3 Tommy Bolin Licks From 1974

[@larryhall8666]

I'm 66 years old now, but I remember when he played in Pueblo Colorado at Pinocchios when I was 16 years old, he was awesome, I'll never forget that day

[@glennkemp6565]

I have visited Tommy's grave in Sioux City. It was a powerful moment. I was all alone in this huge cemetery. But standing there, I felt maybe he was visiting me. I played Post Toastee while I stood there. He was a loved man. Still is..

[@williampiebenga2306]

I was Fortunate enough to see Tommy Bolin in Rapid City South Dakota when he was with Zephyr! Very eye opening concert, to say the least!

[@joelvioletOneHairLeft]

I got influence from Ricky Bolin when Tommy's musicianship had been introduced. Thanks Pudge

[@miketan3398]

Timing and taste with a magical flare...he was unique and had an identifiable style that set him apart from any other player...his two solo albums were brilliant and his work on Spectrum was monumental and critical in establishing the genre of jazz/rock fusion. He was one the giants despite never reaching the public pinnacle he deserved.

[@jerryhoelting8434]

Saw Tommy playing with Zephyr many times in Denver/Boulder.. he was so far ahead of the other guitarists in style and technique.. the only one close to his particular talent was Jeff, glad he was good friends with him..

[@jeffhuggins5483]

LOVE this watched AGAIN Thanks oorah...

[@jamesfeldman4234]

Thanks for this video on Tommy Bolin's artistry. But when I hear people reflect on Tommy's work I'm saddened and reminded of my last memories of him. Back in the mid-1970s, shortly before his untimely death, I was living in Greenwich Village in lower NYC and heard through word of mouth in the local music community that Tommy was going to play at my favorite club, a small venue called The Bottom Line, along with drummer Michael Walden. Quite a few music luminaries came out to see them too. Sitting at the tables next to me at the front of the stage were John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, and Stanley Clarke. But when Tommy stepped onto the stage, I immediately felt that something was seriously wrong. Tommy's face was blanched and he looked like the life was drained from him. My immediate thought was that he was experiencing drug withdrawal. But Tommy did his best during his set. I remember us cheering him on and calling out his name, letting him know we loved him no matter what. There were flashes of his genius and musical energy still there, but I had that sinking feeling that Tommy was somehow going through a slow-motion suicide, as I've seen this happen before. This performance would turn out to be one of his last. It's still painful to think about after all these years. But the great music still lives on.

[@xiaoguan1143]

Narada quit the band after that gig...

[@mctavish23]

Great story. Thanks.

[@DCB728]

@James Did he fall off the stage as has been reported? I was there once and I recall the stage not being very high at all. After that show, I read his label dropped him. The Bottom Line was a great club-so intimate.

[@vegasysx7304]

@@DCB728 yes, true.

[@sharonh2991]

Tommy Bolín was hanging out in Denver and Boulder around 1974-75ish (where I lived) and he was the first concert ever saw when he opened for Deep Purple. I was only about 15 but I and my friends loved his music and there was a lot of buzz around Denver about him. The day I found out he died I ditched my classes, took a booth at the A&W across the street from school and just sat there and cried. I’ll never forget that day. Several years later in the mid 80s one of my friends met and befriended Dave Brown, Tommy’s former manager, and he became part of our crew. As you might imagine Dave Brown had some stories to tell!

[@Dylan96n]

I grew up talking to his brother here and there, being from Sioux City, he was always around. I initially had no idea who he was and he came up to me and told me he thought I was pretty incredible for a 16 year old guitarist. I regret to say that he I turned down a gig to play with Alphonse mouzoun that Johnny had offered me because I was going to school. I ended figuring out who that dude was and do I sorely regret not taking the opportunity!

[@stevecarte9330]

Wow! I already owe you big time . When your video ended, I was directed to Tommy Bolin Whips and Roses . I don't have that. Its a fantastic surprise that I needed. It's like Christmas morning as a kid. The clarity is spectacular and to hear his comments after the song is a treat. I thought I had heard them all . I stand corrected. Thank you brother.

[@huwjones1762]

That was Great!.. Tommy was a huge influence on my playing.. Still is. Fantastic that you're keeping his legacy alive. Thanks Man!

