GAMALON

Gamalon evolved from the 70's Progressive Rock group Rodan out of Buffalo, New York, where drummer Ted Reinhardt, his brother Tom and guitarist Bruce Brucato played together.The group took shape in 1982 and later it saw the addition of guitarist George Puleo and pianist Tom Schuman.Already veterans of the Prog/Fusion, the experienced Gamalon recorded their self-titled debut at Select Sound Studios in Kenmore, New York and the album was released in 1987 on New York-based Amhers label in the triple format of vinyl, CD and cassette issues.

Gamalon proposed an energetic guitar-driven Prog/Fusion, which can be both atmospheric and virtuosic, always led by the twin guitar exercises of the Reinhardt/Puleo duo.With plenty of solos and dynamic changes, ''Gamalon'' is an album based on a typical 80's slick production and a solid bassist, somewhat like a cross between compatriots HELMET OF GNATS and Canadians UZEB, bordering often to the Power Rock sound of RUSH, always with a Fusion edge.The couple of tracks, that feature the presence of Tom Schuman, are propably the ones closer to Jazz/Jazz Rock due to his elegant jazzy piano lines.The rest of the album has evident funky references in the bass lines, which spoil a bit the image of the group, especially if combined with the production level, but the guitar exercises and multiple breaks of the album are the best proofs of a good and talented group, that performs music with passion and technical efficiency.The alternations between the rhythm and solo electric guitars offer some nice highlights, while the drumming of Gamalon's brain Ted Reinhardt sounds confident and at moments impressive.

Not a monumental release, but ''Gamalon'' is among the good album of the Jazz/Fusion field during the 80's, as the style was suffering from plenty of inconsistent and flat releases around the time.Recommended.