AMG Review of Snapshot

Rob Caldwell
All Music Guide

Continuing in the tradition of the From the Archives series, although differently titled, this compilation of demos and live tracks features Bolin both solo and with various other musicians and bandmembers. As with the other Tommy Bolin Archives releases, care is made to highlight many of the different aspects of Bolin's musical personality. Some of the songs evolved into different forms when and if released during Bolin's lifetime. "Oh Carol," for example, is a smooth, relaxed, sultry acoustic number that evolved into the fast rocker "From Another Time" when recorded with the James Gang. Alternatively, "Summer Breezes" and "Spanish Lover" (also eventually recorded with the James Gang) are not changed much in feel and structure from their final versions. Other highlights include "Cucumber Jam," an eight-minute, 16-second instrumental recorded with drums and bass that gives Bolin a chance to stretch out and do what he does best.