Homeward Strut

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious instrumental "Homeward Strut" by Tommy Bolin from his 1975 debut solo album Teaser, a track that perfectly showcases his genre-blending genius for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a funky, James Brown-inspired groove, has a fascinating history tied to Bolin’s collaborations. Drummer Alphonse Mouzon, in a 1999 email interview with the Tommy Bolin Archives, revealed that "Homeward Strut" had its roots in early jam sessions for Mouzon’s 1975 fusion album Mind Transplant. These sessions, featuring Bolin’s searing guitar work, laid the groundwork for the track’s distinctive rhythm and energy. Mouzon noted that Bolin’s ability to fuse jazz and hard rock was unparalleled, making "Homeward Strut" a standout that later found its way onto Teaser. Interestingly, during Deep Purple’s 1975–76 Come Taste the Band tour, the band performed "Homeward Strut" live, as Bolin had negotiated to promote his solo work alongside his Deep Purple duties, a rare move that thrilled fans and is captured in a 2022 Facebook video by the Tommy Bolin Archives.

Another piece of trivia comes from the Tommy Bolin fan site, which highlights a mix-up in bootleg recordings from Deep Purple’s 1975–76 tour. Many bootlegs mistakenly labeled "Homeward Strut" as "The Grind," another Teaser track, causing confusion among collectors. Despite this, the site calls a particular bootleg featuring "Homeward Strut" the “most famous Bolin bootleg” for its superior quality compared to others from that tour. The song’s loose, jam-heavy vibe also shines in alternate takes included in the 2012 The Ultimate Teaser reissue, where Bolin’s fluid guitar work takes center stage, as noted by reviewer Timothy Campbell on the Darker Than Blue blog. Fans on SoundCloud, like user kennymathers, have even shared their own covers, blending Bolin’s original style with personal twists, showing the song’s enduring influence.

Tommy Bolin, born Thomas Richard Bolin on August 1, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, began his musical journey at a remarkably young age. With a Swedish father and a mother of Syrian descent, Bolin’s diverse background perhaps fueled his eclectic musical style. By age 13, he was already playing guitar in a local band called Denny and the Triumphs, which covered rock, R&B, and pop hits. The band, featuring Dave Stokes on vocals and Bolin on lead guitar, evolved into A Patch of Blue after a lineup change. These early gigs around Sioux City laid the foundation for Bolin’s career, as he honed his skills performing for local audiences. In his late teens, Bolin moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he joined Ethereal Zephyr, later shortened to Zephyr. This band, with Bolin on guitar and Candice Givens on vocals, opened for bigger acts, catching the attention of record labels and launching Bolin into the national scene.

Bolin’s career skyrocketed as he played with Zephyr (1969–71), the James Gang (1973–74), and Deep Purple (1975–76), while also contributing to jazz fusion projects like Billy Cobham’s Spectrum and Alphonse Mouzon’s Mind Transplant. His solo work, starting with Teaser, showcased his ability to blend hard rock, blues, jazz, reggae, and Latin influences, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Tragically, Bolin’s life was cut short in 1976 at age 25 due to a drug overdose, but his legacy lives on through his music and tributes like the 2012 album Great Gypsy Soul, featuring modern guitarists like Peter Frampton and Joe Bonamassa. Fans can explore more about Bolin on his official website, connect with the community on the official Tommy Bolin Facebook page, or join discussions in the Tommy Bolin Fan Group on Facebook. His official Instagram and X account share updates and archival content, while the Tommy Bolin Archives offers deep dives into his recordings and legacy.