What makes Bridge over Troubled Water by Paul Desmond notable?

The album is notable not only for its commercial success but also for its critical acclaim, becoming a staple in both jazz and popular music collections. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and received significant airplay for tracks like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Cecilia', contributing to the broader acceptance of jazz-influenced pop music during that era. Released in 1970, 'Bridge over Troubled Water' marked Paul Desmond's continuation of his successful collaboration with the influential duo Simon & Garfunkel. At this point in his career, Desmond was already well-known for his distinctive saxophone sound, having gained prominence through his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and his prior albums. This album further solidified his reputation as a jazz artist who could merge popular music with sophisticated improvisation.

How many songs are on Bridge over Troubled Water?

Bridge over Troubled Water has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 56 years ago this October

Bridge over Troubled Water

Paul Desmond · 1970

36 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Elegant jazz melodies intertwine with soft vocal harmonies, capturing the essence of a reflective and introspective era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bridge Over Troubled Water — This title track stands out as a serene interpretation that showcases Desmond's smooth saxophone lines intertwined with lush arrangements, embodying the album's reflective nature.
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So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright — Desmond's rendition brings a delicate touch to this Simon & Garfunkel classic, highlighting his ability to blend lyrical storytelling with emotive saxophone phrasing.
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Cecilia — 'Cecilia' showcases Desmond's playful improvisation style, transforming the upbeat original into a relaxed jazz experience that captures the essence of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases elegant melodies and strong arrangements, though it leans on familiar themes from its era.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of soft, melodic saxophone lines that weave through lush instrumental arrangements.
Each track maintains a reflective mood, with slower tempos dominating the majority of the pieces.
Several tracks incorporate vocal harmonies subtly, enhancing the instrumental focus rather than overshadowing it.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 El condor pasa 3:05
2 So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright 3:27
3 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) 5:11
4 Mrs. Robinson 2:43
5 Old Friends 3:55
6 America 3:59
7 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her 4:03
8 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 4:23
9 Cecilia 2:14
10 Bridge Over Troubled Water 3:24

What to play next

Listen next

Skylark

1974

Go back to

From the Hot Afternoon

1969

Full Paul Desmond discography Artists like Paul Desmond

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata