Yes,seems like I need to go down to the fabric store and get more black satin Being 71,I'm into my last decade . All the goners have left future rockers a treasure chest of goodies.ENJOY!!!
Trower was criticized for copying Hendrix’s sound but I think he expanded on it and improved it to create his own style and sound. And James Dewar was the secret weapon that made this album incredible. What a great and soulful singer! Together they created this masterpiece of Guitar Rock n Blues!
The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge's English name was bequeathed by Lord Byron in the 19th century as a translation from the Italian "Ponte dei sospiri",[2][3] from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.[4][5]
@@billkant849 Having that memory at that time was a good inner moment, wasn’t it? I did the same in Oxford, England. I thought of a favorite pop song that has since gone on to become my anthem in these senior years: “Itchy-koo Park” by The Small Faces. It’s all too beautiful …
This song is a gut-punch. I can feel the wind and the pain and the sorrow. It is a masterpiece of emotion. I don't even want to hear other people's versions of it. Robin stuck the landing and that's all I need to know...or hear.
Robin and Jimi were good friends who jammed together back in the day. Robin actually wrote the title track of his first album “Twice removed from yesterday” but sadly Jimi died before that could happen. By the way if you like Robin’s slow rock blues, then you should check out “About to begin” and “In this place” you’ll love them.
I met James Dewar towards the end of his life when illness was taking its toll. I didn't recognise him as THE James Dewar until I spotted the bass in the corner of the room. A true great. Trower is also one of the greats and how tremendous to have them both in the same band. Puts the class in classic rock.
It's rare to see a Trower reaction vid, so I saw this and clicked on immediately. The whole album is perfection. Glad you dig it Doug. This track gives me chills every time.
I'm 54 and for so many years I knew relatively nothing about Robin Trower except this song and a couple of other minor hits. In the last five years of my life, that has changed greatly. Robin's output with James Dewar throughout the 70's and early 80's has completely mesmerized me and become easily one of my all-time favorites.
I'm a bit obsessed with this album lately , not only is the guitar playing spotless but the singer (James Dewar) has a very deep and powerful voice ("About to begin" is probably my favorite song on the album for the singing alone). Definetely worth an EPL.
@DX7036. You may already know this. Back in the 1960's, Scotsman James Dewar was the bass player in the backing band for a Scottish singer called Lulu. The band were dubbed "The Luvvers". In the late 1960's/early 1970's (?) James later played with another Scottish band called "Stone The Crows" who were fronted by powerhouse vocalist Maggie Bell. With regard to James' vocal performance on the track you mentioned "About To Begin". I read a tribute to James shortly after his untimely death. The journalist wrote something like "If you listen to James Dewar singing on this track and you are not moved or feel shivers down your spine, then check yourself for a pulse because you must be dead!" James Dewar was one of the finest rock vocalists I have ever heard. It's a shame he left this World too soon. Stay safe and well.
I was in college when “Bridge of Sighs” came out, I listened to it all the time back then. Oddly enough, in the summer of 1974, I went to a show where Robin Trower opened for King Crimson. It was a great show!
I remember hearing this album for the first time in mid-late 70’s…a few years after it’s release. KSHE-95 in St Louis played it’s entirety before Corporate radio took over. Album was phenomenal. Bought a lot of early Trower with James Dewar on bass/vocals. Such a soulful voice.
Yes then the DJ had to be awakened and the broadcast both had to be cleared out from all the Smokey atmosphere! Remember it well - radio when came in over the air.
@@jettechdonatkins If I recall correctly (a bit hazy over the years : ) didn't Montrose open up for them? Opened with Space Station #5. A great night it was...
Robin is amazing. I saw him in a little club in San Antonio and damn near lost my hearing. He brought his whole stadium rig for a little dance club. I had to leave early just so I could keep my hearing. It nearly broke my heart because I am a HUGE Trower fan. What sticks with me is that he never once looked at his guitar. He'd kind of mumble the name of the next song, close his eyes, tilt his head back, proceed to embarrass myself and my friends who had illusions about being able to play the guitar. After seeing Robin we all had the same thought: why do we even own a guitar?
I can't tell you how influential this entire album has been to me. Yes, please listen to the entire album and I will be front and center with beer and popcorn and a large smile:)
Seen Robin Trower in concert many times over the years. Fantastic tone, colour and texture. Even in recent years he has created and released excellent new songs.
