Customer Reviews

High Contrast

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first saw this band live in the early 1980's at the small, smoke-filled Central Park Grill in Buffalo, New York. For a $1 cover, patrons could hear them improvise on selections from Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, and King Crimson until the wee hours of the morning. Eventually the band's efforts turned to original compositions, leading to their debut album "Gamalon" in 1987, demonstrating that they possessed excellent creative abilities to complement their superb musicianship. This record was followed by the even better "Aerial View" (on the MCA label, I think) also a jazz-rock instrumental work, in 1990. This disk emphasized the lightning-fast fingers of guitar master George Puleo and the smoother, jazzier contributions of guitarist Bruce Brucato. Although tight, intricate, and at times stunning, the record never gained the popular appeal that was expected. Word on the street was that it was too tough to sell an all-instrumental albu! m. Gamalon went back to their original label, Amherst, and released their third and last CD in 1991. "High Contrast" features a few vocal tracks adequately handled by bassist Tom Reinhart, more excellent guitar-based instrumentals, and a bit softer edge compared to "Aerial View". To the best of my knowledge, the band ceased to exist shortly thereafter.

Mike Hasselbeck

I have this CD and also have had a chance to see this band . I would like you all to know that they are still playing around WNY and in the Central park grill . They have added a simply great female Guitarest Who's name you should all know or will know shortly .Nori Bucci has joined them . She is the best musican in WNY and argueably also on the east coast Her pressence and sound make this Band simply great I cannot wait for a new CD with her addition to a truly great band .

Gamalon in 1991 was five very talented individuals borne of the prog-rock and jazz fusion age. "High Contrast" is post-progressive, post-fusion high energy music at its best. The songs are very listenable and the playing is unmatched. Gamalon cooks. The finest music to come out of Western New York.