Description
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Check the exclusive video showing the LP for sale
A.O.R. – melodic rock band Formed in Chicago.
Sounded like a mix of Kansas, REO Speedwagon.
Started playing support slots for Fleetwood Mac and Styx. Released two albums, before disbanding, the first produced by Jeff Glixman and the second by Phil Bonanno. Disbanded after EMI dropped them.
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Nathan Shaffer – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Warren Mays – Lead Guitar and Vocals
Del Breckenfeld – Bass Guitar and Vocals
Bruce Breckenfeild – Assorted Keyboards and Vocals (also with KMFDM !!!! Releases: No Peace 1993, Rules 1996, Inane 1996)
Chuck Schwartz – Drums and Percussion
Gambler – Love And Other Crimes. 1980.
Produced by Phil Bonananno and Gambler.
Background
Gambler.. another long lost band from the dusty files of seventies AOR/hard rock. Originating from the Chicago area, and operating in the same zone as local area bands such as Trillion, Jet and Off Broadway. Venturing out into the clubs and bar circuit of the windy city, it wasn’t long before they were supporting some big name acts (Chicago Styx being one of them). Soon signed to EMI America, the band released their self titled debut album in 1979, a set of tunes not far removed from early Kansas material, not surprising considering the Jeff Glixman production. 1980 saw the release of their sophomore album ‘Love And Other Crimes’, the production this time being handled by the band themselves, plus studio hound Phil Bonanno. Soundwise, the band get closer to radio oriented styles, a la Roadmaster ‘Fortress’ era, The States etc, combining this with straight down-the-line AOR prevalent during that timeframe. A feature of their music is the fabulous multi-part harmonies, similar to bands like Trillion and Avalon, and in keeping with those bands, a slight (ever so slight) symphonic style can be detected.
The Songs
Check out the fantastic opener omething Crazy’, with its Roadmaster-esque keyboard dabbles. A great intro. Continuing with strong harmony vocals is ‘It Never Felt Like This’ while ‘Even A Loser’ is straight-ahead AOR, it enriched by a simple but harmonious chorus. ‘Dirty Susie’ is given the hard/pop treatment, which is followed by ‘Double Indemnity’, a tune which could fit snugly on the Airborne album I reckon. he My Girl’ has definite Roadmaster appeal, then Gambler ‘up’ the speedometer rating on ‘Hotline’, a tune which has a bit of Kansas ‘Leftoverture’ on it. They finish up with the over-extended ballad ‘I Put My Love’, which ebbs and flows in true symphonic fashion.
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The American Midwest in the late 70’s was a fertile breeding ground for A.O.R., Pomp, and Melodic rock. Gambler, arose from the Prairies to create a sound and scene that has yet to be rivaled.
Formed in the Chicago area, Gambler began playing the Clubs, and Bars which lead to support slots with FLEETWOOD MAC, and STYX. The band recorded two excellent albums, which every serious fan of AOR should have in their collection.
1980 saw the release of the second and final Gambler album Love and other Crimes. This time around the production chores were shared between the band and Phil Bonanno. The results are an excellent mix of straight ahead AOR and radio friendly tracks moving closer to JOHN SCHLITT era HEAD EAST, or REO SPEEDWAGON. Opening track Something Crazy is one of the finest on the album, and features some great background vocals. Catchy chorus too! It never felt like this is a good follow up, again with an infectious hook. The final track I put my Love is a real nice ballad, with some fine Keyboard work by Bruce Breckenfeld.
[Check out the fantastic opener omething Crazy’, with its Roadmaster-esque keyboard dabbles. A great intro. Continuing with strong harmony vocals is ‘It Never Felt Like This’ while ‘Even A Loser’ is straight-ahead AOR, it enriched by a simple but harmonious chorus. ‘Dirty Susie’ is given the hard/pop treatment, which is followed by ‘Double Indemnity’, a tune which could fit snugly on the Airborne album I reckon. he My Girl’ has definite Roadmaster appeal, then Gambler ‘up’ the speedometer rating on ‘Hotline’, a tune which has a bit of Kansas ‘Leftoverture’ on it. They finish up with the over-extended ballad ‘I Put My Love’, which ebbs and flows in true symphonic fashion]
EMI dropped Gambler shortly after the release of the final album. Not surprising in 1980, with New Wave starting to show signs of marketability, and A.O.R being pushed aside in favour of Thin ties, and simplistic songs. Oh well, at least we have this classic album! Highly recommended! ”
Band Members Nathan Shaffer – Lead Vocals,Guitar, Warren Mays – Lead Guitar,Vocals, Del Breckenfeld – Bass Guitar,Vocals, Bruce Breckenfeild – Assorted Keyboards,Vocals, Chuck Schwartz – Drums,Percussion
Tracks: 01. Something Crazy, 02. It Never Felt Like This, 03. Even A Loser, 04. Dirty Susie, 05. Double Indemnity, 06. Head Hunter, 07. She’s My Girl, 08. Hotline, 09. Life On The Line, 10. I Put My Love
10 Songs, 36 Minutes
Profile Gambler is a short lived rock band from Chicago started playing support slots for Fleetwood Mac and Styx with two releases. “Love And Other Crimes” is the second band’s album came out in 1980 by EMI America and produced by the band and Phil Bonanno.
The results are an excellent mix of straight ahead AOR and radio friendly tracks moving closer to John Schlitt era Head East, or Reo Speedwagon. Again, the opening track “Something Crazy” is one of the finest on the album, and features some great background vocals. Catchy chorus too! “It never felt like this” is a good follow up, again with an infectious hook. The final track “I put my Love” is a real nice ballad, with some fine Keyboard work by Bruce Breckenfeld.
EMI dropped Gambler shortly after the release of the final album. Not surprising in 1980, with New Wave starting to show signs of marketability, and AOR being pushed aside in favour of Thin ties, and simplistic songs. Oh well, at least we have these classic albums! Highly recommended!
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