Thank you for creating this excellent documentary. I love all of Tommy's playing... He shined on Billy Cobham's 1973 album "Spectrum," Cobham's first and most popular album. Mr. Cobham marveled at Tommy's talent and creativity. Tommy excelled at rock, blues, jazz, any genre of music.
Had no idea that was Tommy playing on Spectrum, being a big Cobham fan, I tend to listen to the drums first, but there is no denying Tommy's guitar playing was beyond insane on that album....
"Quadrant 4" from Cobham's Spectrum album--I've listened to this for 48 years and still am blown away by the interplay (and solos) of Jan Hammer and Tommy Bolin.
I got to Tommy via James Gang without even realising he'd played for them, as I independently loved them both in their own rights. Then I heard he had a spell in Deep Purple, a huge band in their own right (I've not yet listened to any Zephyr). The first track of his I heard was Homeward Strut and it blew me away, I LOVED the way he almost attacked the music with the power of it. Most would have either destroyed the whole thing or smothered any music, but he was so good that he could pull it off. And it felt so different to anyone else I'd heard. I breezed through Teaser and Private Eyes - The Grind and especially Post Toastee are songs I don't think I could ever possibly get tired of hearing, but of course his whole catalogue is a blast. And a real sympathetic character leaps out from much of his lyrics, or so I felt; he just seemed like such a genuinely good soul. The kind you could imagine giving you the shirt off his back or his last couple of dollars if you needed them. I was so excited to hear what he followed up with - and then I was completely floored to learn that was the end of it, and he had died so tragically before realising his immense potential and that he was only 25.25! I couldn't believe it. How had he managed so much so young? 25 is so, so young. And man, I was not expected how hard it hit me to read that last exchange he had with the Miami News journalist, It just felt so real you could almost see it and hear it: Tommy must've looked so lost and lonely that this guy even said, "hey, take care of yourself, okay?" "I've been taking care of myself my whole life, don't worry about me. I'll be around for a long time". It was 4 December, 1976; he was found dead the next morning. 25. He is a legend anyway, but I only wish he had gotten the good fortune his talent and good heart deserved. I really have never reacted to any other musician in the same way, and plenty of bright young things have met premature ends, look at the whole 27 club thing. But (apart from the fact he didn't even get that far, even 2 more years may have seen the release of potentially exceptional albums) it was different with Tommy. I still get sad to think about it now, and i don't even think I've ever heard him speak, only listened to his music and read a few printed interviews. But clear as day I know I'm right about him. If the world had more Tommy Bolin's it'd be much a kinder place, but when you factor in his talent...he was one of a kind. What a legend.
Awsome documentary, Tommy Bolin is truly the Ultimate", there will never be a musician like him. He really did a lot of music in his short life, and I´m so happy for all the great material wich is posted here about Tommy Bolin. I have been a fan since about 1982 and I think his music is timeless, It´s still the best what so ever.
I first heard stratus on a Dallas, Texas Rock Station. It was 1973/74. I could not believe it that this guitar player was making his guitar cause that sound.
great comments from all. just know when I first heard Tommy in high school and played him on dad's stereo he blew up and cut my hair after doing yard work. knew right then Mr Bolin was a featured regular in the house. every time I get a haircut I start hummin post toastee. HA...
We enjoyed them zephyr in Albuquerque New Mexico three times, the third Tommy was gone no lead guitar player but the show is still fantastic with Candy Givens. Owned everyone of Zephyr n Tommy Bolins Albums
Never EVER forget Listening to Teaser the first time...just floored me! Tommy did so much in such a short period of time it just doesn't seem real...but it damn sure was!
12:38 Tommy Bolin "heir apparent to the master Jimi Hendrix ..." No. They were in two different leagues. They both played to the same audience, but each offered up something distinct. Comparing the two does a disservice to both. Btw, I also really think that Terry Kath and Frank Marino were every bit as mind-blowing as Tommy Bolin and/or Hendrix.
The first heavy metal band was the Mahavishnu Orchestra. And it was McLaughlin who succeeded Hendrix. But yea Tommy killed on Spectrum, amazing talent. He probably would have done more in fusion. Then came Al Di Meola.
Jimi was NOT heavy metal, Jimi was a rock guitarist, the best and set the bar for rock so high nobody has or will reach it. So many good rock guitarists out there all influenced by Jimi and those who deny it are lying.
