In This Place

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as we spin "In This Place" by Robin Trower from his iconic 1974 album Bridge of Sighs here at THE ZOO! This track is a soulful, yearning love song that showcases Trower’s emotive guitar work and the late James Dewar’s haunting vocals. In a 2019 interview with Songfacts, Trower revealed that "In This Place" is a love song of longing, capturing a deep emotional pull that resonates with listeners. The song’s dreamy, bluesy atmosphere, paired with Trower’s signature wah-wah guitar, creates a timeless vibe that still feels fresh today. Fun fact: the Bridge of Sighs album, including this track, was recorded in just over two weeks at Olympic and Air Studios in London, with legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick bringing innovative recording techniques to capture Trower’s guitar sound. Emerick used a unique setup with multiple mics at varying distances to create the rich, roomy tone that defines the album’s sound.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: the album’s title, and by extension the vibe of tracks like "In This Place," was inspired by a racehorse named Bridge of Sighs, which Trower spotted in a newspaper headline, as he shared in a Guitar World interview. The horse’s name, likely drawn from the famous Venice bridge, sparked the evocative imagery that shaped the album. Fans on Robin Trower’s Facebook page often rave about the emotional depth of "In This Place," with some calling it a standout for its delicate balance of Trower’s fiery guitar and Dewar’s soulful delivery. The song’s place in the Bridge of Sighs tracklist, nestled among heavier rockers like "Day of the Eagle" and "Too Rolling Stoned," makes it a perfect breather for the album’s psychedelic journey, and it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among the prog rock community on Reddit.

Let’s rewind to how Robin Trower got his start, Zoo Crew style. Born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, London, and raised in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Trower was drawn to music early. As a teenager, he was inspired by a local band, the Fabulous Rockefellers, which planted the seed for his first group, The Paramounts, formed in 1962 when he was just 17. The Paramounts, which included future Procol Harum member Gary Brooker, played a mix of rock and roll and rhythm and blues, covering artists like James Brown and Bobby Bland. After The Paramounts disbanded in 1966, Trower briefly led a three-piece band called The Jam (not to be confused with Paul Weller’s later group) before joining Procol Harum in 1967, just as their hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale" topped the charts. Trower’s time with Procol Harum, appearing on their first five albums, honed his skills, but he left in 1971 to pursue his own vision, inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s raw energy and emotive playing.

In 1973, Trower launched his solo career with the Robin Trower Band, a power trio featuring James Dewar on vocals and bass and Reg Isidore on drums. Their 1973 debut, Twice Removed from Yesterday, set the stage, but it was 1974’s Bridge of Sighs that skyrocketed Trower to international fame, reaching #7 on the U.S. charts. His distinctive guitar style, often compared to Hendrix but uniquely his own, earned praise from guitarists like Robert Fripp and Steve Lukather. Trower’s use of a Fender Stratocaster, detuned to ease the tension of his heavy-gauge strings, became a hallmark of his sound, as he explained in a 1980 Guitar Player interview. Over the decades, Trower has released over 30 albums, collaborating with artists like Jack Bruce and Bryan Ferry, and he continues to tour and record, with his latest album Joyful Sky dropping in 2023.

For more Trower goodness, check out his official website at trowerpower.com, where you can find tour dates and news, like the upcoming 50th Anniversary Edition of For Earth Below set for release in June 2025. Connect with him on socials: follow Robin Trower on Facebook, where he has nearly 300,000 fans, or catch updates on Instagram and X. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, dive into fan communities like the Robin Trower fan site, packed with trivia and fan contributions, or join discussions on Robin Trower Fans on Facebook. Keep those vibes high, and stay tuned for more classic cuts from THE ZOO!