Although it seems insane to erase James Dewar’s vocals, Robin Trower actually stumbled on something brilliant in creating an instrumental version of 1974’s Bridge of Sighs. 

The wordless rendition – in a new stereo mix – is one of four discs comprising the 50th Anniversary Edition of Trower’s breakthrough post-Procol Harum solo album. And despite the wiping of one of the era’s premier vocalists – Dewar shines on the remaining discs – it puts a brighter light on Trower, who continues and cleans up the path blazed by Jimi Hendrix while paving the road for Stevie Ray Vaughan. Dewar’s bass work, meanwhile, is amplified, illuminating his penchant for stepping out of the pocket to play with Trower while drummer Reg Isidore keeps everything together. 

Though Trower continued – and continues – to make top-shelf, guitar-based blues rock, there’s no denying Bridge is a peak in his long career with the title track, “Too Rolling Stoned” and “Day of the Eagle” among his most-revered compositions and the trio in essentially perfect condition. 

Dewar, of course, sings like Paul Rodgers and plays like Jack Bruce and would go on to make seven more albums with Trower over the next decade, while Isidore would decamp after Bridge of Sighs. 

The 2024 set also contains a remastered version and stereo mix of the ’74 LP alongside studio outtakes and the band’s May 10, 1974, gig at the Record Plant. Taken together, the reissue allows listeners to enjoy crossing Bridge of Sighs with new sonic clarity while getting an earful of the album’s evolution and a reminder of how hot this band was in the live setting.