[@DoNortSleepIn2024]

I discovered Bolin shortly after his death. One of my favorite albums still today is James Gang Miami. No Walsh, all Bolin! Used to listen to it all the time cruising around during my teenage days! Cruisin Down the Highway, in My Flying Machine. Been a fan ever since. Bought a bunch of his music during the middle of the pandemic.

[@originalhgc]

I got into Tommy when I was in college in the early 80's. Listened to his 2 solo albums on a loop for a while. Mesmerizing.

[@oldgoattheantichrist3468]

Tommy Bolin my favorite guitarist ever along with McLaughlin, Blackmore and Uli Jon Roth. Thank you man. \m/ \m/

[@mctavish23]

Excellent taste.

[@vinnievintage7725]

The reason I discovered Tommy Bolin is thanks to his brothers relentless almost yearly "from the archive'" releases. This effort to keep his brothers music alive has gained Tommy a new generation of fans. God knows commercial radio was no help in building the legend of Tommy Bolin.

[@lastdaysguitar]

Johnny's a great guy, very friendly - got to jam with him on Teaser and a few others at Boyds on the River when he was with DVC - super sound!

[@eltigre8978]

Great points! I guess I was lucky to have grown up in San Antonio Texas where KISS FM played Tommy's 2 solo albums all the time. Joe Anthony and Lou Roney played the hell out of "Post Toastee". The days of radio stations having much influence or meaning is long gone sadly. So glad to see Tommy finally getting the recognition he always deserved.

[@BossNotes]

Didn’t joe bonamassa purchase his LP with the American flag pick guard ?

[@DfromTC]

My dad grew up with Tommy in Sioux City. They were good friends, same with Tommy’s brother Johnnie(Drummer for Black Oak Arkansas) Every year we go to ‘BOLIN FEST’ at the Icky Nickel bar and other bars downtown Sioux City. I’ve met Johnnie, Bobby Berge and Alphonse Mouzon(Tommy did the album ‘Mind Transplant’ with him. He’s guitar on Golden Rainbows is perfect.)

[@linwoodpowers714]

I had the privilege of meeting Tommy at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1976. My friend and I did shake hands and had a short conversation with him. He played a concert there in the gym with James Gang. I was blown away with his guitar riffs. Truly amazing!

[@cliveburgess4128]

Glad to see this, wore out Spectrum daily back then, great album, thanks, enjoyed the video.

[@andychase7693]

Awesome lesson, man! Thanks for shining a light on the great, often overlooked Tommy Bolin! Keep on doin' what you're doin!

[@garyclark9185]

Alot of people are now discovering some rediscovering Tommy Bolin for the first time .....finally he is getting the recognition he deserves.

[@REM1956]

Got into Bolin after hearing the James Gang - Bang album. He was a really good song writer too. Thanks for keeping his name out there.

[@Phil_Kawana]

It was the same for me. Still playing the same (very worn) copy 40 years later!

[@paulcowart3174]

Likewise....still jam on that after getting the CD Huge influence His solos really move you

[@notalcno9]

Ditto my friend, couldn't get enough of the Bang album. If you listen to Deep Purples come taste the band album it's like Bang 2. I also have his Cobham material.

[@1furndog]

Love the Bang album! I still have that and Teaser on "rapid rotation" at my studio. Peace!

[@djdudemanhey]

Thanks for keeping Tommy Bolin’s genius alive!

[@martinlahaie6012]

I love this guy !!! The way he says...something like that...and nails the lick perfectly each damn time ! A real talent kudos

[@Boomsterblak]

Tommy Bolin is like Rory Gallagher Ronnie Montrose in respect that they may not be as famous as some but all the musicians knew who they were,I heard Bolin on Cobham's Stratus after hearing Jeff Beck's cover and it was like hey wait a minute..FoundPrivate Eyes and Teaser years ago and was reunited again a couple years back and wow..so cool..and yes I love his voice too..Thnaks DB for your efforts your very good at this history guitar thing..

[@janetrickwood2484]

Nice to see that you young-uns still know and appreciate the greats! Tommy was one of the greats.

[@tommybolinlivechat1747]

I want to Specially appreciate you for being a big fan. Thanks for your nice comment on my post, it means a lot to me. I want you to send me a direct message via hangouts using my personal email. Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don’t reply unnecessary messages. Hangouts mail: [e-mail]🌹🌹

[@PeterMayer]

My first concert in 1974 was going to see Santana here in Cincinnati and the James gang with Tommy Bolin opened up.

