The early 70's were definitely the age of the great guitar heroes. Just to name some here we get Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Toni Iommi. It was also the time for guitar mastermind Ritchie Blackmore and his unique style, which helped to establish Deep Purple as one of the most important Hard Rock acts of their era.
When Blackmore departed from Deep Purple in 1975, Tommy Bolin filled in his shoes. At that time he was a young guitarist who had the world at his feet and a promising future at the age of 23. However, Bolin's career was quite short due to his death on December 4, 1976 at the age of 25. Similarly to Jimi Hendrix, Bolin also enjoys a fine reputation beyond his death.
Ok, enough with the history lesson, now let us focus on this release. SPV has compiled a new Bolin retrospective, titled Whips And Roses 1 which contains previously unreleased material that show us how great and talented Bolin was as a performer and songwriter. All of the music on Whips And Roses is previously unreleased songs or alternative versions of songs. The title itself, Whips And Roses, is taken from a phrase Tommy mentioned in an interview with writer Art Connor.
There are elements of Rock plus Funk and Jazz in this album, all blended together into a style which creates the distinctive Bolin sound and character. Tommy Bolin is without any further doubt one of the most underestimated and kind of forgotten guitar heroes of modern Rock times. If you are not afraid to be experimental and start searching for a new love in the fields of guitar (just like I do) then dig into this CD with no fear. What you are about to find here is groovy funky Hard Rock 70's music delivered in fine way by a guitar man who departed too early for the Heavens. Notice that the voice of Bolin is also quite remarkable.
Whips And Roses 1 manages to maintain alive the memory of a guitar genius and a man who was one with his music. We better start anticipating for Whips And Roses 2 to be released by the end of 2006.
- Album Highlights: Teaser, Fandango, Savannah Woman, Flyin' Fingers.