Tommy Bolin-Private Eyes (1976)

It's no secret that Tommy Bolin was unfairly undervalued by Deep Purple fans when he replaced Ritchie Blackmore in the band in the mid-70s. In fact, many dismissed his only recording with that legendary group, not even giving it a second listen to appreciate his mastery of the electric guitar. This public rejection was a severe blow to the ego of such an emotionally sensitive musician. Recorded the same year as his sole release with Purple, Bolin launched his second solo album, "Private Eyes", where he distanced himself from the jazz-rock of Alphonse Mouzon's "Mind Transplant", the furious hard rock and funk of Deep Purple's "Come Taste the Band", and even the vigorous rock of "Teaser", his first solo album. In "Private Eyes", Bolin displays a more eclectic and relaxed style, offering a work brimming with soothing rhythmic allusions and soft, laid-back sounds. From exotic delights like the samba "Gypsy Soul", to forays into melodic rock with "Someday We'll Bring Our Love Home", to concessions to swing-tinged blues with "You Told Me That You Loved Me", returns to the vigorous jazz-rock of "Shake the Devil", and a more conventional side with the ballad "Sweet Burgundy". Although he never abandoned drugs, likely fueled by his artistic failures a fact that would ultimately lead to his death his youth and audacity helped him find a style open to the many influences he would showcase in the short time he lived to tell the tale. Tommy would die on December 4, 1976 in Miami, just 6 months after this launch and at only 26 years of age, due to an overdose of heroin and other substances such as cocaine and alcohol.