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

CD 2 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 ~ 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