As Gambale matured, he stumbled on Steeley Dan and the funk-fusion styles of the Brecker Brothers. At the age of 23, Gambale decided to take a giant leap to the United States to Study at the guitar Institute of Technology. He overwhelmed GIT and was asked to remain after graduating to continue to teach.

In 1986, Gambale was signed to Legato Records for three records. That same year he signed on as axeman for fusion legend Jean-Luc Ponty. Soon after, Gambale auditioned for the Chick Corea Elektric Band. He spent 6 years and won a Grammy in two nominations.

Frank Gambale is best known for his signature sound, which has been called SPEED PICKING and SWEEP PICKING. In 1996, Gambale was offered the Head The Guitar Department at the Los Angeles Music Academy. At LAMA, he wrote the curriculum to be taught.

Gambale's newest disc is on his own record label called Wombat Records. Resident Alien is a double disc of recorded material from the North Hollywood Baked Potato. The Potato is a small club known for its monstrous spuds and adventurous music.

Disc one opens with "Equinox." The slower paced blues composition, which demonstrates why he was Student Of The Year at GIT when he graduated. Gambale's guitar begins to blister about midway through. Helping on the disc is bassist Ric Fierabracci. Also on this track is Ray Brinker on drums. Once the listeners hears the Sweep Picking technique, if begins to stand out on other records that Gambale has done.

"Dreamtime" again features Brinker on drums. Gambale plugs in the effects to bring out a Chorus of guitar. Amazing playing and soloing on this one.

Fierabracci has become the house bass player for the Baked Potato. On "The Shores Of Bahia" and "Lydia's Love Van," Gambale also uses the house drummer, Joel Taylor. The first is an upbeat jazzy piece demonstrating the bands talented personnel. The second composition was originally recorded on the Gambale, Hamm & Smith release SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO. This is possibly the most memorable tune on the first disc.

"Nothing Personal" on the second disc opens the disc a bit more aggressively. "Goanna Logic" continues with the aggressive style as well. Both feature Taylor on drums.

"The WOW" introduces the third drummer, Toss Panos to the trio setting. "Walkin' The Wombat" is a more syncopated title, which has Fierabracci slapping and popping. Definitely a great live high-energy cut.

The recording is just that. Live performances from a club that specializes in this style of music. Although the quality is not as good as a studio recording, the playing is superb and Gambale gets his points across. For those familiar with Gambale's playing, this disc is a must have for the Gambale enthusiast. You can find all the Frank Gambale releases at www.frankgambale.com. This includes the long out of print Legato Records material.

BOTTOM LINE: Gambale is one of the most amazing and innovative guitarists alive. The raw chops and powerful performances only enforce that conclusion.