Tommy Bolin - Whips And Roses II (2006)SPV/Steamhammer

I guess that this American guitarist is well-known among my Dear Readers, but taking the young generation into consideration, I'd like to write a few words on his artistic activity. Tommy Bolin was born in 1951 and started to play in his first band Benny and The Triumphs at the age of thirteen. Then he played and cooperated with the likes of: American Standard, Lonny Mack, Zephyr, Energy (alongside a flutist Jeremy Steig), Billy Cobham, The James Gang (substituting for Dominic Troian), Alphonse Mouzon, Moxy, Deep Purple and, finally, he founded his own Tommy Bolin band. Mr. Bolin recorded two solo albums - "Teaser" (1975) and "Private Eyes" (1976). Unfortunately, he died as 25-year-old youth as a result of drug overdosing.

His younger brother Johnnie has dug out old dusty tapes from the home archives and made them available to publish. It was the beginning of "Whips And Roses" compilation produced by famous Greg Hampton. This time I will review its second part which includes many valuable tracks played alongside Mr. Bolin by a dozen or so esteemed musicians: Jeff Porcaro (drums; Toto), David Sanborn (saxophone), David Foster (piano, synthesizer), Stanley Sheldon (bass guitar), Jan Hammer (synthesizer, drums), Paul Stallworth (bass guitar), Ron Fransen (piano), Bobbie Berge (drums), Sammy Figueroa (percussion), Rafael Cruz (percussion), Dave Brown and Lee Kiefer (backing vocals).

As luck would have it, I don't sense any opium within Bolin's playing, but only vitality and happiness in each of his parts. Tommy's guitar manner isn't as spectacular as shredders' and neoclassicists', yet glamorous! The one-of-a-kind resonant and piercing sound of his guitar is legendary and recognizable worldwide. I admit that the first track has just finished, and I am caught in a snare of admiration. I do respect his versatility and adroit movements between blues and classic hard rock or jazz and improvised genre-free solos. Our nostalgic feelings are revived by vinyl sound full of hums and other odd interferences. This music is so accessible that it easily gets out and appeal to listeners without any problem. Hanging out with Bolin's tracks is a real pleasance. I am sure it can help us with attaining our bluesy thirst and unwinding in the world that rolls faster than the speed of light.

Some compilations are merely blurs of musicians' output, but it doesn't concern "Whips And Roses II". It includes 20-carat blues rock virtuosity and its proof is the collection showing Tommy's eternal artistic validity. Mr. Bolin had a perfect feeling for rhythm, an ideal timing and a gift for superb arrangements. I am convinced that fanbases of Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix could buy it forward without reading one review at least. I am not surprised at all and hope that publishing this archival material will pay off both to the listeners and SPV. My hat goes off to Tommy, his generous brother and the label.