GAMALON

• Billy's Saloon Gamalon, 1987

This album cooks! One of the few fairly modern jazz/rock fusion albums that deserves a 5 star rating. Gamalon probably needed a better record label or promotion, I'm not sure which. They certainly do not deserve obscurity. All instrumental with memorable melodies. Points of reference would be Gongzilla (without the vibes), Bon, Dixie Dregs(without the country influence) and early Level 42(the instrumentals). Just a great collective offering. Everyone plays with passion and finesse. A drummer's delight, a bassist's delight and especially highly recommended for guitarists. I'm not sure which guitarist is the soloist, but I must mention both George Puleo and Bruce Brucato. Great chops. Check out their video here at progarchives.com. Serious business. Can hold their own with the greats such as Holdsworth and Morse. I've noticed several used CD copies on amazon.com for no more than $6. Get it while you can because it'll be an obscure one to find after you read this. First come first served. A must for any fusion fanatic. Get it for the opener _Billy's Saloon_ and _Cabin Fever_ alone. Also worth mentioning as a GAMALON reference is Ozric Tentacles without the spacey keyboards.

Send comments to Gooner (BETA) | Report this review (#211033) | Review Permalink
Posted Saturday, April 11, 2009

Gamalon started in Buffalo, New York during the 1960's, when drummer Ted Reinhardt and guitarist Bruce Brucato began playing music together at age 12. By the 70's they were joined by Rick McGirr, Victor Marwin and Bill Ludwig to form Rodan, a prog-rock gem of the local music scene. Rodan folde ... (read more)

Report this review (#22417) | Posted by WAJWAJ | Monday, May 16, 2005 | Review Permanlink

These guys rock. I first saw them play at the Three Coins in Buffalo in '88, and followed them week after week playing at the Central Park Grill on Main St., Buffalo. This album starts it all off for me. As soon as I had heard them for the first time I ran out the next day to grab their ca ... (read more)

Report this review (#22416) | Posted by Jpilaf | Friday, April 15, 2005 | Review Permanlink

A Fusion guitar player I played with fifteen years ago turned me onto this band and I have been searching for more of their music ever since. This is one of the most musical heavy fusion bands I have ever heard (the dreggs - without the country but WITH a little ass kick!:O) I have loved Gamalon ... (read more)

Report this review (#22415) | Posted by | Friday, April 09, 2004 | Review Permanlink

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