Johnny Hammond - Gambler's Life (1974/2013)

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. Gambler's Life, the first of two Johnny "Hammond" Smith albums featuring the brothers' ambitious handiwork, isn't 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, you're body will be moving. Despite all the complex Mizellian layering at play, Smith shoots through it all, ringing loud and gloriously clear.

Tracks:

01 - Gambler's Life
02 - Rhodesian Thoroughfare
03 - This Year's 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