I was recently going through my old vinyl collection and I came across some LP's I collected, mostly by local Chicago club bands. Being a sort-of musician myself, and not really being a music "snob" (meaning if it sounds good to me, I like it...) I used to really get into some of these local acts. Some got recording contracts, made a few records, then faded into oblivion as the time for their style passed.

Anyway, I found a couple records by the local group Gambler. Gambler had a Joliet connection - their singer was a guy named Nathan Shaffer, and he was in a few local bar bands before joining up with this outfit. Shaffer was also their main songwriter.

This band broke up (or faded away) after Shaffer was let go. I must admit, his voice isn't what we'd call "good" today. He had a big range, that's for sure. But it was kind of screechy, for lack of a better descriptor. Yet it seemed to fit their stuff, which was a blend of melody and harder edged rock music.

Their two records (called TEENAGE MAGIC and LOVE AND OTHER CRIMES) were never released on CD. The vinyl pressings are the only thing I've ever been able to find.

I've found myself humming their old tunes recently, quite a bit. I wonder if anyone else has even heard of these guys?

Life goes on, and so does the list of Chicago bands that I was listening to back then. More later...