Album Review: Rory Gallagher - The Best of...
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Few guitarists have been cited as often as Rory Gallagher. The boy from Ballyshannon, Country Donegal who picked up his first guitar aged nine and who became synonymous with his white fender that he first bought for £100 aged 15 is listed by luminaries including Brian May, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Slash, Jimmy Page, Johnny Marr, The Edge and Joe Satriani. For me, the best quote is attributed to a certain James Marshall Hendrix. When asked "How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world," Jimi replied,"I don't know, why don't you go and ask Rory Gallagher."
I’ve long loved the soulful blues that Gallagher first brought to the world’s attention through the band Taste and continued through to his final studio album ‘Fresh Evidence’ in 1990. I never saw him live, and I’m by no means a hardcore fan. But every time I hear his music it does something to me that very few other musicians manage to do. During my teenage years, Gallagher was a staple in the playlist, with songs like ‘Shadow Play’ and ‘Moonchild’ striking a chord that remains with me to this day.
For those who appreciate the legacy of one of Ireland’s legendary sons, this comprehensive compilation may not be more than an addition to the album collection. There are already more Gallagher compilations than studio albums. But if you are unaware of the man, then ‘The Best Of’ is arguably an excellent introduction to one of the most gifted artists the rock world has ever seen.
Four tracks from Taste are included in this package. The fabulous ‘What’s Going On’ from 1970’s ‘On the Boards’, along with ‘It’s Happened Before, It’ll Happen Again’ from the same release. There are also two from the eponymous debut album. The poetry of ‘Blister on The Moon’ which opened that album and demonstrated Gallagher’s talent and ferocious organic playing, and the traditional arrangement of ‘Catfish’, a smouldering eight-minute blues workout.
A previously unreleased collaboration with Jerry Lee Lewis from the latter’s famous London Sessions sees Gallagher jamming with Lewis on the Stones classic. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’. But it’s Gallagher’s solo work that stands head and shoulders above here. There are so many sides to the man’s playing on display here. The gentle ballad ‘I Fall Apart’, a track that always makes me shiver with the beautiful playing; the tender intro to the foot stomping ‘Edged in Blue’. Full of melody, Gallagher’s song writing is simple yet complex at the same time, combining the use of organ and a solid rhythm section (for many years loyally supported by bassist Gerry McAvoy who had several drumming partners over the years). His distinctive guitar work shines on every song, from the scratchy, staccato style on ‘Bad Penny’ with the soaring solo work, the sensitive intricacies and playful jousting with Lou Martin’s keyboards on ‘A Million Miles Away’ as well as the more recognisable brutish force on ‘Follow Me’, ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Shadow Play’.
Rory Gallagher died at the criminally young age of 47 in 1995. 25 years later, his music provides a fitting legacy. This compilation is a fabulous doorway to a musician who was and remains one of the most talented to have ever graced a stage.
Rory Gallagher – The Best Of... is released on 9th October
