Rory Gallagher is a Irish blues-rock guitarist. He was born in 1948 in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, raised in Cork. He was inspired to play guitar after seeing Elvis Presley on his television. After playing in many bands in Ireland, he left to Hamburg in the mid-1960s. He then joined "Taste" in 1967, while playing at London's famous "Marquee Club". After "Taste" broke up in 1970, Rory decided to do pursue a solo career. His self-titled album was released in 1971. He sold millions of albums throughout his entire career. In '72, he went on a European tour and made "Live In Europe", an internation Top 10 hit. "Live In Europe" was his first gold record. In 1973, Rory mixed up his band and put out "Blueprint" and "Tattoo". Following the departure of Mick Taylor in "The Rolling Stones", Rory was invited to record with the Stones and made the album "Irish Tour '74". Following this album he signed with "Chrysalis" in '75. Throughout the next 20 years Rory produced many spectacular albums, until his tragic death in 1995. He was in the middle of touring Europe, when he felt sick and sidelined the tour. He died in King's College Hospital from complications following a liver transplant. He will be remebered as an inspiring blues-rock guitarist for a long time.
The Band:
Rory Gallagher - lead guitar/singer
Gerry McAvoy - bass
Lou Martin - piano
Rod De'Ath - drums
Song Reviews:
Cradle Rock - Rory revs up the crowd by playing some gritty guitar licks at the beginning. His guitar sticks out throughtout the entire song. The drums then join in and the whole band is together, with Rory singing. Around 2:45, a little solo for Rory. Around 3:45 the piano kicks in with a scalular run and continues for awhile. At 5:57, it's just straight up Rory, no band backing him up or anything. Excellent use of the tremelo, then drifts off, until the entire band is playing fast, then ending the song with applause.
5/5
I Wonder Who - Another song with really gritty guitar playing, until he kicks in when it trades off with singing and playing. It then gets into the 12 bar blues, with some groove. The crowd is applauding the entire time. The band proceeds to kick in and start jammin'. Rory really gets into with some fast picking and high bends. He solos for the remainder of the song.
4/5
Tattoo'd Lady - A different approach on this song. Starts right off with guitar and singing. Real defined piano playing from Martin. Then there is a piano solo which is excellent, followed by giving Rory a shot at a solo. Very up-paced song with the last one and a half minutes of pure Rory. Not the best song on the album.
3.5/5
Too Much Alcohol - Definately my favorite song on the album. It is pure blues guitar. Some excellent playing by Rory. He proceeds into the 12 bar blues and gets the crowd revved. Then come the vocals, with a very laid back feel. Sounds like generic blues. It gets even better when the piano comes in. He proceeds to do a wonderful solo followed by some intense piano playing by Martin. High energy solos bring this song to an end.
5/5
As The Crow Flies - An acoustic song by Tony John White. Rory proceeds to incorporate some slide playing along with his playing. Then a little harmonica solo comes in and makes the song more like something you'd hear by Bob Dylan. Excellent guitar playing(like usual) on this one.
4/5
A Million Miles Away - Starts off with some beautiful sounding chords being played, until a more bluesy feel. The little bass lick goes into lead playing by Gallagher. Excellent playing throughout, can get a little repetitive though.
4/5
Walk On Hot Coals - Very up-beat intro with piano matching the guitar. Sounds a lot like an Eric Clapton song that you might here, minus the keys. Most of this song is soloing by Gallagher, but excellent none-the-less. Martin and Gallagher go together on this song, and makes it very interesting.
4/5
Who's That Coming - Lead playing by Gallagher right away. Followed up by the rest of his band, it's a song that is a good chunk of rhythm playing and keys. Not the best on the album, not the worst either. A generic Gallagher tune.
4/5
Back On My Stompin' Ground(After Hours) - A riff in the beginning is played for awhile until he gets into more of a groovy feel. Then gets into some hard chords with some excellent piano playing. The vocals fit the song, as does the guitar.
4/5
Maritime - The finale to the album. A pretty slowed down intro, with a 50's feel. Although it leaves you hanging at the end. About 30 seconds long.
4/5
Overall, this is a very good album. If you've never heard of Rory Gallagher, you should check him out. He is what Buddy Guy is to blues today. More of a fast, harder blues, but he does go back to the roots and slows it down a bit. Most people know Rory Gallagher for the beat-up 'Strat look that is on one of his albums. Since he died, Fender Custom Shop has been making Rory Gallagher Signature Stratocasters. Very influential, and one of my favorite guitarists.
