The Bridge is a unique rock band who combine elements of blues and roots, spiced with funk and soul. Through constant touring they have built a loyal following throughout America and Europe fueled by gritty, dynamic live performances and poignantly hand-crafted albums. Following in the tradition of classic / southern roots rock, while flavoring their sound with Americana sensibilities, The Bridge has created their own niche.

The band’s roots date back to 2001, when guitarist & vocalist Cris Jacobs reunited, post college, with high school friend Kenny Liner (who’d recently returned from living in Hawaii and learning the mandolin). They found an immediate chemistry playing music together, and would go onto create The Bridge by osmosis. They played countless regional shows, working on each other’s material, experimenting with bands members and ultimately woodshedding the band until it locked into focus. Jacobs and Liner solidified the The Bridge’s core line-up with the addition of saxophonist Patrick Rainey, bassist Dave Markowitz and drummer Mike Gambone.

Philadelphia based keyboardist Mark Brown began doing shows with the band in 2008, and by the end of that year he had also become a full time member of the band, rounding out their sound with organ and piano.

After self-releasing the CD ‘Cross Street Market’ in 2005, and becoming notorious for late night residency shows at the 8×10 Club, in Baltimore, the band eventually signed to Hyena Records. A self titled CD was released on Hyena in 2007, to critical acclaim, and the band has just recently (October 2008) released another buzzed-about album, entitled “Blind Man’s Hill”.

Since their first release on Hyena Records, The Bridge has been performing all over the United States and throughout Europe, at clubs, festivals, and colleges. Among others, they have graced the stages of Allgood Festival, Wakarusa, Jamcruise, Gathering of the Vibes, Floydfest, the Capital City Carnival, moe.down, Camp Bisco, Smilefest, the Asheville Music Jamboree, the Baltimore Jazz Festival, etc. On their 2008 tour of Europe, they received rousing receptions at the Oerol Festival in The Netherlands, the Umsonst & Draussen Festival in Germany, and the Blue Ball Festival in Switzerland.

we are…

Cris Jacobs – Guitar/Vocals
Kenny Liner – Mandolin/Vocal Percussion
Dave Markowitz – Bass/Vocals
Patrick Rainey – Sax
Mike Gambone – Drums
Mark Brown – Keys

The Bridge Press Photo:

2010 Press Photo (color)