Customer Reviews

Bridge

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Just when I thought B/T couldn't get any better, presto! - 4 became 5 and the world's #1 jam band enters the new millenium on top of the rock scene, even higher than in the 90s. Despite the death of long-time bassman Bob Sheehan, the group has hung together and replaced Bob with guitarist Chan Kinchla's younger bro Tad. Wrapped around heavyweight (now in ability only) John Popper, the trio provides the strongest front line in Rock since Zeppelin. When you add a keyboard to everything, you now have a group whose sound goes where no one has gone B-4. While Bridge offers a menu which includes some of the powerful blues jams only the Traveler can manage, it also provides an introspective into the bands perception of the loss of Sheehan with "Pretty Angry". Had this number been shortened from its 6-7 minutes play, it would have definetly been radio play mateiral. However, Bridge does not lack a hit single. In fact, "Just For Me" is arguably the groups best single ever, and IMHO worth the price of this CD. However it doesn't stop there as "Girl Inside My Head" will have you pressing the "previous" button on your car CD player over and over. If you were wondering why it took the group so long to come up with album #6, its because it takes that long to make something this good. If you ever wonder what all of the other artists listen to in their spare time, its right here with Bridge. If you only buy 1 CD in 2002, you can't afford to take any chances. Bridge is the only SURE THING around. Don't leave here without it.

I normally find ... reviews to be credible and objective, but I'm dissapointed with what I've read. Music tastes are an individual thing and very subjective. I really think this is a great CD. I have only found one or two songs on each of the previous Blues Traveler albums that I really enjoyed. I am not their #1 fan. But I must say that Bridge has me anxiously awaiting their next release. The music is upbeat, lyrics are lively (with the exception of the tribute song to their lost band member that is both genuine/heartfelt, and a great original song). This CD has it all. I love it as a background disk and sometimes I really focus on each song. Definitely judge for yourself. My personal opinion is people with a wide variance in musical tastes will all be able to take something away from this disk. I am not a big fan of celebrities in general and working in NYC I have grown numb to seeing famous people on the streets. The best compliment I can pay this CD is when on my honeymoon I was on a flight to Hawaii and two rows behind me was John Popper. Although I normally go out of my way to ignore celebs, I was compelled to walk up to him and tell him how much I have enjoyed the Bridge CD and how thankful I was that they made it.

First of all let me say that in all my years reading Amazon's editor reviews, I have yet to read one that is either accurate or helpful. That review tells us nothing about the album, and proves you don't understand the music at all.

This album is different than anything the band has released before. In an age of Britney Spears and N'Sync, it is refreshing to have a CD that actually illustrates talent and true passion. After the death of Bobby, to be able to produce and write and album this good is a perfect testament to how truly good this band is. Real musicians, imagine that!! There is a lot less harmonica on this album, but what is there, is amazing. Brendan on drums plays a lot more on this album, such as on "All Hands" which is simply wicked. It moves you. "Girl Inside My Head" is a great song Jaan (the Amazon reviewer), but is a perfect example of how little you know about music. That is there single and is nothing like the rest of the album. Plus the fact "Back In The Day" is a MUCH stronger single. The CD is fun, intense and a true pleasure. I am so relieved and happy that they were able to produce such an amazing CD. Hopefully people will begin to remember what good taste is and buy this, and let Britney go pose in Playboy.

Following the death of Blues Traveler bassist Bobby Sheehan, many fans wondered if the band would survive. But survive they have and are now back with Ben Wilson on keyboards and Tad Kinchla on bass. Bridge has something for everyone. Upbeat tunes for the casual fan ("Girl Inside My Head", "Just For Me") as well as funky, slamming tunes for the hardcore traveler (You Lost Me There, Rage, All Hands). The album also features a moving tribute to Sheehan in "Pretty Angry." With all the band has been through in the past two years, any album would get high marks from me, but this one deserves it.

I can honestly say that I was never much of a Blues Traveler fan. Oh, I liked their two hits from a few years ago, but I did not get into the loose, bluesy jamming that seemed to dominate every other song of theirs that I heard. While "Bridge" still has a fair amount of the roadhouse sound that is their trademark, it is greatly tempered and takes a back seat to more accessible, deeply personal songs. This is the first album since the death of bassist Robert Sheehan and John Popper's lyrics and singing are reflective and rich. His ode to "Brooklyn Bob", Pretty Angry is intense and extraordinary. The rest of the album is a strong fusion of pop, rock, funk and blues that really works well. It's not a perfect album, but it's a really good one.

This is an outstanding release from Blues Traveler! This is their first release following the loss of their original bass player, Bob Sheehan.

That band has returned with a new line up which includes two new members (Tad Kinchla, bass, and Ben Wilson on keyboards) and a slimmed-down John Popper. The keyboards adds a new element to their music which has really lacked in the past. (Whats a Blues band without some healthy dossages of piano and organ?). This is very evident on the single, "Girl Inside My Head". Ben, really tickles the ivories on his Rhodes during a short solo on this tune. As for John, he lost over 200 pounds after the loss of Bob Sheehan. However, this has not affected his awesome harmonica playing which still plays a major role in all of their songs.

As for the songs on "Bridge", theres not a bad tune on it! The music is flawless and the writing is much more insiteful. However, the more I listen to this disc, the more it does not sound like any other prior Blue's release. The introduction of the Ben Wilson to the group has changed their "sound" and I think for the better. The more I listen to it, the more their sound reminds of Phish. They have move a bit away from being Blues oriented to more a Rock with a funk sound.

All in all, this is an outstanding release from Blues Traveler and it certainly marks a turning point both for the band as well as their "sound".

I'll start this off saying most critics are full of [it]. They wouldn't know good music if it beat them in the face with a lead pipe. That being said, let me say that "Bridge", Blues Traveler's most recent slice of musical genius, is a simply great album. Because most critics are open only to radio-friendly-teen-bubblegum-pop that doesn't challenge their attention span, this album hasn't been given the reception it deserves. John Popper and crew are accomplished musicians, veterans at pleasing fans with their songs. Yes, some of the tracks are longer than normal radio-fare. But that's because BT is a jam band. They're supposed to keep the groove going. Some of the more notable tracks are "Back in the Day", "Girl Inside My Head", a couple of very pleasing rock/blues songs with some funk stylings. The whole album is saturated with the rock/blues/funk aura, with different combinations of the three, and the flair of Blues Traveler that is unique in itself. "Pretty Angry(for J. Sheehan)" and "Desicion of the Skies" are a pair of beautifully written songs that are far superior to any given pop ballad in existence. The introduction of Ben Wilson is a nice touch, with the piano and keyboards adding a new dimension to Blues Travler. Tad Kinchla, the replacement of the late Bobby Sheehan does appreciable work in his attempt to fill the shoes of an impressive musician. As always, John Popper is the undisputed Grand Emperor of Harmonica, yet without overdoing it. Chad Kinchla remains a hidden star in music, without getting the recognition he deserves as skilled guitar player. Brenden Hill has swayed little from his complete drum and percussion efforts. Despite the comments of some critics, who obviously know nothing about music or it's creation, "Bridge" is a superb album. It's just too bad it won't get the attention it deserves.

Blues Traveler has been making outstanding music now for over a decade and they are no longer some obscure jam rock band. When HORDE first started, Blues Traveler, Phish, Spin Doctors and Widespread Panic sounded like a breath of fresh air compared to the period music (i.e. Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam) and the rest of the alternative music world. HORDE was an alternative to the alternative. Things have changed now and Blues Traveler (for better or worse) has not.

Bridge is Blues Traveler's sixth studio release and after the death of bassist Bobby Sheehan (BS) it looked dark for the band. As great bands do, they used tragic circumstances to make a statement. They are not going to change just because one of their founding members passed away. Although I will say, my favorite Blues Traveler song was written by BS Mountains Win Again and he was a very important part of the band.

The disc has some outstanding performances, including: Pretty Angry Back in The Day

Just For Me The Way

If you like other Blues Traveler discs, you will like these songs and much of Bridge. Don't let the media's negative opinion of this disc influence you. If you think about it, the major media has never liked Jam Bands and probably never will.

Pros: Uplifting, spiritual, great jamming Cons: It's still Blues Traveler

The Bottom Line Don't let the media's negative opinion of this disc influence you. If you think about it, the major media has never liked Jam Bands and probably never will.

Recommended: Yes

I have listened to this recording and as a fan of the early Blues Traveler I am just amazed at how fresh and alive this recording is. John Popper's voice has taken on real depth and so has his song writing. I have read the other reviews and I think that some of the fans want things to stay the same with these guys. Well, as a fellow artist, I can honestly say that if that happens you might as well sell the farm and go home, pack the guitar away and get a job at the Wawa. The keyboards are great on this album. They become a foil to Popper's harmonica, and the whole recording just shows that the band has continued to grow and expand as musicians. Blues Traveler was a big advancement over Blues Band, (which is what these guys used to be called- I'm from Jersey too!). Now the Blues Traveler of the "Bridge" moves them a step closer as they all mature. John Popper's vocals on "Pretty Angry" hit home. They have that edge that says "it's personal, this happened to me." "Girl Inside My Head" is a great tune. If a song can make the listener relate to him or herself, while still providing entertainment then it's achieved nirvana. Bravo, guys!

I have been a Blues Traveler fan since their debut album came out, and I have to say this is their best effort since Travelers and Thieves. This album has more catchy "Hook"s than of their previous efforts, while at the same time containing some of the best musicianship in music history. I was horribly bummed out when Bobby died, and I wondered if the band still had the energy to put out a decent album, and by God they did. This CD is beyond exceptional. Tad is a great bass player, and the edition of keyboard player Ben Wilson adds gorgeous texture to the already amazing music. Kudos on this album guys, it is by far the best CD of 2001.