Note: Ginseng Woman was originally purchased as a LP, later replaced by CD.
Gale is a noted studio musician and member of Stuff, but he also released 12 albums under his own name - here are two. Both albums were produced by Bob James and feature an all-star cast including James, Richard Tee, Ralph MacDonald, the Brecker Bros, Grover Washington, Jr., and Steve Gadd. James isn't known for letting loose those players under his charge and these tracks are no different - it's all enjoyable, but safe.
I first heard of Eric Gale in the early '80s through his involvement on Tom Scott's Apple Juice album, a longtime personal favorite. This two-fer CD, released in 1991, includes exceptional liner notes, with full credits and a nice essay by Chris Albertson of Stereo Review.
Album chart Peaks
- US Billboard 200: Ginseng Woman #148, Multiplication did not chart
- Billboard Jazz: Ginseng Woman #7, Multiplication #6
- Billboard R&B: Ginseng Woman #56
- CashBox: Ginseng Woman #153
Tracks:
Today, I'm digging Red Ground (featuring Grover Washington, Jr. on tin whistle!), the almost-reggae version of Hall & Oates' Sara Smile, and the cheesy fun of the island groove of De Rabbit. Nothing to skip, though.
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| Billboard, March 19, 1977, p. 66 |
Personal faves are Morning Glory (written and originally recorded by Lee Ritenour and featuring a tasty solo from Washington), the title track, and the blues take on the classic gospel song Oh! Mary Don't You Weep, which was released as a single.
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| Cash Box, December 17, 1977, p. 23 |
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I paid $5.99 at the used store, thinking that was a good deal for a two album compilation disc. Turns out I could have gotten it brand spankin' new at Amazon for $4.99. D'oh!
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