A memoir of 25 years (1975-2000) spent working in the world of records & music in Seattle, with occasional side trips into writings on Led Zeppelin and other adventures from my musical life.
What a sweet and great tribute, Hugh. I know Tommy Bolin only by name and the bands he was in but I must admit, I'm not familiar with his work. You've inspired me to check him out, thanks!
I love those Zephyr albums, especially the first two with Bolin and Candy dueling it out with Tommy on guitar and Givens' manic vocals.
And Bolin's guitar on "Stratus" from Billy Cobham's 'Spectrum' LP is scorchin'! The entire track is totally insane and the absolute highlight of the LP!
Yes, those first 2 Zephyr albums are great - very different from each other but chock full of great songs & performances. Candy Given's voice can indeed be manic but it was the Janis era and she could sure deliver the goods!
RE: Spectrum - amazing record. The last tune 'Red Baron' is also outstanding Bolin - kind of the opposite of Stratus with a slow tempo and very clean guitar tone - but his playing. . . damn!
Great story, HJ. I saw him with James Gang at Winterland in SF. He was an amazing guitarist, but having seen Joe Walsh/Barnstorm a few times previously (including plenty of James Gang ‘hits’), it wasn’t the most exciting show. A bit ramshackle too as I vaguely recall…. It’s hard when a musician you love doesn’t quite fulfill those dreams, regardless of where the blame lies.
I felt bummed at not seeing him when the band played Seattle but hesitated as he was just the opening act. In those days, often the headliner band would control the sound board so openers often had shit sound or experienced the snafus you mentioned. I figured I would see him next time around when he would be the headliner. How did that work out, dammit!?
What a sweet and great tribute, Hugh. I know Tommy Bolin only by name and the bands he was in but I must admit, I'm not familiar with his work. You've inspired me to check him out, thanks!
Really enjoyed that, Hugh. Love seeing your memoribilia and being reminded of what it was like in those days. Such a different experience from now.
I love those Zephyr albums, especially the first two with Bolin and Candy dueling it out with Tommy on guitar and Givens' manic vocals.
And Bolin's guitar on "Stratus" from Billy Cobham's 'Spectrum' LP is scorchin'! The entire track is totally insane and the absolute highlight of the LP!
Yes, those first 2 Zephyr albums are great - very different from each other but chock full of great songs & performances. Candy Given's voice can indeed be manic but it was the Janis era and she could sure deliver the goods!
RE: Spectrum - amazing record. The last tune 'Red Baron' is also outstanding Bolin - kind of the opposite of Stratus with a slow tempo and very clean guitar tone - but his playing. . . damn!
Great story, HJ. I saw him with James Gang at Winterland in SF. He was an amazing guitarist, but having seen Joe Walsh/Barnstorm a few times previously (including plenty of James Gang ‘hits’), it wasn’t the most exciting show. A bit ramshackle too as I vaguely recall…. It’s hard when a musician you love doesn’t quite fulfill those dreams, regardless of where the blame lies.
I felt bummed at not seeing him when the band played Seattle but hesitated as he was just the opening act. In those days, often the headliner band would control the sound board so openers often had shit sound or experienced the snafus you mentioned. I figured I would see him next time around when he would be the headliner. How did that work out, dammit!?