SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: COUSINS & WILLOUGHBY – THE BRIDGE (REMASTERED)

COUSINS & WILLOUGHBY
THE BRIDGE (REMASTERED)
WITCHWOOD MUSIC/RSK ENTERTAINMENT

The term ‘lost gem’ is used often, maybe too frequently, but The Bridge, by Cousins & Willoughby is a true lost gem. When it was originally released in 1993, for some strange reason, only 1000 copies were pressed, and they sold out very fast. But here it is, sounding better than before and with bonus material. Cousins & Willoughby are two members of the Strawbs, David Cousins and Brian Willoughby. Aside from working together in the Strawbs, Cousins & Willoughby released an album in 1979, Old School Songs, which was critically and commercially very well received. They also toured as an acoustic, folk duo and did extremely well.

When it came time to record The Bridge, they were not going to repeat Old School Songs, which was more acoustic. The Bridge is a brilliant rock album, with a little folk and pop mixed in for good measure. Willoughby has said that the album was a bridge between the acoustic music that Cousins & Willoughby did and the music of the Strawbs. I think this is a beautiful description of the music found on this album. Songs like “The Plain” and the opening track, “You Never Needed Water” certainly have an acoustic framework. Although “The Plain” starts off acoustic, it easily moves into prog rock territory. And it sounds fantastic.

While former members of the Strawbs helped with the album, Blue Weaver, Chas Cronk and Tony Fernandez, plus Richard Hudson and Rod Demick, it is clearly not a Strawbs album. Sure, there is no mistaking Cousins’ voice, but this album stands apart from Strawbs for several reasons. Some songs are ready-made pop/rock hits for radio (the brilliant “Heat Of The Street” featuring some outstanding guitar from Willoughby), while others are more gentle songs (“Cry No More”, which features perfect vocals from Mary Hopkin).

The Bridge is very much a break away from the expectations of Strawbs albums, and as such, although some of the songs are on the sad side, Cousins & Willoughby are having fun and exploring different genres throughout the album. Willoughby, who has put together the new release (with help from Blue Weaver, who remastered the album) have added some very interesting bonus songs, complete with Cousins’ explanation of some of the songs. These songs are demos and rough but outstanding. “Beat The Retreat”, is a breathtaking version of a song that The Acoustic Strawbs and Cousins himself would revisit in the future. Here, the duo bring out the emotion and passion of the song. It is the best way to end the album.

The world lost David Cousins on July 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of some of the best music from this and the last century, both as part of the Strawbs and solo. It was a huge loss. The same can be said of Brian Willoughby, as a member of the Strawbs, solo or with his wife, Cathryn Craig he has made incredible music over the past 50 years. Thankfully, he still performs and records, and thankfully, he has put this album together. It has lingered for far too long in the shadows, and now The Bridge is available for all to enjoy. There is also a new documentary about Strawbs (The Magic Of It All), which helps keep their music alive. The Bridge is an astonishingly brilliant album. I am glad it is back, sounding better than ever.

SPILL FEATURE: THE MAGIC OF IT ALL – A CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN WILLOUGHBY

Cousins & Willoughby Links

Strawbs Links

Cathryn Craig Links