Eric Gale - Blue Horizon (1982)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

A prolific studio musician, Gale also played with Stuff. This was his seventh solo album and his only release on the Elektra/Musician label. As described in promotional material:

The effort to blend blues and reggae is prevalent throughout the album, usually in the form of Gale playing blues licks over a reggae-lite groove. Sometimes successful, other times not, but A for effort. Still, it doesn't hold together as an album. Pleasant enough but nothing particularly memorable.

Original liner notes, written by Gale.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Jazz: #20
• CashBox Jazz: #22
• Radio & Records Jazz: #29

Tracks: The title track features Hugh Masekela and there are a trio of tracks with vocals from guitarist Mark Mazur. My top picks are Blue Horizon, When Tokyo?, and the upbeat 97th & Columbus. The latter is the only track on the album that sounds anything like Gale's music with Stuff. The most daring track is Call Me At The Same number, which is a reggae tune which moves from 4/4 to 6/4 & 7/4 at the chorus. Doesn't work for me, but the band seems to like the groove.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Ginseng Woman/Multiplication (1977)

Eric Gale - Ginseng Woman/Multiplication (1977)

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.

Billboard, March 19, 1977, p. 66

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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.

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!