[@darrelldunn4618]

Jeff Beck said the Spectrum album was a big inspiration for him to move in his jazz direction.

[@garygrasser]

He also said Tommy was the only guitarist that scared him.

[@tomdutra977]

I got to see Tommy at winterland , I got to stand at his feet. People people , teaser, etc I'm truly blessed. I'm also truly blessed to have you in my world Dave , thanks again

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

I never heard of Tommy Bolin before but now I'm going to listen to some of his music.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

I just saw a wonderful video about Tommy's short career. Now I need to get all of his albums and listen to them .

[@NJAY104]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Tommy’s playing, very interesting as always. Teaser is never far from my turntable! 😷👍

[@nofreerid]

I was a Bolin fan back in the day. Thanks for the insight.

[@vinnievintage7725]

Tommy should get more credit for his vocals! I love the haunting laid back tone of his voice. I think that is what would have eventually made him a major star.

[@srisidvicious]

That was pretty cool. Great licks, thanks for breaking it down

[@voronOsphere]

Back tracking through some of your stuff I missed, originally, David! I wanted to get to this one for awhile! Thanks!

[@TheBhannah]

Tommy Bolin was such a fantastic artist !

[@cliffordamey4822]

Great lesson I’ve always been a Bolin forever. He really was a player cut from a different kinda rock

[@mctavish23]

Well said.

[@gregoryjimijames8640]

Thank you very much for posting this and for keeping Tommy's legacy alive he was a genius on the guitar and his song writing.

[@joelvioletOneHairLeft]

Rick Bolin opened a door for me 4 plus decades ago. I have followed Tommy since

[@DfromTC]

Have you ever been to Bolin Fest in Sioux City which Tommy’s brother Johnnie hosts?

[@bobpeters5562]

As a fellow Iowan Tommy bolin is our hero . Our brother . And a legend

[@jimcrowell5093]

Standing in the rain hooked me in back then👍😁🎸

[@jamessheridan5707]

OK< this is freaking great. More please!!!

[@meschadarc141]

here's another long time fan, still alive.

[@elmolewis9123]

I've been a Bolin fan since the Zephyr days but the one album I missed was Alphonse Mouzon's Mind Transplant. Thanks for doing this video. Great playing and terrific info you provided.

[@GrovesGuitars]

Homeward Strut is a personal favourite. Like to see you break that one down. 👍

[@zeus-bx9xw]

yeah first heard him with the james gang in the 70s...loved it

[@phlegmbeck9224]

I’ve only recently become aware of Tommy. I immediately became a fan. I’m really disappointed that it’s taken me so long to discover his incredible and mesmerizing sound. I love his 2 solo albums

[@alexchimienti8983]

Thanks, man, you explain well, and play even better!! God Bless!!

[@DjTroublemaker]

I can't thank you enough for this lesson from my number one guitar hero

[@bhpatton55]

thanks for this - Tommy was amazing

[@patrickbuckley344]

I enjoyed That very much, that improved my knowledge, of Tommy Bolin! I love Blow By Blow, and Wired , by Jeff Beck- it is nice to know who inspired him☺

[@nikolavukman4231]

Tommy is such a great communicator on guitar, you can feel his soulfulnes even in the wildest solos... Loved his playing from the teen years, when I've heard him - thank you for showing some licks. Need to learn some Tommy stuff

[@rogerrussian9750]

Tommy Bolin was & still is one of the greats ! Imagine how good he'd be now if still alive ? This guy was at least 10 years ahead of anyone at the time. I'm so glad I discovered this channel & have duly subscribed, thanks a lot mate, all the best, rock on !

[@bassrog]

Love this. I've subscribed, and will be learning from it.

[@gerthie]

Loved your take on Tommy💓

[@simoncasson3327]

Fantastic video. Thanks for keeping the legend alive. Tommy went way too early. Just pure class...

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

I knew about TOMMY from Deep Purple,but to hear that he had no real musical knowledge ,has made me appreciate him much more ,what a creative inspiration,proves ,where theres a will ,theres a way.

[@MercutioUK2006]

Quadrant 4 with Billy Cobham is stunning for its time, some incendiary fretwork and the Echoplex used to great effect (not to mention Jan Hammer and Billy.....)

