Delightful album, which was Sonnys comeback to the jazz scene from a three year hiatus. During this extended break he focused on himself and his playing and what he really wanted to play. He practiced on the Williamsburg Bridge, which enabled him to be alone, for concentration, inspiration and to not disturb others while he played his horn.
The title of the album is a nod to the Williamsburg Bridge but maybe also to the Sonny of the 50’s bridging over the decade to the returning Sonny of the 60’s. His last studio record before the hiatus was ”Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders”, released in 1959 and the next was the album in focus here, released in 1962.
The cats backing Rollins on this date were carefully chosen. We have the brilliant Jim Hall on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on double bass, Ben Riley on drums, on all tracks except for one, which features H.T. Saunders.
I love Rollins and I love this album. I’m pleased to finally have a copy. My favorite tune on this one has to be Billy Holiday’s ”God Bless the Child”, it’s beautiful. Another favorite is the Rollins original “John S.”. Superb album all the way through.
