Thirty years after Eddie Hazel left his mark as Funkadelic’s original guitarist, he’s mainly remembered for his epic guitar anthem “Maggot Brain.” Upon its release in 1977, Hazel’s lone solo album Game, Dames, and Guitar Thangs could be described as the Loch Ness Monster of Funk since it hardly ever surfaces at record stores or shows.

But now thanks to the folks at Rhino, a numbered limited edition of 5,000 is finally available on compact disc with original artwork, nostalgic photos, and informative liner notes. Comprised of guitar-based instrumentals blending rock, jazz, blues, and funk, Hazel does some singing, but leaves most vocal duties to female backup singers. An excellent musical time capsule from the 1970’s, the album is a swan song of atmospheric euphoria.

A reworked cover of the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” has a funky piano lead and an echoing guitar groove, while Hazel embellishes the Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” into a plodding, drug-induced frenzy. “What About It” is pure head-bobbing space funk, “So Goes The Story” sounds like trippy Pink Floyd, and “Smedley Smorganoff” evokes the grand spirit of Cream.

Four bonus tracks are also an included from a 1975 studio session and the crowning jewel is the aptly titled twelve-minute masterpiece “From The Bottom of My Soul.” It’s a stunning “warts and all” emotional jam reminiscent of something by Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan – you can almost taste the heat, sweat, and smoke in the room at the time of recording. This song is special.

Every guitarist will inevitably become a footnote in musical history and sadly Eddie Hazel became one well before his time. This rather amazing re-issue finally proves his name belongs among rock’s greatest guitarists.