Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story
by Greg Prato
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Book Summary Information
Author: Greg PratoEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-12-13
ISBN: 0578003171
Number of pages: 264
Publisher: Greg Prato
Book Reviews of Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story
Book Review: Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story
Summary: 5 Stars
There is a reason why some artists develop a cult following that continues to grow exponentially some 33 years after they have left the mortal coil. In the case of Tommy Bolin, it is his musical artistry, in general, and his transformingly brilliant guitar playing majesty, specifically, that leaves more and more people year after year discovering what has been lost but should be found.
While I could not recommend this book more highly, if you are new to Tommy Bolin, you first need to listen to his 2 solo releases: "Private Eyes" (which can be had for a criminally low price, so what are you waiting for?) and "Teaser" (which costs a few extra shekels as it is only available as an import). However, just a gander at the guest artists that performed on "Teaser" lets you know that it is well worth the investment.
Greg Prato's "Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story" continues the discovery of an artist whose brilliance transcended his life. Bolin fans have been waiting for this book for literally longer than Tommy's life time. Because it is written from interviews with most of the important people in Tommy's personal and professional life, there is a "warts and all" feel to the book that is very much appreciated. And my takeaway from "Touched by Magic" is the realism that being fortunate enough to be brilliant at one thing (music) by no means bestows upon one competency at others (business management decisions, modifying addictions/lifestyle, etc.).
To his credit, Prato allows the interviews speak for themselves. The interviews reinforce to those who do not (or could not) remember how "matter of fact" casual recreational drug use was to many (if not most) of us who came of age in the 70's. There are some extremely interesting revelations surrounding Bolin's ultimate demise (an unintended poor play on words) that have not been known (at least publicly) until now.
So first, dive into the music and soak up the magic. When you are ready to come up for air, grab this book and appreciate how much someone can accomplish in 25 years of life by maximizing the gift that they have been given.
Summary of Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story
To many, Tommy Bolin was the legitimate heir to Jimi Hendrix's rock guitar throne. Stints with the James Gang and Deep Purple - as well as solo albums and a groundbreaking release with jazz-rocker Billy Cobham - certainly proved that the adulation was rightly deserved. And with a techno-color fashion sense, he certainly stood out from the pack. Only one problem, Tommy had a death-defying drug addiction, which ultimately would lead to a premature and tragic end - before he was able to truly take his standing among the elite musicians of the world. 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story' is the first book to focus entirely on the life story of Tommy Bolin - compiled from nearly 50 exclusive interviews (including family, friends, and band members that played alongside Tommy throughout the years). "After reading 'Touched by Magic,' it seemed to me every interview 'takes you there' for the moment...I give 105 stars to Greg!" -Johnnie Bolin, Tommy's brotherComposers & Musicians Books
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