[@Dagm1111]

Great Vid! Not being a guitarist myself, but an avid listener, I rate my favorite guitarists on how listenable they are. I've often heard that the space between the notes is what matters, not how many notes or how fast. With that said, Tommy Bolin is easily in my top ten all time favorites, which boasts the likes of Steve Howe, Trey Anastacio, Steve Morse, and Jeff Beck. Thank you Tommy... you'll never be forgotten! ❤

[@MrAlanpatten]

Thank you so much, that was a very pleasant and informative session, I appreciate you knowing how Tommy Bolin fits and influenced the guitar community of the mid 70’s. Very Cool lick breakdowns too. Cheers!

[@58BURST]

He was just a natural.

[@alanlatimer1024]

Thank you for keeping Tommy's music alive

[@Fern.perez1977]

Thank you for this🙌🏼 I have only been listening to tommy for a couple of months but i’m already a huge fan and influenced my playing in a big way. We need some more Bolin content!

[@Satchmoeddie]

My uncle got to see an exceptionally great Tommy Bolin show at Mesa County Community College in western Colorado.

[@KevinKohlhase]

Tommy was a one of a kind, he had his own distinct style most fans would know instantly.

[@mctavish23]

Well said !

[@mihalyvigyikan9114]

His long-time girlfriend said: he could play anything... which means he was aware of what he was playing and how... One fo his latest band mate said, he was in energy with him that he could play the most difficult jazz music on one guitar which was written for piano... so basically he knew what he was doing.. Also my tutors in school they say: who plays after listening, knows much more about the theory than who plays from theory and after by ear and feel... I admire him the most, he is the best guitarist in the rock and the fusion history! By the way! Amazing videos, and thanks for sharing these licks, from Tommy, and from Rory too! I like your channel, because this channel is about the excitment of playing along with the real players as like the old way... this is not for the subscribers and the watchers and to make money out of youtube, so you deserve to be watched :)

[@Scottocaster6668]

I dig the last bonus lick👍, It's right up my alley. (Wait, that didn't sound right)

[@jamesk9054]

Thank you for helping with the legacy. Tommy live was an experience like no other. Read what they did with the mix for the Zep set at the Ertegun Tribute Concert. If tech like that had been around to record Tommy's club gigs with Energy and TBB, he would be remembered as the GOAT. Which he is to some of us.

[@johnmuscia8499]

Thanks for this and reading some of the comments I started listening to Stanley Clark and I always wondered if they were aware of each other I've pondered this question for 40 years I knew they played with some of the same musicians well thanks Tommy fans keep on marching ❤

[@robhead22]

I’m thrilled to find this lesson! Thank you for all you do. And great thanks for honoring Tommy Bolin !!

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Another favorite. Right up there with Zappa.

[@mctavish23]

Excellent analogy.

[@michaellyons742]

I knew Tommy Bolin's mother and talked to Tommy on the phone when he would call his mom after a performance. Very very sad when he passed away so young. I wonder how big he would have been in the music world had he lived a full life. His brother Johnny had his own career as a drummer. It is nice to see people having an interest in Tommy and his talent all these years later. Of course here in Sioux City he is remembered fondly.

[@DfromTC]

My dad grew up with Tommy and Johnnie and we go to Bolin Fest every year. I met Bobby Berge, Alphonse Mouzon, Johnnie of course and Jim Dandy. I met a lot of other ppl but I was drunk or super high the whole time I was there. A 3 day non stop party during Bolin Fest!

[@DfromTC]

Do you know ‘The Wick’ from Bolin Fest?

[@strat0871]

Thanks for reminding him to everyone.

[@shotgunrebels]

Great video. Going to go spend some time with his stuff.

[@myyootube2]

Thank you for this great appreciation of Tommy's guitar playing! Tommy is a top 5 guitarist in my book coming in somewhere above Santana and below Hendrix. And he also DEFINED Jazz/Rock fusion along with Jan Hammer and Billy Cobham on the Spectrum album which he really just sat in on. But he was the rock... at a level I've never heard on any other fusion record.

[@andrewwilkins4113]

Found him with Purple and back tracked his body of work!! Love him!!🎼

[@karlsmith3281]

Love it man - the streetwise blues kid mixing it up with the jazz heavyweights - awesome and great presentation by the way. UK lockdown fan.

[@jeffpepin399]

The beginning of Standing in the Rain is killer.

[@stevenbaty6247]

James Gang Bang is still one of my favorite albums of all time. He wrote played and sang. Serious guitar licks throughout.

