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 11:40 am
Just curiously, why ‘Private Eyes’ over ‘Teaser?’
And you forgot to mention Bolin’s stint in jazz fusion drummer Billy Cobham’s band - “Quadrant 4″ -WOW!
October 19th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Hey Chaz!
Actually, I had a hard time choosing between the two. I decided on “Private Eyes” because I felt it might be a little more accessible to someone who had not been exposed to Tommy’s music. Hopefully, that person will enjoy it, and do a little exploring on their own. I grew up in Denver, where Tommy lived and played in a few local bands. He was considered a guitar god here long before any national exposure. I didn’t go into much of his history simply to keep it short. I could talk all day about Tommy Bolin!
Thanks for the input…
Rebecca