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Rory Gallagher – Notes From San Francisco

2011, Eagle Records

Rating: 4/5

As part of their massive Rory Gallagher re-issue campaign, Eagle Rock Ent. has outdone themselves with NOTES FROM SAN FRANCISCO. These songs were recorded by Gallagher during a stay in San Francisco back in ’77 and have remained unreleased until now because Rory wasn’t happy with the way it sounded so shelved the project.

Anyone familiar with Rory Gallagher’s music will know what to expect. His style of music is Blues based guitar oriented Rock. Everything I have heard from him has been consistently good and this release is no exception. Like most albums there are songs that stand out while others don’t. This doesn’t mean they are not enjoyable. One stand out on the album is “Wheels Within Wheels”, not for it being an over the top rocker or heavy Blues number but for really showcasing Rory’s vocal ability. On this acoustic track  his vocals really shine. A slight departure from the electric guitar music that the majority of the album is.

NOTES FROM SAN FRANCISCO is an album that has been shelved for way too long. We can thank the folks at Eagle Rock for managing to get this incredible album out to the fans. This is an album that should be in your collection.

Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour ’74 (DVD)

2011, Eagle Vision

Rating: 4.5/5

Eagle Rock Ent. continue with their Re-Issue’s of Rory Gallagher’s catalog with this DVD of one of his most popular records: IRISH TOUR ’74. Rory, for those who do not know, he was (and still is) one of the greatest Blues-Rock guitarists that ever lived. He has been cited as an influence to many great guitarists such as Slash, Glen Tipton, Brian May, Jannick Gers and many more. Gallagher even turned down an offer to join The Rolling Stones.

IRISH TOUR ’74 showcases Gallagher’s infamous tour around his homeland. The live footage is intertwined with candid interviews and day to day films of him just walking the streets, visiting a music shop and trying out guitars to backstage preparations before a show. This gives the viewer a better glimpse of Rory as a person and how he was just a regular person like me and you.

This DVD has some really interesting bonus features. One of these is his Japan Tour of the same same year and the other is a half hour Irish TV Special.

IRISH TOUR ’74 is a testament to how amazing and talented Rory really was. His passion for the guitar shines through on the live concert performances. Even if you are not a fan of Blues-based Rock or a guitarist you will still enjoy this DVD and appreciate what an incredible guitarist he was and why he was such an influence to many.

Rory Gallagher – Ghost Blues: The Story Of   (DVD)

2010, Eagle Vision

Rating: 4/5

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