He's getting a lot of time because he was a very good friend of Tommy''s. Jeff Cook was in Energy and also wrote songs with Tommy up until his death. He knew Tommy better than most people-his insight is invaluable. Your comment is ignorant.
You are missed Brother, RIDES Again, is Best, But I visit BANG, MIAMI< , all your solo, and Purple , saw the Tribute tour, Glen needs to do it again with Joe bonamasa
Awesome to learn this great stuff. And if I'd been in a band with Tommy Bolin I'd be a worse blowhard than Jeff could ever be. Typical comment from somebody who would only noticed that while watching this great documentary.
how can you sit there & talk like that! its been many yrs i realize, but at least have the decency to make a now"2019" interview. you know & alot of others know this is sickening!
@Gary-no worries. That's amazing that you were at his last show. I saw him with Purple in January '76-stood right in front of him-just wish I remembered more of the show!
Thank you for creating this excellent documentary. I love all of Tommy's playing... He shined on Billy Cobham's 1973 album "Spectrum," Cobham's first and most popular album. Mr. Cobham marveled at Tommy's talent and creativity. Tommy excelled at rock, blues, jazz, any genre of music.
TOMMY WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE "THE ULTIMATE"!.GOD BLESS YOU TOMMY.
Had no idea that was Tommy playing on Spectrum, being a big Cobham fan, I tend to listen
to the drums first, but there is no denying Tommy's guitar playing was beyond insane on that album....
love jeff cook, he explains the times back then very well.
His story of the little Tommy just melts my heart. :3
"Quadrant 4" from Cobham's Spectrum album--I've listened to this for 48 years and still am blown away by the interplay (and solos) of Jan Hammer and Tommy Bolin.
I got to Tommy via James Gang without even realising he'd played for them, as I independently loved them both in their own rights. Then I heard he had a spell in Deep Purple, a huge band in their own right (I've not yet listened to any Zephyr). The first track of his I heard was Homeward Strut and it blew me away, I LOVED the way he almost attacked the music with the power of it. Most would have either destroyed the whole thing or smothered any music, but he was so good that he could pull it off. And it felt so different to anyone else I'd heard. I breezed through Teaser and Private Eyes - The Grind and especially Post Toastee are songs I don't think I could ever possibly get tired of hearing, but of course his whole catalogue is a blast. And a real sympathetic character leaps out from much of his lyrics, or so I felt; he just seemed like such a genuinely good soul. The kind you could imagine giving you the shirt off his back or his last couple of dollars if you needed them. I was so excited to hear what he followed up with - and then I was completely floored to learn that was the end of it, and he had died so tragically before realising his immense potential and that he was only 25.25! I couldn't believe it. How had he managed so much so young? 25 is so, so young. And man, I was not expected how hard it hit me to read that last exchange he had with the Miami News journalist, It just felt so real you could almost see it and hear it: Tommy must've looked so lost and lonely that this guy even said, "hey, take care of yourself, okay?"
"I've been taking care of myself my whole life, don't worry about me. I'll be around for a long time". It was 4 December, 1976; he was found dead the next morning. 25. He is a legend anyway, but I only wish he had gotten the good fortune his talent and good heart deserved. I really have never reacted to any other musician in the same way, and plenty of bright young things have met premature ends, look at the whole 27 club thing. But (apart from the fact he didn't even get that far, even 2 more years may have seen the release of potentially exceptional albums) it was different with Tommy. I still get sad to think about it now, and i don't even think I've ever heard him speak, only listened to his music and read a few printed interviews. But clear as day I know I'm right about him. If the world had more Tommy Bolin's it'd be much a kinder place, but when you factor in his talent...he was one of a kind. What a legend.
Awsome documentary, Tommy Bolin is truly the Ultimate", there will never be a musician like him. He really did a lot of music in his short life, and I´m so happy for all the great material wich is posted here about Tommy Bolin. I have been a fan since about 1982 and I think his music is timeless, It´s still the best what so ever.
Wtf is the bitch who left him for his friend being interviewed for
I first heard stratus on a Dallas, Texas Rock Station. It was 1973/74. I could not believe it that this guitar player was making his guitar cause that sound.
Tommy amazing singer, guitar player & songwriter. Legend!
great comments from all. just know when I first heard Tommy in high school and played him on dad's stereo he blew up and cut my hair after doing yard work. knew right then Mr Bolin was a featured regular in the house. every time I get a haircut I start hummin post toastee. HA...
