Cleopatra Records [Release date: 26.08.13]
Guitarist Tommy Bolin has an interesting pre-Purple history and this 2-CD set is an excellent chronicle of the band he formed in 1972 after Zephyr and before James Gang. Energy, with a mix of rock and jazz fusion, pre-dates and pre-empts his time with Billy Cobham and included drummer Bobby Berge (who also played in Zephyr) and vocalist Jeff Cook who adds sketchy if authentic sleeve notes to this release.
Greg Hampton and Tommy Bolin’s brother Johnnie have overseen this compilation and a high standard is maintained with a mix of vocal and instrumental pieces. Amongst the standouts, the instrumentals ‘Hoka-Hay!’ and ‘Dungeon’ and a 26 minute formative version of what became ‘Marching Powder’ on his classic ‘Teaser’ album. We also hear early or alternate versions of songs that appeared on Bolin’s James Gang albums: ‘Alexis’ and ‘Spanish Lover’.
Although billed as ‘rare and unreleased’ recordings, buyers should note that several Energy and contemporaneous tracks appeared on the 3-CD set ‘Ultimate: Redux’ in 2008 and the earlier ‘Energy’ in 1999. For collectors, a limited edition deluxe box version of ‘Whirlwind’ includes 4 colour postcards, pick, patch and pin.
It does suggest that there is still a need for a definitive anthology which brings together the somewhat haphazard archive releases since his death in 1976 along with the commercial recordings he made in his lifetime (and chronicled on 1989′s ‘Ultimate’ collection).
But this release is infinitely preferable to the very poor tribute album I reviewed in 2012 when Bolin’s original multi-track tapes were re-used. ‘Whirlwind’ is thankfully the real deal although underlining the frustration that a promising career was to tragically unravel. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
