What's Gone Is Gone: Elektra Recordings 1979-1982, Gamma, CD

Three CD set. The first three Elektra albums from Gamma featuring Ronnie Montrose spanning 1979 to 1982. Includes six bonus tracks. Before forming his own self-titled band Montrose with Sammy Hagar in 1973, mercurial guitar talent Ronnie Montrose had already enjoyed stints playing with Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and The Edgar Winter Group. After four albums with Montrose between 1973 and 1977, plus a solo album in 1978, Ronnie formed Gamma with Davey Pattison in 1979. Switching from Warner Bros to Elektra records, Gamma's first album, Gamma 1, was released in July 1979. Building on the hard rock of Montrose, Gamma had a more progressive feel, reflecting the growing and popular use of keyboards towards the end of the decade. Second album Gamma 2, followed in August 1980. Co-produced by Gary Lyons with Ronnie, tracks such as 'Mean Streak' and 'Cat On A Leash' gave the album a heavier sound. Fans would have to wait until February 1982 for Gamma 3. Joined by Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Sheryl Crow) on keyboards, Gamma's third and last record for Elektra certainly reflects the new wave sounds prevalent in the Stateside charts of the early 1980s, while still retaining a hard rock edge. Ronnie Montrose sadly passed away in 2012, but the three albums he recorded with Gamma between 1979 and 1982 remain an important part of the legacy left behind by this important and highly influential musician and songwriter.