The Bridge [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Sonny Rollins | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 17, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA / Bluebird / BMG Heritage
• ASIN: B00009PJRN
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,547 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

CD > POPULAR MUSIC > JAZZ

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome back, Sonny., August 30, 2005

By 

Michael Stack (North Chelmsford, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

In 1962, it had been three years since Sonny Rollins had released a record. Frustrated with what he felt was his own limitations, he took sabbatical to work on his form, practicing at the Williamsburg Bridge. This odd habit led to his comeback album being named "The Bridge". A quartet record featuring guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Ben Riley, invariably this album and it's story is the stuff of legends, and deservedly so.

Rollins is on fire throughout-- playing mostly standards (with only two originals), it sounds as if he was itching to get in the studio again, his playing is powerful, focused ("Without a Song"), lyrical (one of the definitive readings of "God Bless the Child") and emotive ("Where Are You?"). Rollins' support is generous and sympathetic, particularly on "God Bless the Child", where Cranshaw in particular feels like he's breathing in time with Rollins.

All in all, a worthwhile effort, and an essential point in Rollins' catalog. It also may be the best place (either this or "Saxophone Collosus") to begin exploring Rollins' catalog. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning., March 8, 2006

By 

Christopher Calabrese (Watertown, CT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

Following a three year hiatus, some influential figures in the New York City jazz scene of the early 1960's began to notice Sonny Rollins practicing on the Williamsburg Bridge. Rollins has always been his harshest critic, and some thought the tenor sax god would never return. However, in 1962, Rollins did reappear on the scene with the stunning classic jazz release, THE BRIDGE.

Rollins would deviate from the typical quartet of the day, dropping the piano and adding the element of guitar - Jim Hall in this case. Rounding out the group are Ben Riley on drums and Bob Cranshaw on bass, who would go on to appear on countless Rollins recordings up to and including his contemporary works. The absence of piano is nothing new to Rollins, who often performed in trios during this same time period, most notably for a few months with the obscure bassist, Henry Grimes, who up until recently was feared dead until his return to New York City just last year.

The addition of Jim Hall adds an element that creates a certain 'aliveness' to the music, which is evident on the two Rollins originals here, 'John S' and the title track. Both of these tracks are superb and the group swings hard at times. On 'John S' the main theme is played twice, similar to Rollins' playing with Thelonius Monk during the mid-50's, except in this case there is no piano. Shortly after the main theme, the time doubles, and Rollins is magnificent in his lyricism and tone. The same can be said for the title track, which is a real barn-burner! In addition to the two Rollins originals, there are four standards of that time, most notably Billie Holiday's 'God Bless The Child.'

Sonny's ability to play with and against the flow of Hall's guitar makes this an essential release for any jazz collection. It is easily accesible for your typical jazz newbie, but at the same time makes for a fine listening experience many times over. In addition to THE BRIDGE, those who are interested in Sonny Rollins should also check out SAXOPHONE COLOSSUS and the Thelonius Monk classic, BRILLIANT CORNERS.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Moment Of Perfection!!, December 26, 2004

By 

Stalwart Kreinblaster "SK2008" (Xanadu) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bridge (Audio CD)

This is one of the most cohesive groups Sonny Rollins was ever with, and is perhaps one of the high points of his career. I find it to be one of my favorites - particularly when Jim Hall and Sonny are trading 4's on 'John S'. This is one of the ideal records for relaxation!!