BRIDGER (Terry Ilous lead vocals) – Bridger [Self-Released version +1] *HQ*

Many of you requested material form stupendous vocalist Terry Ilous (XYZ). So you need to listen to this album he has recorded with guitarist Glen Bridger. Titled “Bridger“, this rocking collection of songs was released by Escape Music some time ago, however, Glen Bridger re-released the album himself with the addition of an unreleased track from the same sessions. The cover artwork is also different, hand signed by the artist.
This ”Bridger [Self-Released version +1]” is a rare, limited edition disc now out of print.
BRIDGER is the namesake solo album from guitarist Glen Bridger. Glen steps out of his role as lead guitarist for classic rock band Head East (he left the band 2022) to offer here his own songs in the melodic rock / hard rock style, and one tribute song to Ronnie James Dio. Sadly, Glen Bridger passed away February 20, 2025. (RIP)
Terry Ilous not only handled the lead vocals, but also co-wrote and produced the record. The line up is completed by Glen’s fellow Head East mate Greg Manahan on bass, keyboards by Sam McCaslin (Michael Schenker, Carmine Appice), and the oddly named Danzoid on drums.
Ex- King Kobra JK Northrup also pops up to lend a hand on guitar and bass and co-produce with Ilous.

Of course, a solo album is to feature the main player, and Glen Bridger’s skills as song composer & guitarist are quite impressive throughout. He successfully navigates the music he knows best, melodic hard rock with some AOR flavor.
Anyway, the dominating part of the album are definitely Terry Ilous’ vocals. He’s one of the best, most versatile singers around and really can do no wrong. Terry could sing a song about actuaries and still make it interesting.

There are arena ready anthems in “Tuesday Afternoon”, “How Long” and “Good To Be Home”. On these tracks we can hear a total band approach to jamming on the songs with Glen Bridger coming in and out with exciting riffs that were very engaging and interactive.
Bridger has an uncanny ability to weave tight melodies, a rock groove, and mammoth hooks in all these songs, and Ilous follows him with ease.

Yet, Bridger offers some blues flavor on the ballad number “On the Ledge”, while “Don’t Push Me” is a heavier, more aggressive song, but instantly accessible.
The album also contains many slow numbers like the very Mr. Big-esque “Free”, the pretty much like modern day Bon Jovi “Without A Sound” (which could easily have slotted into that band‘s ‘These Days’ album) or the emotional stripped back “Live For The Moment”.

“Good to Be Home” is a fine rocking semi-ballad with smooth vibe, then “Gonna Get Better” speed up the things, a Led Zeppelin / Great White tinged rocker where Glen fly on his fretboard and Terry rocks.
Reaching the end of the album, the short ballad “Once In A Lifetime” is arguably one of the best composed / performed songs here that shows the songwriting talent of Glen.

And then… a Ronnie James Dio tribute in the form of Black Sabbath’s classic “Heaven And Hell” cover. Bridger try to inject their own style into the song and, for the most part, succeeds. Ilous helps with immense vocals.
Bonus track “Get Out” is a broken rocker which somehow brings to mind XYZ, and not only ‘cos Terry vocals, but also the vibe.

Glenn Bridger’s self-titled solo debut is an entertaining album of well composed and played melodic rock, only made better by the vocal performance of Terry Ilous.
Terry’s ability to move from rockin’ dynamics to the smooth sensuality on the ballads is quite significant. I wonder if Bridger would have sounded this good with somebody else behind the microphone.
Highly Recommended

01 – Tuesday Afternoon
02 – How Long
03 – On The Ledge
04 – Don’t Push Me
05 – Without A Sound
06 – Free
07 – Live For The Moment
08 – Good To Be Home
09 – Gonna Get Better
10 – Once In A Lifetime
11 – Heaven And Hell [Ronnie James Dio Tribute]
BONUS TRACK:
12 – Get Out

Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White): Vocals
Glen Bridger (Head East): Guitars
Greg Manahan (Head East): Bass
Danzoid: Drums & Percussion
Sam McCaslin (M. Schenker, Carmine Appice): Keyboards

Additional Players:
Jk Northrup: Guitars, Bass
Larry Hart (Montrose, King Kobra, Shortino-Northrup): Bass
Eddy Jones (Head East): Drums, Percussion
Marcus Nand: Drum loop programming, Keys and Guitars
Mark Murtha (London Drive): Keys, Electric and Steel guitar
Pat Fontaine (XYZ): Additional lyrics

Produced by Terry Ilous and JK Northrup

Out Of Print