Rory's bumper book of blues

I think I may have mentioned this in an early post, but Rory Gallagher is by far and away my favourite guitarist that ever breathed. Massively underrated in his time, and to this day is more of a footnote in a budding guitarists list of great axemen, it wasn't till his death that more people sat up and took note of his jaw dropping, amazing skill. I could not find the stats but I could imagine a large amount of the 30million albums he sold were sold after his untimely death in 1995, aged 47.

Born in County Donegal in Ireland in 1948, but growing up in Cork, the young Rory began playing the guitar and quickly began performing at the age of 17 in various Irish showbands playing popular songs of the day. He first came to prominence with the band 'Taste' an R&B trio, formed in 1966 who split up in 1970 after the Isle of Wight Festival. A performance so entertaining that they were called back 5 times to perform encores such was it's quality.

The first track is taken from Tastes second album 'On the Boards' and is the opening number.




Gallagher began touring and recording under his own name, but lost nothing of the trademark sound that Taste had been so popular for, namely Rory's playing. His first album was the self titled 'Rory Gallagher', and introduced a softer, jazzier feel to compliment the raw blues he had been renowned for. There are some incredibly beautiful songs on this album. The gentle 'Just a Smile', the ubher chilled out 'For the Last Time', and my favourite track, the brilliantly arranged 'Can't Believe It's True'

However, the selection I have chosen from this album is the haunting 'I Fall Apart'. Check out the Instrumental..... Just fantastic! Music just does not get any better than this!



It was the 70's where Rory did arguably his best work, releasing 10 albums including two live records. I could share a track from each one with you, but there is one song that for me is the most important, which is the song that got me into him in the first place. My first ever post on this blog was the performance of this song on the Old Grey Whistle Test. From the 1973 album 'Blueprint'... 'Walk on Hot Coals'



Following up 'Blueprint' and his next studio album 'Tattoo' was the imaginatively titled 'Irish Tour' live album. This really showed Rory at his peak in my opinion, and his performance of the McKinley Morganfield (AKA Muddy Waters) track 'Wonder Who' just demonstrates his obvious joy of playing the blues, and showcases one of the best live Guitar Solos I think I have ever heard.



The next song choice is from the 1976 album 'Calling Card' and again it's another wonderful demonstration of Rory's devotion to his art. A very laid back, swinging blues number with a superb piano performance matched by some very effective guitar parts. Also worth checking out the tune 'Jack-Knife Beat', very cool indeed.



Last up, and its a song taken from the 1979 album 'Top Priority'. To be honest I am too scared to go any later into Rory's back catalogue as this album is beginning to sound a little dated in its general production and I am too worried I will dislike anything he recorded afterwards. However this song has got to have one of the coolest guitar hooks ever, not to mention the use of an electric sitar in the solo! Check it out!



I hope you've enjoyed this very small slice of a musician that I really do think should still be popular today. He influenced so many people, but you hear nothing about him and you never hear his stuff played on the radio, well I don't, but I do generally only listen to Talk Radio :)

When he died of an MRSA infection after a liver transplant (to help alleviate an alcohol and drug addiction), countless musicians came out to pay tribute. Jimmy Page, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and even the Edge all eulogised about him Even Brian May claims he owed Rory Gallagher for inspiring his very own unique sound.

However my favourite quote about him came many years before he passed away. A certain Mr James Marshall Hendrix was asked what it was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world.

His Reply?

"Don't ask me, ask Rory Gallagher"

The only thing to kick off with....

I've not worked out how to legally link to MP3's yet so will have to look to youtube for help here.

First up, possibly my favourite Guitarist of all time, Rory Gallagher. This is a clip from an old BBC live music program called 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' and the song is 'Walk on Hot Coals' from the album 'Blueprint'. Some absolutely genius guitar playing here.



Oh and enjoy the dulcet tones of ol Bob Harris (or is it 'Vance'?) introducing the performance.