Saw Trower at Leicester Uni in 1980, Victims of the Fury tour. Fell in love with the late Jim Dewar's voice. I was about 3 feet away from Trower.... Great gig! Bridge of Sighs is a lovely album.
My dad showed me this song when I was about 13 and I became an instant massive fan, own all the records, seen him live 3 times...The works all from this song. That thick guitar tone with the pulsing Univibe phaser and James Dewar's sultry syrupy vocals was such a fantastic combo. Oh and when he plays Bridge of Sighs live the end becomes a 10 minute guitar solo. For a taste of his long soloing skills try Too Rolling Stoned from the BoS album. A groovy funk/rock tune with a roaring blues jam ending, absolute classic Trower track.
When I saw him in the 80's, his index finger had developed a bend at the first knuckle from bending the string. Like a really sharp bend in an unnatural direction. Worked for him! This was the album that turned me on to rock. When it came out my oldest brother played it relentlessly. After hearing it a few times, something in me connected to the music in a new way and it all made perfect sense. Specifically during Day of the Eagle. 🤘🧙♂️🤘 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast
Trower is my favourite guitarist from the mid 1970's total genius , he is a health food guy shops at whole foods. Lisa Dewar and I use to communicate with each other .
When one listens to this song, it really should be allowed to continue into the companion song, "In This Place." They go together just like "Driven To Tears"/"When The World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around" (The Police) and "Show Me"/"Poison Arrow" (ABC).
Agree, In This Place really needs to follow when you hear this (FM radio today doesn't do it much anymore), one of the best segues in rock music. Gives resolution. Thanks for the Trower review, Doug!
100% ... I came here to say that. Doug was wondering where the rest of the song is, but it is really meant to continue straight into the next track. Which is, of course, why there is such an abrupt stop while the wind sound is still raging; because the outro of one track is really the intro to the next.
Thanks Dr. Doug! You have now discovered my lifelong musical heroes -- Rush and Robin Trower. Guitar Player Magazine named Bridge of Sighs their Album of the Year for 1974; it is a landmark for rock guitar fans. Rarely do you find as powerfully emotional a pairing of player and singer as Trower with James Dewar. Reg Isodore rounded out the magic... fantastic.
I was fortunate enough to see Robin touring for Bridge of Sighs in 1974. Golden Earring opened for him. Possibly the best concert I ever experienced and I’m now 68 yrs old.
Bridge, Caravan, for earth below, on and on.......even "new" albums hold magic for the senses. Robin has always had that special thing and even in his seventees he is still a force to be reckoned with. R.I.P. Mr Dewar, sometimes people are in the right place and Sh.... falls together, Decades of it with Robin and James, cant be replicated and we are the beneficiary of such amazing collaboration. How lucky we are and have been. L.L.Robin Trower!
I saw him live in '74 (06/19/1974) shortly after this came out. It was a club holding about 300-400 between playing in Detroit and going to Chicago. We were right up front. He was so loud it was like being in that old Blapunket ad with the guy in the chair getting blown away. AWESOME show.
In 1990 I saw Robin Trower live in some old movie theater while promoting his album “In The Line Of Fire”. I will NEVER forget the way he performed the intro of Bridge of Sighs. All alone on stage he layered multiple guitar tracks that were dark and beautiful, then he broke into the into of the song, then the rest of the band joined him on stage… It was simply better than I could have imagined, it took my breath away.
One of my favorite albums from the 70s...the whole thing is great, not one bad song!! I had the 8-track played it every day. The music of the 70s ruled... and always will.
The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge in Venice. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. The Bridge was built in 1600 A.D. This is the same prison that has a sign over the entrance that says "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here". A quote from Dante's Inferno.
I saw Robin in concert 5 or 6 years ago, and he is still playing incredible guitar. Such a great show, really wonderful tone. Masterful! Met him briefly after the show, such a nice man. The first great guitar player I picked up on after Hendrix died. Robin opened for Hendrix a couple of weeks before Jimi died.
Saw Robin live March 15, 1975 at Winterland in S.F., (whilst indulging some terrific hallucinogens). This ENTIRE concert is available on youtube. Definitely worth the listen, and see some incredible guitar work by a rock master. Please note the brief introduction by legendary rock promoter, Bill Graham (RIP). Enjoy! With Peace and Love to All! (Michael)
@xltek1 During my college years from '72 - '75, I saw many great concerts at Winterland. Yes, Edgar Winter (Frankenstein), early Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller, Eric Burton, Hocus Pocus, and many more I can't remember. How about you?
