Rebecca’s Picks - Albums You Should Own: Private Eyes by Tommy Bolin
Track List
1. Bustin Out For Rosey (Bolin)
2. Sweet Burgundy (Cook)
3. Post Toastee (Bolin)
4. Shake The Devil (Cook)
5. Gypsy Soul (Cook)
6. Someday Will Bring Our Love Home (Bolin, Tesar)
7. Hello Again (Cook)
8. You Told Me You Loved Me (Bolin)
Released May 1976 on CBS Records
Produced by Tommy Bolin and Dennis McKay
Band Members: Tommy Bolin-guitars, piano, lead vocals Reggie McBride-bass Mark Stein-keyboards Carmine Appice-drums Bobby Berge-percussion Norma Jean Bell-saxophone
I first became aware of Tommy Bolin when I was in junior high. Jeff, the high school senior who lived down the street, was a huge fan of his. I was a huge fan of Jeff, and became an instant disciple. Unfortunately, by the time I discovered Tommy Bolin and his music, he was already dead.
If you can find this album, buy it. If not, find what you can on Bolin on the internet. He was a true innovator, mixing rock, jazz, and blues influences for an absolutely unique guitar sound. His style was emotional and funky at the same time, his voice seeming to meld seamlessly with the notes from his guitar.
The production on this album is not the greatest, but you will be amazed at the variety of musical styles and genres that he mixes here, all the while staying true to his own personal sound. This is his second solo record, and the last album he made. Before forming his own band, he replaced Joe Walsh in the James Gang, and was the lead guitarist in Deep Purple after Ritchie Blackmore left. He was only 25 when he died, leaving us to wonder what might have been.
By Rebecca
October 19th, 2007 at 9:29 am
If you don’t have it, pick up Billy Cobham’s Spectrum cd.
It has Bolin’s absolute best/most inspired guitar playing.
I think playing with Billy lit a fire under his ass and made
him leave the drugs home that day.