Gamma-Gamma 1 (1979)

After his time leading the band Montrose, guitarist Ronnie Montrose ventured into a solo career, releasing "Open Fire" in 1978. However, shortly after, the legendary guitarist decided to form a new band called Gamma. For this project, he recruited vocalist Davey Pattison, drummer Skip Gillette, bassist Alan Fitzgerald, and keyboardist Jim Alcivar. Due to his growing popularity as a guitarist, they soon secured a contract with Elektra Records, with whom they released their debut album, "Gamma 1" in 1979 a solid work of American hard rock with blues influences and melodic rock sounds. With a basic formula of Alcívar's compelling keyboards and synthesizers, backed by Montrose's magnificent guitar work, along with the excellent vocals of Davey Pattison, it was clear that Ronnie Montrose had made the right choice in selecting this new vocalist, replacing his previous frontman, Sammy Hagar. Heavy hard rock tracks like the crackling "Thunder & Lightning", the rocking feel of "Fight to the Finish" and the exhilarating "Ready for Action", the appealing AOR tracks "I'm Alive" and "No Tears", the bluesy "Wish I Was", and the semi-progressive "Solar Heat" complete an elegant album and another of Ronnie Montrose's great contributions to the world of rock.