Didn't read all the comments so if this has already been mentioned I apologize. Bridge of sighs is an actual place in Venice." The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was designed by Antonio Contino, whose uncle Antonio da Ponte designed the Rialto Bridge. It was built in 1600. The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge's English name was bequeathed by Lord Byron in the 19th century as a translation from the Italian "Ponte dei sospiri" from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells." Thus I believe the mood of the album and specifically it's title song is meant to capture how a prisoner would feel musically while passing over the bridge.
Great historical summary. I think you are right about the prisoners and their last look at Venice before banishment. Last glimpse of heaven before descending into hell. Thank you very much.
I bought this album when it came out, there was a single released from it of too rolling stoned. This album influenced me in a huge way. James Drewer is one of my heroes. I become a singing bass player because of him. Bridge of sighs cross fades into the in this place, you need to listen to the 2 tracks together. Thanks Doug you have done it again, great stuff.
Who thought that Scotland could produce so many Soulful/Bluesy singers. And then add the drums of Reg and guitar of Robin... Just an amazing track.... I've been listening to this album since it came out. Damn, nearly 50 years. I think Robin and Steve Hillage need more recognition. Weren't we lucky all of us that lived through the British guitarists of the 60's and 70's. We are lucky people.
I'm so blessed to have seen Robin Trower and James Dewar (the band's signature and most excellent vocalist) live during the day. A new breakout solo artist from the legendary band Montrose was the opening act, Sammy Hagar.
Bridge of Sighs - Punte Di Suspiria, is an actual bridge in Venice. It goes across a canal, from the Doge's prison to the place of execution. The bridge is fully enclosed to prevent prisoners attempting to escape. You can imagine why the bridge was so named, Bridge of Sighs, when you realise this was the last walk of the condemned man.
On the album this song flows directly into the next song, "In This Place," which is a thematic continuation of the melencholy sound of this song. It helps flesh out the root of the sadness which has preceded it. To me, both of these songs should be listened to together and are essentially part 1 and 2 of a single song. Thus your desire at the end for it to keep going... because it does. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Thx Doug. This LP is still in my top 10. Robin and Jim were magic together. The wind at the end takes us into another beauty, "In This Place". This LP is 3-piece gold.
The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge's Palace in Venice with a prison over the canal, it's said it got its name from the sighs of prisoners looking through the bridge's windows as they were led off to their incarceration.
Robin Trower is an absolute grandmaster of guitar tone. I think that's what makes it especially enjoyable that he tends to go slow and carefully enunciated in his solo play compared to many other guitarists. His guitar tone just has so much gravity that it has an effect all on its own, and he gives that effect the right amount of space to get to you.
James Dewar is one of the greatest voices in Rock. He also played with Maggie Bell in a band called Stone the Crows prior to joining up with Robin Trower.
Playing drums to this was an exercise in taste and restraint. For every Yes or Crimson song I learned, I always played along to stuff like this. Very visceral music that is timeless.
I highly recommend checking out his whole catalog. Since Covid he hasn't toured the U.S, but if he does tour again go see him live. I've seen him 8 or more times, and it's always a great show.
James Dewar was such an integral part of the Trower sound. His vocals were SO incredibly powerful. RIP James. You are missed ! I had Robin autograph my Bridge of Sighs album jacket at a show in DeLand, Fla. !!!! Still have it !!!!!!
I was fortunate to have seen Robin play live in a few intimate settings. I met him very briefly and he signed my Bridge of Sighs CD cover. Still have it. Spectacular musician and group of musicians. One of my go to albums. Review more Robin.
Always read about this song and Robin Trower, but never actually listened until now. I find it interesting that he really holds back from any "wild" solos. It's more about creating textures with the main riff, and embellishing with overdubs of more guitar parts. Shows great restraint and taste, while still demonstrating a high level of musical skill. No shredding guitar solos, which is what I was expecting. I'm happily surprised.
