APRIL FOOL – Playin’ To Win +3 [Heaven & Hell Records Remaster] (2024) *HQ*

APRIL FOOL was formed in early 1988 by drummer Walt “Wiggy” Kaye, and after some rehearsals first order of business was a four song demo recorded at Dave Ivory’s studio, Iris Sound. APRIL FOOL then hit the club circuit hard while the song “Bad Boy Willie” was receiving local Philadelphia airplay, resulting in the band’s live concert following starting to grow.
The group recorded their album ‘Playin’ To Win’ and released it by themselves in professionally manufactured cassette. Opening shows for bands like HEAVEN, BRITNEY FOX, TT QUICK, BANG TANGO & HEAVEN’S EDGE, plus headlining their own shows at venues from New York to Baltimore, pushed sales even further. A second pressing of the album was done as the first sold out.

At this point the band enjoyed interest from several major labels. Videos for the singles “Cover Girls” & “Next Time Around” were produced. The band also appeared on New York City cable television with the two videos / singles gaining airplay on mainstream & indie radio.
Now 2024 Heaven & Hell Records is releasing “Playin’ To Win +3 [Heaven & Hell Records Remaster]“, with a really improved sound quality sourced from the master tapes and including previously unreleased tracks.

When singer Dave Stradling decided to leave in 1991, the band hired vocalist Jay Regan. They immediately got right back out playing and began writing for the 2nd album, but the audience started to dwindle as the populist music climate was changing. This would lead to the departure of bassist Lombardi, who wanted to front his own band, THE RAGE.
In mid-1994, the band again re-grouped with a returning Lombardi joining Kaye, Smith and new vocalist Jerry Mihalcik. They played only one show before the band ended for good later that summer.

“Playin’ To Win +3 [Heaven & Hell Records Remaster]” delivers well written, performed & produced late ’80s American Melodic Hard Rock, quite more elaborated than your regular act from the genre / era.
This album was reissued some years ago but on CDr, this Heaven & Hell Records “Playin’ To Win +3 [Heaven & Hell Records Remaster]” is the first proper CD reissue, a limited edition already sold out.
Highly Recommended

01 – Cover Girls
02 – Playin’ To Win
03 – Take Away The Heartache
04 – Bahama Mama
05 – Help Me Understand
06 – Next Time Around
07 – Steppin’ Out
08 – Borderline
09 – Sleepless Nights
10 – Bad Boy Willie
11 – Can’t Stop Rockin’
BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Chain Of Love
13 – Hey Molly
14 – The Goddess [Live]

Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keyboards – Dave Stradling
Guitar, Guitar, Backing Vocals – George Smith
Guitar, Lead Guitar – Chris Rocus (tracks: 12-13)
Bass, Backing Vocals – Chris Mock
Bass, Backing Vocals, Percussion – Roberto Lombardi
Drums, Percussion – Walt “Wiggy” Kaye

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