Patch Blue

Kevin Welch made his name as a progressive country artist in the ‘90s, gradually evolving beyond the alt-country pigeonhole over the years, both on his own and as a member of Americana trio Kane Welch Kaplin. On his sixth solo album – and his first since he started working with the aforementioned threesome – you'd be hard-pressed to find traces of Welch's country background. You'll also encounter nary an uptempo tune – A Patch of Blue Sky is pretty much a ballad album from start to finish. One might cavil about the lack of dynamics, but over the course of these ten tracks, it seems obvious that establishing a singular mood was more important to Welch than keeping fidgety listeners fixated.

Witness the birth of guitar legend Tommy Bolin in one of his very first performing bands, Patch Of Blue! Recorded live in 1967, this quintet were formed in Bolin's high school and quickly gained status for their repertoire of both popular cover songs and engaging originals! These dynamic early recordings offer a rare and auspicious glimpse into Bolin's development as both a soloist and rhythm player whose talent is clearly evident even at this very young age!

Witness the birth of guitar legend Tommy Bolin in one of his very first performing bands, Patch Of Blue! Recorded live in 1967, this quintet were formed in Bolin's high school and quickly gained status for their repertoire of both popular cover songs and engaging originals! These dynamic early recordings offer a rare and auspicious glimpse into Bolin's development as both a soloist and rhythm player whose talent is clearly evident even at this very young age!