TOMMY BOLIN Whips And Roses II
SPV 78622CD (2006)
More unreleased tracks by the former Deep Purple, James Gang and Zephyr guitar genius. Discovered by accident, these tapes feature previously unreleased and alternate versions of songs, some here fans will recognise.
Bolin added his own touch of class to Deep Purple, but it was the tour that destroyed the band's reputation with Bolin's inability to play due to drug problems. But in the studio, especially when recording his two solo albums, he had the time and freedom to flow and these tapes show that well. Remastered well, they sound good, and Bolin's jazz influences come across, especially on 'Crazed Fandango'. It's said this man had influences on Jeff Beck - no mean feat.
As well as alternate versions there's studio jams, with 'Bagitblues Deluxe', 'Tommy's Got The Blues' and 'Some People Call Me' all pushing the 10 minute mark.
Some excellent material here. But it's often said that what gets released is released for a reason, and what isn't released also isn't released for a reason. So it's far from a best of, but a good and enjoyable insight.
***½
Review by Joe Geesin
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