Record Reviews

RORY GALLAGHER ~ BBC SESSIONS UNIVERSAL 602567172994 (Barcode: 602567172994) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1986 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the wonderful collection of BBC recordings by the iconic Irish Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents live performances on CD1, ten tracks captured between 1973 and 1979, and studio recordings on CD2, twelve tracks captured between 1971 and 1986. All the tracks feature Gallagher accompanied by keyboardist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist and bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist, and four drummers, which changed in time: Rod de`AthFind albums by this artist, Ted McKennaFind albums by this artist, Wilgar CampbellFind albums by this artist and Brendan O`NeilFind albums by this artist. The album offers an incredible sound quality the BBC recordings are well known for. The music stays consistently great, a wonderful mixture of traditional Blues classics and mostly original songs written by Gallagher. Gallagher offers his usual throaty vocals and sublime guitar pyrotechnics, which were his unique trademark. This is timeless stuff and sounds every bit as great as it did at the time it was recorded. Although the 50th anniversary Box Set editions of Gallagher first two albums present also BBC recordings, these are different from the tracks used there, so there is no duplication as far as I know. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of Rock / Blues-Rock history, which remains relevant over time. Gallagher’s tragically short life span robbed us of his great talent and unprecedented guitar virtuosity, but every piece of recorded music he left behind is a true beacon of how great Rock can be at its best. A must in every decent record collection!

Updated: 17/07/2025Posted: 17/07/2025

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