About To Begin

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are groovin' to the cosmic vibes of About to Begin by Robin Trower from his legendary 1974 album Bridge of Sighs. This track is a soul-stirring journey, and we've got some juicy trivia to share. In a 2019 interview with Songfacts, Trower revealed that his songwriting always starts with a guitar riff, and About to Begin is no exception. Those dreamy, flowing chords set the stage for James Dewar's haunting vocals, which Trower praised as "beautiful" and likened to a "wonderful instrument" in a 2024 chat with The Strange Brew. The song's lyrics, like "If you stand in the light, you get the feel of the ride," evoke a psychedelic sense of awakening, perfectly fitting the album's introspective vibe. Fans on Reddit have called it a standout for its ethereal quality, with one Zoo Freak on Last.fm noting how it feels like "music flowing up from the ground." It's no wonder this track has been a staple in Trower's live sets, as confirmed by a 2024 post on his official site, TrowerPower.com.

Now, let's dive into how Robin Trower became the guitar wizard we know and love. Born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, England, Trower grew up in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where his passion for music ignited early. Inspired by a local band called the Fabulous Rockefellers, he formed his first group, The Paramounts, at just 17 in 1962, alongside future Procol Harum bandmate Gary Brooker. As detailed on Wikipedia, The Paramounts played a mix of rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues, covering James Brown and Bobby Bland. After the band split in 1966, Trower briefly led a three-piece called The Jam (not to be confused with Paul Weller's later outfit). In 1967, Brooker invited him to join Procol Harum, fresh off their hit A Whiter Shade of Pale. Trower stayed until 1971, contributing to their first five albums. Feeling the urge to explore his own sound, he left to form the Robin Trower Band in 1973, with James Dewar on vocals and bass and Reg Isidore on drums. His 1974 masterpiece Bridge of Sighs, produced by former bandmate Matthew Fisher, skyrocketed him to fame, blending blues-rock with Hendrix-inspired psychedelic flourishes, as noted on Famous Birthdays.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Trower’s latest gigs and releases on his official website, TrowerPower.com, where he recently announced the 50th Anniversary Edition of For Earth Below, set for release in June 2025. Follow him on Facebook, where his page boasts nearly 300,000 likes, for updates on his 2025 UK tour with blues rocker Dom Martin. His Instagram is a treasure trove of live shots and studio snippets, while his X account keeps fans in the loop with posts like the June 2024 celebration of Bridge of Sighs’ 50th anniversary. For those craving community, check out the fan-run Robin Trower Fan Site, packed with trivia and live recording details. You can also join the Robin Trower Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks swap stories and rare vinyl finds. So, crank up About to Begin, let those wah-wah waves wash over you, and stay wild, Zoo Crew!