Celebrating 50 Years of Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs”: A Monumental Reissue
In 1974, Robin Trower released “Bridge of Sighs,” an album that not only defined his career but also left an indelible mark on the rock landscape. As we approach the 50th anniversary of this seminal work, Chrysalis Records is set to release a monumental reissue that promises to immerse fans old and new in an unparalleled auditory experience. Scheduled for release on 17th May 2024, this expansive edition includes a 2xLP, 3xCD, and 1xBlu-Ray with Dolby ATMOS Media Book, featuring a never-before-issued stereo mix that will reintroduce this classic album in a way it has never been heard before.
The Journey from Procol Harum to Guitar Hero
After departing from the 1960s baroque rock band Procol Harum, Robin Trower embarked on a solo career that would see him rise to international fame. With James Dewar on vocals and bass and Reg Isidore on drums, Trower’s power trio debuted with “Twice Removed From Yesterday.” However, it was “Bridge of Sighs” that catapulted Trower into the stratosphere of guitar heroes. Recorded in a mere two weeks at Olympic and Air studios in London, the album’s unique sound was shaped by producer Matthew Fisher and Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, whose innovative recording techniques captured the essence of Trower’s guitar in a groundbreaking manner.
“Bridge of Sighs” is more than just an album; it’s a masterclass in guitar work. Tracks like ‘Day of the Eagle,’ ‘Too Rolling Stoned,’ and the haunting ‘In This Place’ showcase Trower’s mesmerizing guitar skills, earning him a place among the era’s guitar gods. Toto’s Steve Lukather recalls the impact of the album, stating, “In 1974, I got the album ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and it blew my mind… the sound of Robin’s guitar hit my soul.”
Now, 50 years later, this reissue offers fans the most comprehensive version of “Bridge of Sighs” to date. The CD edition’s second disc features the original album, remastered from tape transfers, alongside the 2024 Stereo Mix, outtakes, rarities, and USA radio spots. The third disc presents a live performance at The Record Plant, Sausalito, fully remastered and available in its entirety for the first time. The Blu-ray disc adds a Dolby ATMOS mix, stereo album instrumentals, and additional outtakes, providing a fresh perspective on this classic album.
There is also a 24-page booklet filled with newly written liner notes by David Sinclair, interviews with Robin Trower and Matthew Fisher, and testimonials from music legends like Bryan Ferry, Robert Fripp, and Steve Lukather. Accompanied by previously unseen photographs.
Disc 1: Bridge of Sighs 2024 Remaster
Disc 2: Bridge of Sighs 2024 Stereo Mix + Outtakes & Rarities
Disc 3: Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, 29th May 1974
Disc 4: Blu-Ray: 2024 Remaster | 2024 Stereo Mix | Atmos | 5.1 | Stereo album instrumentals |
Outtakes & Rarities | Live at Record Plant, Sausalito, 29th May 1974
2LP Track listing:
LP1: 2024 Stereo Mix
Side A: 1. Day of The Eagle / 2. Bridge of Sighs / 3. In This Place / 4. The Fool and Me
Side B: 1. Too Rolling Stoned / 2. About To Begin / 3. Lady Love / 4. Little Bit of Sympathy
LP2: Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, 29th May 1974
Side C: 1. Twice Removed from Yesterday / 2. Bridge of Sighs / 3. Alethea / 4. Lady Love / 5.
Daydream
Side D: 1. Too Rolling Stoned / 2. I Can’t Wait Much Longer / 3. Day of The Eagle / 4. Little Bit of
Sympathy / 5. Rock
4CD Track listing:
CD1: 2024 Remaster: 1. Day of The Eagle / 2. Bridge of Sighs / 3. In This Place / 4. The Fool
And Me / 5. Too Rolling Stoned / 6. About To Begin / 7. Lady Love / 8. Little Bit of Sympathy
CD2: 2024 Stereo Mix + Additional Outtakes & Rarities:
1. Day of The Eagle / 2. Bridge of Sighs / 3. In This Place / 4. The Fool And Me / 5. Too Rolling
Stoned / 6. About To Begin / 7. Lady Love / 8. Little Bit of Sympathy
CD3: Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, 29th May 1974: 1. Twice Removed From Yesterday /
2. Bridge of Sighs / 3. Alethea / 4. Lady Love / 5. Daydream / 6. Too Rolling Stoned / 7. I Can’t
Wait Much Longer / 8. Day of The Eagle / 9. Little Bit of Sympathy / 10. Rock Me Baby
Blu-Ray: 2024 Remaster | 2024 Stereo Mix | Dolby Atmos | 5.1 | Stereo Album Instrumentals
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
