GAMMA 3 [remastered Japanese SHM-CD] Out Of Print

Founded by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, GAMMA delivered a string of three stupendous albums in the lapse of 4 years between the very end of the Seventies and the early ’80s. All have been remastered in Japan and manufactured on high quality SHM-CD, released on Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP) reproducing the original artwork.
With the release of ‘Gamma 3‘ in 1982 the band had shifted from Melodic Hard Rock to an even more commercial, somewhat AORish FM Rock sound that combines elements of Asia and early 80’s Rush with, indeed, some Foreigner and a dash of Triumph, and we love it.

Having already changed out the rhythm section between Gammas 1 and 2, Montrose decided another evolution in the band’s sound was needed to take Gamma to the next level.
First, he parted ways with longtime keyboard foil Jim Alcivar and brought in Mitchell Froom. Froom would later become an all-star producer sought after for his quirky organic production touches. In 1981, however, Montrose invited the young synthesizer whiz into Gamma as part of an effort to commit the band fully to an edgy, heavily keyboard-driven sound.
Hence, “Gamma 3” is my favorite album from the band, the more AOR oriented.

The other big change was designed to ensure that the crisp, sheeny sound Montrose had in mind would be realized without compromise — there would be no guest producer or even co-producer; Gamma 3 would be produced by Ronnie Montrose himself.

The end result is an album that takes the band’s futuristic edge to its logical extreme. While Montrose’s guitar work is always prominent, Froom is the one who dominates the album, wielding an arsenal of exotic electronic / synth effects in support of the often-bizarre, sci-fi-tinged lyrics of Jerry Stahl, an old schoolmate of Froom’s.

The album kicks off strong with “What’s Gone Is Gone,” a driving track with startling synth textures and dynamic guitar work that got some attention from radio. Davey Pattison’s expressive vocals and Denny Carmassi’s powerful drumming are both punchy and remarkable.
Another highlight is “Condition Yellow,” an evocative instrumental featuring a chorus of eerie, otherworldly synth tones blown wide open by a laser-beam of a solo from Montrose.
Several other tracks here feature strong guitar / keyboard interplay and interesting textures. More rocking is “No Way Out”, while “Right The First Time” is sleek with a lot of early ’80s magic. There’s also the commercial “Modern Girl” destined for the radio.

Many Gamma / Montrose fans — and Mr. Montrose himself — regard Gamma 3 as the band’s finest hour. It was a grand experiment; the production is as crisp as they come, the textures achieved were cutting-edge for their day, and the players all turn in very strong performances.
Gamma 3 remains a memorable disc filled with exotic tones, lovely keyboard layers and, as always, a hearty helping of Ronnie Montrose’s terrific guitar work.
This Japanese remaster is the best I ever heard, pristine as a polished diamond.
Highly Recommended

{ARCANGELO JAPAN ~ ARC-8084}

01 – What’s Gone Is Gone
02 – Right The First Time
03 – Moving Violation
04 – Mobile Devotion
05 – Stranger
06 – Condition Yellow
07 – Modern Girl
08 – No Way Out
09 – Third Degree
10 – Hidden Track

Davey Pattison: Vocals
Ronnie Montrose: Guitar
Mitchell Froom: Keyboards, Synths
Glenn Letsch: Bass
Denny Carmassi: Drums, Percussion

Out of Print
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ARC-8084