Record Reviews
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  | 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 ~ 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 |
  | 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 |
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