Scintillating
Kenneth James Michael MacLean | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 12/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of Sonny Rollin's finest recordings. Sonny's playing here is some of the finest sax ever recorded. This is Sonny at the height of his powers, and he swings madly, but always under control. His ballad playing here is also superb. In my opinion, this is the greatest pure sax player that ever lived, and he shows it here on the title cut, "The Bridge." His playing is simply astonishing -- I have listened to this piece over and over and I can't believe he can swing so hard and be so creative and melodic at the same time. That is the mark of genius -- knowing where you are headed all of the time, but not afraid to push the envelope. I think that this recording is a cut above the "tenor madness" stuff -- it is more creative and powerful, in my opinion. Sonny's solos here are amazing. Jim Hall is in fine form as well, setting the background chords for Sonny to play over. Hall is smooth and creative, and the other players shine as well.
This is one of the very finest saxophone dates on record, combining swing and ballad tunes."
Sonny strikes again
Andy Williamson | Chicago, IL | 04/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently got this cd and I love it. All the tracks are very good and engaging. The treat of the whole experience is hearing Jim Hall on guitar right along side Rollins. What a great matchup! The title track was featured prominently in the Ken Burns film 'Jazz'. As far as Sonny's catalogue goes-this is one of the must haves."