Cherry Casino and the Gamblers' debut long player is finally out on vinyl, strictly limited to 500 copies

Issued for the first time on vinyl is Berlin's hot ticket for authentic rhythm and
blues, Cherry Casino and the Gamblers' Let's Play Around. Reason to celebrate
therefore, but also as a mark of respect for an album that, upon its initial
release of CD only, shifted more units than a baker's bag squeezed full of
German strudels, that's how much it was appreciated. Given that the album's
parent company, Rhythm Bomb Records (RBR) is marking its own anniversary
of twenty years in business, and still going strong with a conveyor belt of new
and established artists making records, owner and creator of RBR, Ralph
Braband gave the greenlight for reissuing Cherry Casino and the Gamblers'
debut long player.
With the track list scrutinised over and whittled down to a manageable
number fitting for a vinyl release, the listener will experience a band in their
infancy yet sounding like seasoned professionals. Such experience is down to
the personnel involved, with each and every member of 'the Gamblers' having
lived and breathed rockin' music from an early age, and frequenting numerous
combos over the years. Comprising therefore of frontman himself, Cherry
Casino (real name Axel Praefcke) on vocals and guitar, in addition to Ike Stoye
(Saxophone), Michael 'Humpty' Kirscht (Rhythm Guitar), Torsten Peukert
(Drums), and 'Lucky' Lehmann (Bass), Let's Play Around was conceived in
2006.
From raw and primitive beginnings in the form of 'Huh Baby' with its shuffling
rhythm and ringing guitar striking a definite chord, to rather unique
presentation of storytelling that is mighty fine 'Did You Hear That Door Slam?',
before arriving at the heart-breaking realisation of an untenable relationship
depicted during 'You're Too High For Me', with conformation arriving in
harmonious backing vocals reminiscent of The Jordanaires, for example,
rounding off this track in style.
From its prime position, Let's Play Around reads like a menu consisting of all
the ingredients when experiencing a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will be
familiar to many, and one that even provides a moment of respite midway
through with 'A Bar Called Moe's'.
With all the heartache involved, the album, Let's Play Around eventually finds
consolation during its finale of first, Chuck Berry-esque intro and celebratory
'Girl Next Door', to the loose feel of rhythm and blues and Cherry Casino
dominating upfront via the title track, before finally wiping the blues away with
a lively, finger-snapping rhythm of 'Rockin' and Rollin'.

A moment in history which, from its home of Lightning Recorders, now
resurfaces in 2023 and is poised to relive the gamut of emotions expressed
during its first wild and heady run of rhythm and blues, Let's Play Around
receives a deserved opportunity to do this all again, and also offers a chance
for those new to the sounds and vision of Cherry Casino and the Gamblers to
experience traditional rhythm and blues, and hear an album in all its natural
glory. Bestowed the vinyl treatment, Let's Play Around is a remarkable debut
and one worth celebrating. Enjoy!
Nathan Olsen-Haines (Rhythm Bomb Records)

Additional Details

Label: Rhythm Bomb Records

Genre: Pop/Rock

Run Time: 23:41 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/11/23

UPC: 4260072722637