Robin Trower s departure from Procol Harum he embarked upon a remarkable solo career with the aid of James Dewar (vocals and bass) and Conrad Isadore (drums). The power trio s debut release has been remastered by Grammy-wi... more »nning engineer Vic Anesini and features new liner notes that include a fresh interview with Robin himself. Robin Trower s initial offering was produced by former Procol band mate Matthew Fisher and the album unleashed the full force of Trower s incredible guitar playing. The Fender Stratocaster was his weapon of choice and the sheer fury with which Robin attacked uptempo rock and blues was astonishing considering that those elements of his playing had only been hinted at in his former band. The contrast of that was the subtlety and pure lyricism that was displayed on less aggressive materiel like 'Daydream', an FM radio staple from back in the day. This is the album that paved the way to 'Bridge of Sighs' and superstardom. The Iconoclassic release is augmented by 'Take A Fast Train', the B-side of the album s first single 'Man of the World'.« less
Robin Trower s departure from Procol Harum he embarked upon a remarkable solo career with the aid of James Dewar (vocals and bass) and Conrad Isadore (drums). The power trio s debut release has been remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Vic Anesini and features new liner notes that include a fresh interview with Robin himself. Robin Trower s initial offering was produced by former Procol band mate Matthew Fisher and the album unleashed the full force of Trower s incredible guitar playing. The Fender Stratocaster was his weapon of choice and the sheer fury with which Robin attacked uptempo rock and blues was astonishing considering that those elements of his playing had only been hinted at in his former band. The contrast of that was the subtlety and pure lyricism that was displayed on less aggressive materiel like 'Daydream', an FM radio staple from back in the day. This is the album that paved the way to 'Bridge of Sighs' and superstardom. The Iconoclassic release is augmented by 'Take A Fast Train', the B-side of the album s first single 'Man of the World'.
CD Reviews
Quality recording
B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 07/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"People keep comparing Robin Trower's guitar playing to Jimi Hendrix, but to me, his first album closely resembles the classic period of Cream. He doesn't necessarily have Eric Clapton's guitar style, but the mood is similar to the psychedelic period of Cream.
I'd say Trower's guitar playing reminds me of a slower, and more atmospheric Ritchie Blackmore with a vocalist that isn't much different from the singer of Bad Company.
The songwriting on Twice Removed From Yesterday is pretty strong. Back in the 70's hard rock bands didn't just rock out- they could also back it up with strong songwriting, and that's exactly what this album delivers. I really like it. The way the album was recorded is really cool too, because it feels like everything's a dream. I recommend it."
Debut Album RE-Issued
L. Bloom | Hollywood | 04/12/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the beginning or as it said on the plastic cover "The Bridge to The Bridge of Sighs" an often overlooked, underrated album in my book. This is a little underproduced compared to Bridge of Sighs but is still a classic. It was only available for a long time as one of the two on one cds (with Bridge of Sighs on same cd) and then that went out of print. I guess if you want the debut of a master musician, this is it.
This would be better for the fan that is already familiar with Trower and just wants a new copy for prosperity or whatever; the new fan may be better off with "The Essential Robin Trower" as more of an overview of Robin Trower.
Solid playing on solid songs, no nonsense and yes, for those that don't know, if there are any, it is derivative of Hendrix. All in all a great debut and welcom re-release. Also includes the bonus track "Take A Fast Train""
IF YOU OWN THE BGO, YOU MAY NOT NEED THIS
BOB | LOS ANGELES, CA | 04/15/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"
I'm always interested in anything/everything RT, and especially with the promise of improved audio to the older catalog titles.
However, comparing this new release to the 1997 BGO-label Twice/Bridge remastered two-fer, I found virtually no difference in the mastering of that disc and this new release.
The addition of the "Man Of The World" single b-side, "Take A Fast Train", is, of course, a nice bonus, but not necessarily essential. Plus, having owned the BGO since its release, I wasn't aware that it had fell OOP, or that it was being hawked for ridiculous prices here on Amazon, so this re-release at a normal cost is also welcome.
However, if you already have the BGO, you may wish to consider whether or not to re-purchase this edition, just to end up with the same audio, and the one bonus track.
As the booklet liner notes document, "Twice" will always be overshadowed by "Bridge Of Sighs", and was recorded quickly on a shoestring budget without a record company deal. But, what a fabulous and timeless album it turned out to be.
"
Great in your face guitar
Bring_back_the_60s | Australia | 04/22/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I love Bridge Of Sighs, the 2nd Trower CD/LP.
When I heard this CD was being released I ordered it and I am very glad I did.
The late Reg Isidore on drums is brilliant on this CD as is bass/vocals The late James Dewar.
Sad these 2 are gone but their music lives on.
My fav songs are Hannah & I Can't Wait Much Longer.
It's a special music experience and highly recommended especially if you like Jimi Hendrix."
Pure emotion
WKT | Knoxville, TN United States | 05/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great album (sorry I'm of the Album generation!) We don't have many Robin/Dewar recordings to savor--so I'm grateful for the ones we have! I still to this day remember the first time I heard TR. I was a teenager living in Germany. I was sitting on the couch one evening just listening to the radio--most likely plucking on my cheap Framus (German) Strat copy dreaming of being able to play like Jimi and carry the flame for him (dreaming!) And I distinctly remember the disk jockey introducing the next song because he said something to the effect that: "this brilliant new guitarist was going to make a big impact on the guitar world with his Hendrix like vibe or tone"...then, blasting out of the little radio speaker came a cascade of pure sonic nirvana, "Little Bit of Sympathy." I don't think I even slept that night. I wasn't even sure I believed my ears--I was both excited and crest fallen that someone had beaten me to my childish goal! It was a double wammy as I was as impressed with the vocals as I was the guitar playing! RIP James! One of Rocks greatest vocalist ever! Robins guitar and James' soulful voice were a match made in heaven! Needles to say the very next morning I went out and found the 'Sighs" album and "Twice Removed". I was astounded! No doubt BOS was a better album but "Twice Removed" is still one of my favorites. It's a slice of guitar history. Compare him to Hendrix or not--what sets Trower apart is his Raw Emotion. That ability to push emotion through your finger tips out the speaker/or soundhole and into the listener--some call that the Blues. Whatever it is, it's not an easy task to accomplish...and very few players ever achieve it: Trower HAS IT, Hendrix certainly had it in spades, Bloomfield, Rory Gallagher, The Kings (BB,Albert,Freddie), to name a few. Trower once said in an Guitar Player interview that he wasn't happy with the sound quality of this album being the groups first studio attempt they didn't take as much control over the recording and mixing duties as they did with the next recording. You can clearly hear the difference between this and BOS in the overall sound quality--but the material is still very strong. I highly recommend it! If your just discovering Trower it's a must have!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1