Spectrum, what a amazing album!
...fortunately Billy C gave him that chance, and man, he took that chance like no one could have topped that performance on Spectrum
Jeff Beck said Tommy's work on Spectrum,was the single greatest influence on his direction towards Fusion a yr and a half later w/ Blow By Blow
No doubt!
We enjoyed them zephyr in Albuquerque New Mexico three times, the third Tommy was gone no lead guitar player but the show is still fantastic with Candy Givens. Owned everyone of Zephyr n Tommy Bolins Albums
Never EVER forget Listening to Teaser the first time...just floored me! Tommy did so much in such a short period of time it just doesn't seem real...but it damn sure was!
OK! POST TOASTIE, in the Late 70's, early 80's! Listening on a McIntosh powered and ESS AMT1 speakers system. NOTHING WILL EVER BEAT THAT!
For me Tommy was a great as Hendrix....🎸🎸🎸
Tommy Bolin - My all time #1❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
so many died so young..Marc Bolan died around the same time
Agreed Marty. I can't believe Spectrum songs have such little views on TH-cam.
I always whip out the CD......Alphonse Mouzon as well....Mind Transplant.....I do view the hour long outtakes from that album...phenomenal....
RIP Tommy...... we miss u..
I used to see him with Energy too, late 72-73. Amazing band!
12:38 Tommy Bolin "heir apparent to the master Jimi Hendrix ..." No. They were in two different leagues. They both played to the same audience, but each offered up something distinct. Comparing the two does a disservice to both. Btw, I also really think that Terry Kath and Frank Marino were every bit as mind-blowing as Tommy Bolin and/or Hendrix.
The first heavy metal band was the Mahavishnu Orchestra. And it was McLaughlin who succeeded Hendrix. But yea Tommy killed on Spectrum, amazing talent. He probably would have done more in fusion. Then came Al Di Meola.
Jimi was NOT heavy metal, Jimi was a rock guitarist, the best and set the bar for rock so high nobody has or will reach it. So many good rock guitarists out there all influenced by Jimi and those who deny it are lying.
The first heavy metal band was The Tony Williams Lifetime (with John Mclaughlin)...then came the rest
@@cravinbob finally someone tells it how it is . They wouldn’t even know because he wrote the book.
seems like Energy needed their Peter Grant- from the Beatles to Elvis to Zep- a good manager is the key to real success.
Man this was great thanks
Beautiful
thanks so much for sharing!
i think jonnie bolin was the drummer for black oak ark.
I saw him playing drums with Black Oak Arkansas. They were great!
Is this documentary about tommy bolin or that other guy In the black suit. Ridiculous how much time he's getting on here. Not enough clips of tommy.
He's getting a lot of time because he was a very good friend of Tommy''s. Jeff Cook was in Energy and also wrote songs with Tommy up until his death. He knew Tommy better than most people-his insight is invaluable. Your comment is ignorant.
Did tommy meet or jam with jimi hendrix.
I like the ex-girlfriend
@gillan64 great comeback
jeff can sing.
best guitarist ever...next to my hubby
You are missed Brother, RIDES Again, is Best, But I visit BANG, MIAMI< , all your solo, and Purple , saw the Tribute tour, Glen needs to do it again with Joe bonamasa
10:50 The Rugged Room?
must see doc-part2
Interesting stuff
Just way way cool!
Awesome to learn this great stuff. And if I'd been in a band with Tommy Bolin I'd be a worse blowhard than Jeff could ever be. Typical comment from somebody who would only noticed that while watching this great documentary.
so how did ex girlfriend help him stop being addicted
I'm sure she tried. Karen was quoted as saying, "no one could tell Tommy to cool it but Tommy".
how can you sit there & talk like that! its been many yrs i realize, but at least have the decency to make a now"2019" interview. you know & alot of others know this is sickening!
saw him play with T Rex as the opening act for Jeff Beck in Miami, 1976, his last show, the night he died. Tommy was great, Jeff Beck wasn't.
You saw Tommy play with T Rex? What? That's Marc Bolan.
@@DCB728 people bitch me out for that mistake frequently.
@Gary-no worries. That's amazing that you were at his last show. I saw him with Purple in January '76-stood right in front of him-just wish I remembered more of the show!
I saw Jimi Clapton in The Eric Page Experience once. They opened for Led Cream and were amazing.
@@johnnyd63 lololol!very good!
no worse than your comment