Live At the Jet Bar 1976 (Remastered)

Album Review

Up to the very end of his life, guitarist Tommy Bolin continued to play at every given opportunity, as evidenced by the release of 2004's Live at the Jet Bar. Back home to visit his family for Thanksgiving in 1976, Bolin's younger brother, drummer Johnnie, was performing at a nearby bar in their hometown of Sioux City, IA, and Bolin was invited to sit in. The result was a set list of songs that have never appeared on any of Bolin's albums, including a standout track that was going to be on Bolin's next proposed studio album, the funky "Down in the Dungeon." Also included is another funk jam, "Mamba," as well as a jazzy reading of the oft-covered "Parchman Farm." Although he is joined by other guitarists throughout the set, Bolin's playing is both unmistakable and inspired (something that could not be said about all of his 1976 performances). Sadly, this performance would turn out to be one of Bolin's last; he would be dead less than two weeks later.