With a name derived from the 1977 hit song by Brick (“Dazz” or disco-jazz), Kinsman Dazz burst onto the scene in 1978 with their own brand of Ohio funk. Their first two albums, on 20th Century Fox Records, resulted in a couple minor hits and began to gather a small following for the group. In 1980 the group, then consisting of leader Bobby Harris, Mike Calhoun, Michael Wiley and his brother Isaac Wiley, singer/trumpeter Skip Martin, Eric Fearman, Ken Pettus, Kevin Frederick and Pierre DeMudd, shortened its name to The Dazz Band and signed with Motown Records.
The Dazz Band hit pay dirt big time in 1982 with the album Keep It Live, which featured the Grammy Award winning #1 hit, “Let It Whip.” But the Dazz Band was more than just an 80s funk band, as they proved on a smooth midtempo album cut that was tailor-made for Quiet Storm radio. “Gamble With My Love” was a cautionary tale to a lover not to take love for granted, and it has remained an unsung gem, with a melody and groove that feels right for late night listening.
“Gamble With My Love” is a worthy Lost Gem. Check it out and remember just how versatile the Dazz Band really was.
By Chris Rizik
