CleoRecs just released an approved, official remastered reissue of “Teaser“, the critically acclaimed 1975 debut solo album from celebrated Deep Purple guitarist TOMMY BOLIN
. The first of only two solo albums completed in Bolin’s lifetime, ”Teaser” is regarded as the quintessential Bolin album mixing all of his influences from rock to blues to pop to jazz and beyond. Session musicians include Phil Collins, Jeff Porcaro, David Foster, Glenn Hughes, David Sanborn, Jan Hammer and more.
The recording has been completely remastered and packaged in a digipak with bonus tracks, as far we know, never released before.
Tommy Bolin came to widespread recognition after his induction into the ranks of Deep Purple when David Coverdale requested him for the band. Although Bolin was well on his way, it was ‘Come Taste The Band’ with a popular group that elevated his name to superstar status. This lineup was short-lived for reasons that were personal to Bolin.
Previous to this venture, Tommy Bolin had recorded his first solo album – ”Teaser”. It was released in 1975, after Come Taste The Band was issued.
”Teaser” includes several period piece rock & roll tracks, the foremost among them being the opener “The Grind,” with its David Foster strolling piano, taut basslines, Porcaro’s shuffle drumming and Bolin’s guitar strutting the line between boogie and glam. In addition to his prowess as a guitarist, this track also showcases his considerable ability as a vocalist.
On “Homeward Strut,” the first of two instrumentals here, Bolin’s guitar takes center stage, centering on funky jazz-rock fusion. Both his rhythm playing and his lead work (single-string and slide) are paint peelers. Bolin was always equally adept at subtleties, as the ballads “Dreamer” and the Latin-tinged “Savannah Woman” (with percussion from Phil Collins) attest.
The title track returns the ’70s rock back to prominence, with its easy stroll countered by tasty fills and playful, sexy signing. “People, People” showcases the guitarist’s love of reggae and his ability to seamlessly wed it to hard rock, Latin percussion (courtesy of Sammy Figueroa), and soul-jazz. Saxophonist David Sanborn and keyboardist Jan Hammer also play key roles in this standout.
Those three also go head to head with Bolin on the scorching jazz-rock instrumental “Marching Powder,” which also includes drummer Narada Michael Walden. “Homeward Strut,” focuses on the harder-edged funky side of jazz-rock fusion.
The set closes with two power ballads central to Bolin’s legend, “Wild Dogs” and “Lotus.” Each tune has sparse elements of country rock that give way to molten power chords, labyrinthine fills, and eventually, roaring hard rock, and in the latter, reggae makes its return for a climactic finish. In 36-and-a-half minutes, Teaser is as near a rock classic as exists. It survives as Bolin’s signature work.
Tommy Bolin recorded his last album – Private Eyes – in 1976. He died not long after its release.
Highly Recommended
01 – The Grind (feat David Foster & Jeff Porcaro)
02 – Homeward Strut (feat David Foster & Jeff Porcaro)
03 – Dreamer (feat Glenn Hughes, David Foster& Jeff Porcaro)
04 – Savannah Woman (feat Phil Collins)
05 – Teaser (feat Jeff Porcaro)
06 – People, People (feat David Sanborn & Jan Hammer)
07 – Marching Powder (feat David Sanborn & Jan Hammer)
08 – Wild Dogs
09 – Lotus
10 – Teaser (Instrumental)
11 – Wild Dogs (Instrumental)
Vocals, Guitar, Piano – Tommy Bolin
Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Drums – Jan Hammer
Percussion – Phil Collins, Rafael Cruz, Sammy Figueroa
Piano, Synthesizer – David Foster, Ron Fransen
Saxophone – David Sanborn
Bass – Paul Stallworth, Stanley Sheldon
Drums – Bob Berge, Jeff Porcaro, Michael Walden, Prairie Prince
Backing Vocals – David Brown, Lee Kiefer, The Sniffettes