JOHNNY HAMMOND - Gambler's Life (2022 Reissue) - LP - Vinyl

LP - Black Vinyl. 

This amazing album from 1974 was the natural predecessor to Johnny Hammond's classic "Gears" recorded with the Mizell brothers the following year. It contains the rare groove/Jazz Funk anthems "Star Borne" and "Yesterday Was Cool". "Gambler's Life" was the album where Hammond switched from his customary organ to electric piano at a time the Mizell brothers had just produced Donald Byrd and Bobbi Humphrey for Blue Note. They had become noted for their "multi-layered funky sound".

As much as Hammond shines on electric piano, this album is a true band effort, an all-star jam session of sorts, thanks to the presence of ace musicians such as George Benson, Eric Gale, Melvin Sparks, Ron Carter, Harvey Mason, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Airto Moreira, Ralph MacDonald, Grover Washington, and of course the Mizell brothers themselves. The title track "Gambler's Life" was also sampled by Erykah Badu. 

Tracklist:

A1. Gambler's Life (5:52)
A2. Rhodesian Throughfare (6:19)
A3. This Year's Dream (6:23)
A4. Star Borne (7:43)

B1. Back To The Projects (5:42)
B2. Yesterday Was Cool (6:53)
B3. Virgo Lady (6:46)
B4. Call On Me (4:38)