[@jasonwells5777]

I’ve been a tommy bolin fan since I was a kid, huge fan, huge impact on me! Thank you for making this!! Rock on!

[@stevenbaty6247]

I enjoyed this. My first show ever was James Gang with Tommy Bolin in Charleston SC. Wow . . I became a live music addict after my first show. My second show was Joe Walsh (Smoker you drink album) in the same venue. Wow again. One note . . . I believe Dominic Troiano was the immediate replacement for Walsh in JG. I think he was replaced by Bolin later on Walshes recommendation. JG's Straight Shooter is actually quite good. The funniest part is that I did not know who Bolin was until I heard the Cobham Album in about 1978. It blew my mind and he has been my fav ever since. I actually saw him and did not even know it. Hah!

[@simonrourke1978]

Great video, and I love your vibrato!

[@brownsfan7753]

Great lesson!! Thanks for this!

[@geruto17760]

WOW, you've picked out some very tasty licks there. Thanks!

[@chrischarles1468]

Dave thanks so very much, but please don’t leave it there. A Tommy Bolin Chordplay featuring his solo records Teaser and Private Eyes is really necessary. You know it is.

[@chuckm4540]

In 2019 Tommy Bolin was inducted into the Colorado Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I attended the ceremony and Warren Haynes and Joe Bonamassa played Tommy's music. Pretty cool.

[@wolfr65]

thanks to you and those who wrote in for introducing me to Tommy Bolin

[@shanetankey3340]

Man,you stay cool. Keep the flame burning. Thanks for this, Everybody.

[@edcorn4351]

Man, you just made my day. Though I can't say I am familiar with Bolin's entire body of work, I'm aware enough to know he was a badass whose influence is wider than can be easily explained. "Post Toastee" has some great examples of delay and reverb perfectly used with his sassy phrasing. Very cool lesson, sir!

[@mrhifi5100]

Spot on! I introduce his music to our entire county town. 79 z28 pioneer speakers and rocking to Post Toastee.

[@MARIO-uf1no]

I love Tommy's work on Deep Purple's Come Taste the Band. One of my fave releases. Check it out.

[@whiskeyhangover1438]

I think part of the greatness of Tommy Bolin is watching the countless clips of all the great guitarists that have passed through Billy Cobham's band , that Tommy's solo on Stratus is the pinnacle that no one can seem to top. I know it isn't a competition, some solo's are quite good but Tommy's literally changed the course of my life. Hearing him play on that created a vacuum in me that I need to fill with constant fusion. It was a wonderful ride, never listen to it much anymore but I definitely feel enriched by the journey.

[@paulcowart3174]

He was probably one of the first world music players Versed in so many styles Reggae..fusion...Latin...blues...rock....funk All over the place

[@timothydrumm5690]

You got it - then you are highly blessed when you go for it!

[@joleneloveland2942]

Amen!

[@jj-nh8lz]

Hey, I really enjoyed this. Not a guitar player but a fan of great rock n roll and Tommy Bolin. Learning how much Tommy influenced Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen and other greats really helped illustrate why he was such an important guitar player and innovator.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Great stuff as usual; keep it up!

[@juanrajara2887]

That album cover of Tommy behind your lava lamp is one of my favorite photos of Tommy. I remember seeing a photo of Tommy wearing a tee shirt with that on the front. Tommy with his hair tinted with blue streaks, I'm not sure if he or Todd Rudgren did that first. Anyways I remember wanting to see him at the Aragon but for whatever reason decided that I'd see him next time he came to town. It pains me to think about it but sadly there was no next time.

[@BeanieOakley]

Love the framed "Teaser" Album cover on the wall.... I have that album myself.... My favorite three track are Teaser.. Marching Powder..... and Savannah Woman.... Tommy's life ended way to soon... Loved his work with Glenn Hughs on DP's "Come Taste The Band".... Gettin' Tighter was a great track!! Thanks for sharing..

[@golflre7179]

Excellent vid - thx! Your playing and knowledge are impressive.

[@jperryfan]

Dave I requested this a while ago. Just wanted to say thanks!

[@bmoraski]

Loving the series. Love the knowledge ( history ) you lay on us.

[@stevescott8060]

Good video man, I have wondered if anyone remembered Tommy Bolin and He is. Thanks for showing me that slide note lead.