-extra Quality- Tommy Bolin 1966 1976 Fever Box Set 15 Cdsl
The middle third of the box set is the most painful and exhilarating. Disc 6 captures the James Gang’s Miami sessions. Bolin had just replaced Joe Walsh, and the pressure was immense. You hear him smoking a cigarette, counting in “Midnight Man,” and then delivering a slide guitar line that is pure regret masquerading as rock.
But the crown jewel is Deep Purple’s Come Taste the Band studio outtakes (Discs 8 & 9) . For forty years, rumors persisted of a lost Bolin album buried inside the Mk. IV Purple sessions. Fever confirms it. The backing tracks for “Owed to ‘G’” (the instrumental that became “Dealer”) are presented with David Coverdale’s guide vocals removed. You hear Bolin comping chords behind a drum fill—a ghost in the machine. The version of “Drifter” here runs 11 minutes, with a middle section that dips into Eastern modes, proving that Bolin, not Blackmore, was the innovator by 1975.
You might ask, "Does Tommy Bolin really have 15 CDs worth of unreleased material?"
Absolutely. Bolin was a voracious taper and a prolific improviser. The 15 Cdsl set breaks down into four essential categories:
This box set is the ultimate archive for fans of Tommy Bolin, the guitarist who successfully bridged the gap between jazz-fusion, funk, and hard rock. Known for his work with The James Gang, Billy Cobham, and Deep Purple, Bolin was a prodigious talent whose life was cut short at age 25. This collection aims to present the complete picture of his musical evolution, featuring unreleased studio tracks, alternate takes, rare live recordings, and the studio albums that defined his legacy.
The beauty of Fever is its chronological audacity. It refuses to separate the sideman from the solo star, instead showing how a 14-year-old garage rocker in Sioux City, Iowa, became the man who replaced both Joe Walsh (in the James Gang) and Ritchie Blackmore (in Deep Purple).
Let’s be realistic. An original 2002 pressing of the "Fever Box" might cost $400–$800 USD. The "-Extra Quality-" variant, due to its scarcity, often breaks the four-figure mark.
You should buy this if:
You should skip this if:
Verdict: 4/5 Stars (Essential for the obsessed completist; risky for the casual fan)
The Packaging & Concept Marketed as “Extra Quality,” this heavy-lift box set aims to document every known note Bolin committed to tape, from his teenage garage bands in Sioux City (1966) to his final live shows just weeks before his death in 1976. Spread across 15 CDs, the set is a behemoth—housed in a cardboard clamshell box with rudimentary but functional artwork. Do not expect the glossy booklet of a Dark Side of the Moon box. Expect photocopied images, set lists, and track times. The “Extra Quality” tag usually refers to the CD-R media (gold or premium grade) and improved digital transfers, not the graphic design.
Audio Quality (The Big Caveat) Here’s where you need to calibrate your expectations. This is not a remastered studio catalog.
Content Highlights (15 CDs Broken Down)
The Downsides
Who is this for?
Who should avoid?
Final Verdict The “Extra Quality” Tommy Bolin 1966–1976 Fever Box Set is a flawed, sprawling, unauthorized love letter. It’s the musical equivalent of a hoarder’s attic—chaotic, dusty, but stuffed with treasures. If you have the patience for lo-fi fidelity and a deep hunger to hear Bolin develop from a teenage shredder into a fusion visionary, this set is indispensable. Just know that “Extra Quality” refers to the effort, not the source tapes. -Extra Quality- Tommy Bolin 1966 1976 Fever Box Set 15 Cdsl
Best track (impossible to pick): CD 4, Track 7 – Zephyr’s “Hard Chargin’ Woman” (alternate mix). Bolin’s solo sounds like lightning in a bottle.
Tommy Bolin 1966-1976 Fever Box Set 15 CDs: A Comprehensive Collection of a Guitar Legend
The "Tommy Bolin 1966-1976 Fever Box Set 15 CDs" is a monumental compilation of the works of Tommy Bolin, a legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music world. This extensive box set is a must-have for fans of rock, blues, and jazz, offering a thorough exploration of Bolin's remarkable career.
The Life and Legacy of Tommy Bolin
Born on November 1, 1947, in Sioux City, Iowa, Tommy Bolin began playing guitar at a young age. He quickly developed a unique style that blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, and classical music. Bolin's exceptional skill and innovative approach to the guitar earned him recognition and admiration from his peers and fans alike.
Bolin's career took off in the 1960s, performing with various bands, including the Preston Playboys and the Soul Brothers. In 1975, he joined the jazz-rock fusion band, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and later formed his own group, Tommy Bolin Band. Throughout his career, Bolin collaborated with numerous renowned artists, such as Zeep, Liza, and Danny Seraphine.
The Fever Box Set: A Comprehensive Collection
The "Tommy Bolin 1966-1976 Fever Box Set 15 CDs" is an exhaustive collection of Bolin's work, featuring 15 CDs with meticulously remastered audio. This comprehensive box set spans a decade of Bolin's career, from his early days as a teenager to his untimely passing in 1976. The middle third of the box set is
The set includes:
Key Tracks and Highlights
The box set features a vast array of tracks, including:
Technical Specifications and Packaging
The "Tommy Bolin 1966-1976 Fever Box Set 15 CDs" boasts impeccable packaging, with:
Conclusion
The "Tommy Bolin 1966-1976 Fever Box Set 15 CDs" is a landmark collection that celebrates the life and legacy of a guitar legend. This comprehensive box set offers an unparalleled look into Bolin's remarkable career, showcasing his innovative approach to music and his enduring influence on the rock, blues, and jazz genres. For fans of Tommy Bolin and music enthusiasts alike, this box set is an essential addition to any music library.
First, a disclaimer: This is not your standard retail reissue. The Tommy Bolin 1966 1976 Fever Box Set is a collector's production—often Japanese or European in origin (suggested by the "Cdsl" suffix, likely shorthand for "CDs Limited" or a specific pressing plant code)—that transcends a simple "best of." You should skip this if: Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Spanning the titular decade (1966-1976), this set chronicles Bolin from his juvenile garage band days in Sioux City, Iowa, all the way to the final, fiery nights of 1976 just before his tragic passing in Miami.
The "-Extra Quality-" tag is critical. In the world of bootleg and limited-run archival boxes, quality varies wildly. This specific version denotes: