Record Reviews

RORY GALLAGHER ~ CHECK SHIRT WIZARD: LIVE IN `77 CHESS 602508369469 (Barcode: 602508369469) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock This us a superb archival release presenting previously unreleased live concerts by Irish Blues-Rock superstar vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, captured during his tour supporting the release of the "Calling CardFind albums with this title" album. The music was recorded by a quartet which also included keyboardist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod de`AthFind albums by this artist. The 2CD set presents twenty songs, mostly originals written by Gallagher, covering the material from the new album, but also some of his concert favorites. Starting with his brief but brilliant stint as the bandleader of Taste in the 1960s, and then throughout the solo career in the 1970s and 1980s Gallagher was the champion of the electric guitar and undoubtedly wrote a significant chapter of the Rock history with his stellar talent, as evident on his recorded legacy. He was first and foremost a stage beast and his live recordings are by far more characteristic of his energy and instrumental virtuosity. This album offers a most significant chunk of his superb showmanship during a relatively undocumented period of his career. In retrospect Gallagher was one of the great European / white Blues guitar heroes, who took the idiom a step further as far as instrumental virtuosity is concerned and proudly joined the ranks of Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Jeff BackFind albums by this artist, Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and others, who transformed the Blues into a new dimension. For the countless guitar freaks, Blues enthusiast and general Classic Rock connoisseurs, this is a brilliant piece of history and an absolute must in any decent record collection.

Updated: 11/05/2020Posted: 11/05/2020

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

RORY GALLAGHER ~ DEUCE (50TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION SUPER DELUXE BOXED SET) POLYDOR 602445542048 (Barcode: 602445542048) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2022 This is the expanded reissue / remix of the 2nd solo album by Irish Rock / Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Wilgar CampbellFind albums by this artist. The album was released originally in 1971 and presented ten tracks, all written by Gallagher. This Box Set in expanded to include 4 CDs, and is lavishly packaged, including a 64-page book. CD1 presents the 2022 remix / remaster of the original album with ten tracks. CD2 and CD3 present twenty-nine alternate takes and three demos. CD4 presents seven tracks recorded live at Radio Bremen in December 1971 and six tracks recorded live at BBC in January 1972. In retrospect Gallagher is remembered as one of the most original and remarkably talented guitarist, soaked in the Blues tradition but completely unique stylistically. Following the collapse of the group TasteFind albums by this artist, led by Gallagher between 1966 and 1970, he started an impressive solo career, which was cut short by his tragically premature death in 1995. Overall, this is a great tribute to the greatly talented guitarist, which expands the legacy of his early solo career, together with the similar Box Set of his debut solo album. For guitar lovers and especially Blues-Rock enthusiasts, this is a true gem, which deserves an honorable place in every serious music collection covering the Golden Decade.

Updated: 18/02/2024Posted: 11/02/2024

CD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

RORY GALLAGHER ~ IRISH TOUR `74 (40TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) SONY 888750048820 (Barcode: 888750048820) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2014 This is a monumental reissue project, which expands the original double LP live album by the Irish Blues-Rock guitarist / vocalist Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist into a Box Set with seven CDs and one DVD. The material was recorded during the last days of December 1973 and early January 1974 during Gallagher´s tour of Ireland (including Northern Ireland). The DVD presents the spectacular documentary film made by the British film director Tony PalmerFind albums by this artist (who specializes in music documentaries) made during this tour. Gallagher´s group during this tour included pianist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod De`AthFind albums by this artist. In spite of Gallagher´s idol status in the 1970s, his invaluable contributions to Blues and Rock legacy are today sadly almost forgotten. On stage Gallagher was a force of Nature and his incredible inventiveness and pure magic he managed to produce on his guitar were absolutely colossal. He definitely belongs to the very elite of white Blues guitarist, which also includes Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist, Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and a handful of others. The whole issue of white Blues guitarists excelling in music which has its cradle in the Afro-American cultural legacy is quite fascinating and Gallagher is an extraordinary example how this legacy, which he learned from the very early age was transformed by him into a completely new level due to his talent of combining virtuosity, improvisation and complexity. Since these live shows were recorded only a few days apart from each other, they include quite similar set lists, which of course results in a certain amount of repetition as far as the material is concerned. The beauty of this set is, that each and every performance of the same tune present on these albums is so different from any other that the repetition is not only most welcome, but also extremely educational. These recordings are also a superb example of the spirit of music that was present on stage during the Golden Age, when charismatic and totally dedicated performers were Gods. It was all about music and all the rest (mostly money) was completely secondary. These raw performances had no element of staging or decoration and the only thing that mattered was how well everybody played. These days are sadly utterly gone. This Box Set is a great example of how to make Box Sets work. It includes brilliant top quality material, minimizes the packaging (and subsequently the price) to bare minimum and does not deal with fads and fashions of superfluous sound technologies. This is pure Gold from start to finish, exactly as it was forty plus years ago and it is here to stay forever. Of course this is absolutely essential for all Blues fans everywhere on this globe, a capsule of frozen greatness for us to recollect and for the younger generations to discover. Essential I said? Way beyond essential it is!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 17/01/2016

7CD+DVD 8 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RORY GALLAGHER ~ NOTES FROM SAN FRANCISCO SONY 90317 (Barcode: 886979031722) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2011 This is a sensational, never previously released album by Irish guitar hero Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, recorded in the US in 1977 and discarded at the time, now seeing the light of day 35 years later. Gallagher was one of the greatest European Blues-Rock guitar players / songwriters and his illustrious career was tragically cut short by his premature death aged only 47. His recordings, first with the legendary trio TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s and then solo during the 1970s / 1980s are superb examples of genius and absolute dedication to the music. Performing mostly within the power trio format, Gallagher was both technically brilliant as a player and possessed superb feeling for both the Blues and Rock music. This release, expanded with a recording of a live concert performed at the same period, is beyond doubt an excellent addition to his admirable recorded legacy. A must to his fan base and Blues-Rock followers around the globe!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

RORY GALLAGHER ~ RORY GALLAGHER (50TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION SUPER DELUXE BOXED SET) POLYDOR 602435443126 (Barcode: 602435443126) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2021 This is the expanded reissue / remix of the debut solo album by Irish Rock / Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Wilgar CampbellFind albums by this artist. Pianist Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks. The album was released originally in 1971 and presented ten tracks, all written by Gallagher. This Box Set in expanded to include 4 CDs and a DVD, and is lavishly packaged, including a 32-page book. CD1 presents the 2021 remix / remaster of the original album with ten tracks. CD2 and CD3 present twenty-five alternate takes and four demos. CD4 presents ten tracks recorded live at BBC in 1971. DVD presents ten tracks filmed at the Olympia in Paris on April 30, 1971. In retrospect Gallagher is remembered as one of the most original and remarkably talented guitarist, soaked in the Blues tradition but completely unique stylistically. Following the collapse of the group Taste, led by Gallagher between 1966 and 1970, he started an impressive solo career, which was cut short by his tragically premature death in 1995. Overall, this is a great tribute to the greatly talented guitarist, which expands the legacy of his early solo career, together with the similar Box Set of his second solo album. For guitar lovers and especially Blues-Rock enthusiasts, this is a true gem, which deserves an honorable place in every serious music collection covering the Golden Decade.

Updated: 16/04/2024Posted: 16/04/2024

4CD+DVD 5 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SAVOY BROWN ~ AIN`T DONE YET QUATRO VALLEY 0129 (Barcode: 805859074123) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 The title says it all; the unstoppable Blues machine called Savoy BrownFind albums by this artist is rolling on in its sixth decade bravely led by vocalist / guitarist Kim SimmondsFind albums by this artist, currently in a trio lineup with bassist Pat DesalvoFind albums by this artist and drummer Garnet GrimmFind albums by this artist. The new album presents ten original songs, all by Simmonds. Despite the limitations that the Blues format imposes on the music, the idiom is alive and kicking sounding healthier than most of it children within the Pop and Rock idioms, proving the "if it ain´t broke don´t fix it" advice. This music does not sound much different from what Savoy Brown and the entire Blues Revival generation played in the 1960, and yes it still manages to sound fresh and exciting, provides the listener is a Blues enthusiast of course. Simmonds, perhaps not the most spectacular Blues Rock guitarist of the class of Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist or Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, manages to produce the unmistakable "Blues guitar sound", which works for our generation like nothing else and he has one undeniable advantage – he is still alive and kicking. For the numerous Savoy Brown fans and followers this album is as enjoyable and exciting as everything else the group produced over the years; they just can´t go wrong. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 30/09/2020Posted: 30/09/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ AT THE BBC 1973-1975 CHRYSALIS 5099907071324 (Barcode: 5099907071324) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2011 This is a collection of BBC radio recordings by the British guitarist / composer Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist and his power trio which also included vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist or Bill LordanFind albums by this artist. The album presents five radio sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the first three albums by Trower and the trio: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title" and "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", altogether thirty tracks on two CDs. All the tracks were composed by Trower or co-composed by him and Dewar, and two were co-composed by him and vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist (see below). After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie Miller, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come. Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output heard on this album, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument. The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s. There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over!

Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: 25/05/2019

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1973-1983 CHRYSALIS 5060516091263 (Barcode: 5060516091263) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1983 Released: 2019 This Box Set presents all ten studio albums recorded by British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist for the ChrysalisFind albums on this label Records label: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title", "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", "Long Misty DaysFind albums with this title", "In City DreamsFind albums with this title", "Caravan To MidnightFind albums with this title", "Victims Of The FuryFind albums with this title", "B.L.T.Find albums with this title", "TruceFind albums with this title" and finally "Back It UpFind albums with this title". All these albums feature the guitar power trio format, with slight personnel changes; Trower plays the guitar of course, vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist plays and sings on most of the albums except the two collaborations with Jack BruceFind albums by this artist ("B.L.T." and "Truce") and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist (who plays on the first two album and "Truce") and Bill LordanFind albums by this artist (who plays on all the other albums except "Back It Up"). A few additional musicians are also involved, like American bassist Rustee AllenFind albums by this artist of Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist fame who plays on "In City Dreams" and "Caravan To Midnight". Almost all the material on these albums was written or co-written by Trower with a few exceptions. After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come. Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument. The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s. There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over! Side Note I can´t imagine what Chrysalis Records were thinking when they decided not to include in this Box Set the only live album Trower recorded for them, entitled simply "Robin Trower Live!Find albums with this title". With the inclusion of that album this Box Set would have become "The Complete Robin Trower Chrysalis Recordings", which beyond any doubt almost all people who bought this Box Set would have preferred! The live album was already released as part of the budget "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" series (two volumes), which in turn left out "Back It Up". So the fans and collectors got screwed for the second time! There is no limit to stupidity and meanness!

Updated: 01/06/2019Posted: 01/06/2019

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend