Hazel, Eddie "Games, Dames And Guitar Thangs" [SYEOR 2025]

Though Rolling Stone recently named Funkadelic axeman Eddie Hazel one of the 30 greatest guitarists of all time, he remains little known due to the dearth of his solo releases. Which is why GAMES, DAMES AND GUITAR THANGS is such a treasure; the performer’s 1977 debut would be the only album released under Hazel’s name during his lifetime. Epic versions of The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin'” and The Beatles’ “I Want You (She's So Heavy)” as well as such originals as “So Goes the Story” showcase truly fantastic fretwork, and fellow P-Funk alums Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell also chime in on bass and keyboards, respectively. For years a lost classic, GAMES, DAMES AND GUITAR THANGS is out again tomorrow on Rhino Reserve as an audiophile vinyl pressing.