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The review I am about to write is, for me, a tribute to one of the greatest talents, among many, who left us too soon: I am talking about Tommy Bolin.
Even today it seems incredible how much material this young man managed to produce in such a short time, considering that his brief career was cut short in the distant 1976, due to a tragic overdose; he is most often remembered for being Blackmore's replacement in Deep Purple and for giving them a commendable alternative to their classic sound, as evidenced by the great, unique album recorded with the Purple, "Come Taste The Band". But beyond all that, Tommy should be remembered especially for his solo material, which perhaps went too unnoticed over the years: the album I am about to review is indeed his first solo album, "Teaser," which at the time was released simultaneously with "Come Taste The Band".
In this work, the American guitarist fuses the classic elements of his blues repertoire with the sound he would later bring to Deep Purple; the proof is the opening track "The Grind", an excellent funky piece where this young talent immediately shines. The next piece, "Homeward Strut", maintains the potential demonstrated in the first track, thanks to an excellent solo supported excellently by the rest of the session men (among whom drummer Jeff Porcaro stands out); the third song, "Dreamer", stands out mainly because among the backing vocalists we can recognize Glenn Hughes, who once again gives his best with his golden voice. Among the subsequent tracks, namely "Savannah Woman", "Teaser", and "People, People", Tommy's great skill in blending a multitude of different genres can be noticed, as reggae, jazz, and even country influences are perceived. Skipping over "Marching Powder", we come to the guitarist's most famous ballad, "Wild Dogs", a track that Tommy would even occasionally reprise during his tour with the Purple. To close this fantastic album is another extraordinary track, "Lotus", which adds nothing more to what has been said so far, except that this young man will always remain one of the greatest talents ever!!
To listen to Tommy Bolin at his best, without a doubt, I recommend Billy Cobham's "Spectrum," I assure you it is amazing to hear him at work on that album. I conclude by saying that personally, I have often been annoyed to hear him compared to Randy Rhoads not so much because I consider him superior to the latter, but rather because I believe a precise comparison cannot be made, as their genres are quite distant, at least according to me.
I just have to wait for what you think.....there's nothing more to say, let's hope for the best!!
See you soon, CIAOOOOOO!!
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
01 The Grind (03:53)
I walked all day tryin to find me work,
I must have knocked on one hundred doors.
Would have swallowed my pride for some money,
And be satisfied sweepin' the floors.
Mr. Government-man.
Mr. Silver-and-gold.
Mr. Bustin'-my-ass.
Mr. All-you-can-hold.
I spent last night a sleep on a park bench,
'til a cop came and moved me along.
Told him I wasn't botherin' nobody,
Yes he told me to go.
Everywhere, I get the same kind of answer,
Not now or maybe then.
Well me time is runnin' out on me people, yes me people.
If you're down and without a friend.
Yeah, yeah.
03 Dreamer (05:09)
Halfway gone, and halfway back, You're always dreaming' 'bout what you lack. You're takin' your time from your busy day, To sit by the track and watch the train roll away. Dreamer I know what you're thinkin', I can see it in your face. Maybe before you were happy, But now your thoughts aren't of this place. You've begun to change now baby, I don't see. Oh but I know you well and it's clear to me. You think chains hold you here now baby, but they don't exist. You don't have to stay mama, I won't insist. So take the train today, and don't look back again. Live the dreams you have, don't dwell on what has been. Your future's brighter now, there's brighter days ahead. Any sad farewell words, better left unsaid. Maybe before you were happy, but now your thoughts aren't of this place. I only wish you were with me, someone like you can't be replaced.
08 Wild Dogs (04:40)
Baggage handcuffed to my wrist,
I drag it everywhere I go.
Sometimes I fight it with my fists,
If I knew which way was home,
It's where I'd go.
If I knew which way was home.
Porter come and cut me loose,
Bring that whiskey in my water.
Sometimes I get the blues,
But I know I shouldn't oughtta.
That's where I'd go.
If I knew which way was home.
Run down ghost town, no chance for love,
No sign of life - just wild dogs howlin' in the night.
That's what I like.
Hey porter come and cut me free,
I'm sick of my own company.
Sometimes I miss the gold,
Most times I miss my home.
That's where I'd go.
If I knew which way was home.
That's what I like
Hear 'em howl....
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