This one’s for all the guitar nuts out there!
Released in 1974, Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs absolutely gobsmacked the guitar loving me. Trower’s guitar playing built off the hard blues rock of the early ’70’s with a strong Jimi Hendrix influence it seems to me, plus his time with Procol Harum. James Dewar’s vocals fit these songs perfectly; his scratchy growls are an instrument on their own in addition to his excellent bass work. He had previously been with the Scottish hard blues band Stone the Crows. And Reg Isidore’s drums keep everything on pace. They continued to sustain the power trio excellence in hard rock.
Obviously, the guitar is the centrepiece of this album that has a good mix of rockers and ballads. I especially enjoy two tracks. The title track, “Bridge of Sighs”, is a trippy venture in subdued mood. “Too Rolling Stone” seems reminiscent of “Voodoo Chile” off Electric Ladyland, complete with studio audience participation in the background. I’m sure you have (or will find) your favourites.
Here’s a link to an AllMusic.com review should you be interested.