So one day, back in 1982, a friend of my roommate came over with his "homegrown" (he claimed, always) diggity-dank finest-kind and we all "lit up," as we used to say. My roommate put on this record, which, amazingly, I had never heard before. By the time The Day Of The Eagle ended, and those chimes came in... well, look out! but I was flying into some kind of space... and then Robin's guitar comes in... and then the slow drums... and I was... just... lost... for a short time there. It was amazing! I had been waiting for nearly 10 years for this song - after I discovered The Dark Side Of The Moon and its amazing song, Us And Them. I saw Robin perform at the Ventura Theatre (California) in the early 1990s. Excellent, of course. And then the good Doc, here, introduced me just recently to Devin Townsend's songs Funeral and Bastard, which also puts me into a similar mood. Thanks Doc!
Look up the story of the Bridge Of Sighs. It’s about a bridge to a prison an it will explain what the song is about to you. It will put cold chills on you.
Pre-covid I had tix to see Trower. Show got postponed 2x, then canceled... He was a bucket list player to see... I was bummed! Hope he tours again near me... James Dewar what a voice, while keeping the bass in the pocket, locking up with Bill Lourdan... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doug, check out his '76 live album... Was one of the constants on my turntable!!
This has always been one of my favorite songs. After actually crossing the Bridge of Sighs (il Ponte di Sospiri) in Venice, Italy, the lyrics took on so much more meaning for me. For those that aren't familiar with the Bridge of Sighs, prisoners that were tried in Venice were initially held in an underground prison chambers inside the Doge's Palace. As the number of prisoners grew, the prison was expanded to a building across the canal named the New Prison, and the Bridge of Sighs was constructed to shuttle passengers directly from their trial into their cells.
You ask where the rest of the song is; well the wind carries over onto the next track "In This Place". If you want a longer track to listen to, then "Too Rolling Stoned" is ideal. I "discovered" Robin Trower only a few years ago, and his music has consistently made it to my everyday play list. Jimmy's singing is so soulful and the albums they did together are very special. His newest album "No More Worlds To Conquer" (2022) is also nice; "I Will Always Be Your Shelter" is probably my favorite off of that album.
I always remember, I went to see Foreigner with Robin Trower opening. I had bought a Foreigner shirt at the beginning of the concert. After Trower played, I went during intermission and traded shirts.
LMAO I love watching you react to these greats! Robin is one of my favorites.. Our first dance at our wedding was Sweet Wine of Love from his In City Dreams Album 1977..
No heavy strings or tuned down anything here. This is pure emotion and simple guitar playing that is unique to Robin. Anyone laying the Hendrix card doesn't get it. I'd say this is certainly virtuosic in that it is iconic and masterful in touch, tone, patience, style and depth of emotion. Robin has said in the past that he often would feel a lump in his throat when performing and I have no doubt that is certainly true. His emotional connection to his music is conveyed in every note and every passing bit of silence.
7:33 rt says: "am i on que" ? [cutting one of the solo parts] - and a convo w/ the desk room ensues that was kept and mixed low. part of the lore of this epic classic.
Why Robin is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame escapes me. He filled the gap after Jimi died and was a huge influence on Robin. I saw him in 74 at Cobo Hall in Detroit and 4 times after that he sold out every show. This was the most succesful album The Bridge of Sighs is in Italy and the prison was on 1 side of the canal and they had to cross the bridge to get executed. James Dewar was a perfect match for this band. So lucky to grow up in this era of music. Listen to the whole album not a bad song on it was one of the best of the 70s Robin is still playing today at 76
This was my introduction to blues guitar which I fell in love with then along came Stevie Ray Vaughn....love them both and of course the large gauge strings to help with that amazing sound!! Love your reaction....
thank you, Doug - was lucky enough to see Trower three times in my 56 years on earth - - - now you know the power of Trower ! now, break out the bong and listen to 'Too Rolling Stoned'
James Dewar's honey voice was the perfect accompaniment to Robin's guitar genius! The actual Bridge of Sighs was at a prison, the inmates crossing the bridge got one last chance to see the sun, but Robin got this name from a racing horse! I've been a huge fan since Procol Harum.
This is one of his best tracks- I heard this in the early/mid 70's, very young and exploring different kinds of rock. The mood/texture is profound and so rich, the song engulfs you and keeps you captive. I consider this in the Jimi Hendrix school of Strat Players and is a absolute classic of that era- It is still amazing and holds up in these times! Thank you Doug for sharing with us
Jimmy Dewar (pronounced Jewar), one of the best bass players and vocalists to come out of Scotland along with the late and great Jack Bruce of Cream fame.
