Johnny Hammond - Gamblers Life '1974/2013

Tracks list

Reissue features the high-fidelity Blu-spec CD format (compatible with standard
CD players) and the latest remastering. Exposing a jazz purist to most
recordings involving Fonce and Larry Mizell is much like shoving a vampire into
daylight. Gamblers Life, the first of two Johnny Hammond Smith albums featuring
the brothers ambitious handiwork, isnt an exception. Watch a purist seek shelter
in his dank cave whenever this album is within earshot. Smith switches to Fender
Rhodes for most of the material, and the Mizells bring their ARPs, spirited if
unpolished group vocal arrangements, wah-wah guitars, and soaring instrumental
arrangements made to shine on the dancefloor. Strong throughout, the album runs
as efficiently and as sweetly as any other groove-heavy album of its time.

Rhodesian Thoroughfare is the most unique cut, trading off frenzied
suspense-building sequences and breathless gallops. Back to the Projects is a
brisk gust of cool air on a hot August afternoon, possibly the most densely
structured composition connected to Larry Mizell. Only Call On Me brings the
mood down to a state of blissed relaxedness; otherwise, youre body will be
moving. Despite all the complex Mizellian layering at play, Smith shoots through
it all, ringing loud and gloriously clear.

Tracks:

01 - Gamblers Life
02 - Rhodesian Thoroughfare
03 - This Years Dream
04 - Star Borne
05 - Back To The Projects
06 - Yesterday Was Cool
07 - Virgo Lady
08 - Call On Me

Personnel:

Johnny Hammond - Synthesizer, Electric Piano
Larry Mizell - Keyboards (Solina), Backing Vocals
Fonce Mizell - Clavinet, Trumpet, Backing Vocals
Jerry Peters - Piano
Harvey Mason, Fritz Wise - Drums
Henry Franklin, Tony Dumas - Bass
John Rowin, Mel Bolton, Melvin Ragin - Guitar
King Errisson - Congas
Al Hall - Trombone
Carl Randell, Jr - Saxophone
Stephanie Spruill - Percussion, Vocals
Freddie Perren - Backing Vocals

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