Just When You'd Thought You'd Heard It All
David Rolleston | 03/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The renowned guitarist, Frank Gambale, accompanied by the amazing ensemble of, Otmaro Ruiz (piano) Alain Caron (bass) and Mike Shapiro (percussion on some tracks), will thrill you throughout the collection of songs on this wonderful album. Sublime musicianship by all and you'll want to keep replaying this album again and again. All songs on the album were written and produced by Frank Gambale and released on his own record label, Wombat. This is Frank Gambale at his finest. Absolutely breathtaking!"
A Master Class in Acoustic Guitar Technique
Jim Newsom | Norfolk, VA | 06/27/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Every so often the electric gods of fusion's past would unplug their axes and explore the pure unadorned beauty of the acoustic guitar. When McLaughlin meditated on My Goal's Beyond and Dimeola navigated Chick Corea's "No Mystery," we discovered that these guys were much more than mere overamped wankers. Frank Gambale established his credentials in Chick's late `80s Elektric Band, coming out of that experience renowned as a guitarist's guitarist. But this is his first all-acoustic outing, and it's the most intriguing session in his discography. Employing a drummerless guitar-piano-bass trio with occasional percussion, Gambale proves he's got the goods even when he's not cranked up to 10. Even more impressive than the players' chops is the sheer musicality of the proceedings. Constructing several of the original tunes on the chord changes of time-tested standards, the Gambale gang infuses their music with good humor and hot licks, showing how to generate electricity without plugging in. --Jim Newsom
Originally published in Port Folio Weekly - February 28, 2006
Copyright 2006 Port Folio Weekly. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1