Album review : COUSINS & WILLOUGHBY – The Bridge

Witchwood Records [Release date 28.11.25]

Brian Willoughby, a sought after session guitarist, worked with many musicians, most notably Dave Cousins and Mary Hopkins, ultimately joining Cousins in the Strawbs.

The Bridge, a collaboration between Cousins and Willoughby, was recorded in 1993. Bandmates old and new, Blue Weaver, Chaz Cronk and Tony Fernandez joined them in the studio.

Remastered by Weaver, it is now been given a new lease of life by the Witchwood music label.

There is a strong, self evident Italian connection. Cousins was a frequent visitor. The cover of the album is a pic of The Bridge Of Sighs, an iconic Venetian landmark, and the songs are inspired by Italian composer, Roberto Cacciapaglia. His philosophy is that emotion, melody and harmony are the prime elements in the power of sound. No matter the genre, Classical, rock or otherwise.

Putting the high flown stuff to one side, the Bridge’s songs are devoutly genre non-specific. There’s a skilful merge of soft rock and acoustic pop taking place here. And in doing so, they’ve created a unique identity. Makes you wonder why the album didn’t get more airtime and acclaim when originally released.

Every song is as lean as it needs to be. Its purpose is clear.

And with the help of old friend, Mary Hopkins, they bring each song to life in a sweetly energetic way.

From the lyrical dexterity and finger picking agility of racy opener ‘You Never Needed Water’, to the prophetic ‘Further Down The Road’ – a Cousins/Hopkins duet, beautifully matched by the dramatic piano play of Blue Weaver – every line of lyrics means something, continually moving the song and the album forward.

Any fan who’s plugged into the history of the Strawbs will recognise the occasional look back in the rear view mirror.

From the country ditty, ‘Strange Day Over The Hill’ to the hymn like ‘Morning Glory’, and the darkly hued ‘Cry No More’, emotions and motives are examined and perhaps given a slightly different voice, as the duo’s music moves on.

Thirty years later, The Bridge sounds as fresh now as it did then. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan

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