortune of having to follow RT's greatest classic. And though it might appeal to the softer bluezy, and almost torch-lighting jazzy feel, it just doesn't check the boxes for me. 8
Lady Love- Strange add, as this more of a standard rock song of the era, versus what is in RT's roundhouse. Not bad, but out of place. 6
Little Bit of Sympathy- RT's takes a bit of an off tangent. He goes full bore with hard rock, with a crazy mix in that kind of Electric Ladyland territory. From a technique standpoint, this might be one of the most difficult work he did. I know I would have cramps in my hand if I could play this. The tonal drops along the frets are crazy good. 3
