Down to the Wire - Simon McBride

Simon McBride started playing the guitar when he was ten. By age 15 and entirely self-taught, he was good enough to enter Guitarist Magazine’s Young Guitarist of The Year, a performance competition staged at Wembley Conference Centre, which he won against strong competition. Even before that achievement, Simon was endorsed by the notable American guitar builder Paul Reed Smith, a relationship that continues to this day. Other PRS artists include Al Di Meola, Santana and Buddy Guy. Observers of the blues-rock scene are calling Simon McBride the natural heir to Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore. Like these icons he hails from Ireland and from Moore’s hometown, Belfast. He is an astoundingly good guitarist, a fine singer and a prolific songwriter. His first professional job – at age 16 – took him into heavy metal territory with the Belfast-based pioneering metal band Sweet Savage, who reformed in 1994 without their founding guitarist, Vivian Campbell (Dio, Def Leppard), who Simon replaced. Simon toured with the band and recorded two albums, Killing Time 1996 and Rune 1998. After leaving Sweet Savage in 1998, He joined fellow Irishman Andrew Strong, who had made his name in the 1991 cult film The Commitments and went on to a successful singing career. Playing with Strong was in stark contrast to Sweet Savage. As Simon says, the change of musical style was a useful and enjoyable learning experience. He spent six years touring with Strong before leaving to pursue the idea of a solo career. Simon then spent several years playing with bands local to Belfast while writing songs and honing his production skills. His strongest influences have been players from a Blues and R&B background, guitarists such as Hendrix and Jeff Beck, so not surprisingly that is where his solo career became focused. In 2008 Simon approached Nugene – notable for handling guitarists and blues artists – with a collection of songs that became his debut album, Rich Man Falling (“Hugely accomplished” MOJO. “Blues Rock Par Excellence” CLASSIC ROCK). The band was targeted initially at continental Europe and with representation by Live Nation in the Netherlands Simon played major festivals. In the UK he has supported Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani and Derek Trucks. Then followed a second album Since Then (“there is a new star on the horizon” Guitar Techniques. “Ireland has a knack of throwing up diamondS” HIFI+). In support of the album Simon toured the UK opening for guitar legend Joe Satriani and earned rave reviews for his performances. In 2012 he released Nine Lives, an album of mostly live recordings proving that on stage he can make a sound every bit as good as his studio albums. He delivers powerful renditions of songs from his two studio albums together with a previously unreleased song (Fire Me Up). The album also carries four bonus tracks in which he reprises songs in a stripped down acoustic format, demonstrating just how natural a guitarist and singer he is. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Nugene Records artist: Simon McBride - Crossing The Line - New Release Review

I just received the soon to be released recording, Crossing The Line, by Simon McBride. This new recording bridges a number of rock/blues genres but one thing that is consistent are the solid vocals and the strong guitar work of McBride. Lead Us Away is a strong composition bringing to mind Black Label Society of Mahogany Rush. No Room To Breathe has the structure of a blues ballad. The vocals and guitar work are powerful and the hook is solid. This guy really rips actually! Strong airplay possibility here. Starve This Fever is a real arena blues track with the potential to blow your hair back. McBride is highly accomplished and has the recorded presence of Gary Moore or Joe Bonamassa. Alcatraz takes on a bit of the Latin rhythm but the addition of horns pumps the track out of the standard blues rock idiom. Again McBride's finger work shows that he is an absolute guitar master. One More Try is another ballad set up to feature McBrides vocals and hard hitting soloing. If you like blues/rock ballads it's hard to refute this guy's talent. Heartbreaker is a strong rocker with strong roots in the blues. The rhythm guitar on this track has great tone and the guitar lead is light and fast. This is the track for the rockers! Home To Me gets a bit of the southern US into it's sound. It is different than the balance of the record but it blends quite nicely with the southern guitar rhythms and riffs. Down To The Wire (Revisited) closes the recording with a strong slow blues rock anthem. McBride lays down additional fireworks which are sure to gather fans. Contrasting backing vocals add a nice touch to this cool track.
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Rory Gallagher re-mastered albums (1975-1982) released 1st October

RORY GALLAGHER
THE NEXT SERIES OF CLASSIC ALBUMS
RE-MASTERED AND REISSUED
Includes Original Artwork, Bonus Tracks, Exclusive Booklet
CD (Digipack), Download & Vinyl
Released Monday 1st October 2012

Sony Legacy Recordings in association with Capo Records, is proud to announce the next series of Rory Gallagher’s classic albums re-mastered. The reissued series of classic albums continues with the following Rory Gallagher albums released in chronological order from 1975 – 1982. Albums include ‘Against The Grain’ (1975), ‘Calling Card’ (1976), ‘Photo-Finish’ (1978), ‘Top Priority’ (1979), and ‘Jinx’ (1982).

Picking up where Rory left off with the phenomenal ‘Irish Tour ‘74’ live album, the release of 1975’s ‘Against The Grain’, found Rory at the top of his game and in sparkling form both in the studio and on stage. The next seven years saw the release of these five outstanding records.

Each reissue has been digitally re-mastered to stunning effect from the original ¼ inch tapes and features digitally restored original vinyl release album artwork, new booklet content and bonus tracks. All five albums will be released in the UK on October 1st for a limited period in deluxe digi-packaging.

Rory Gallagher was a musician like no other. He was, and still is, one of the world’s greatest guitarists, singers, song writers and live showmen. His music lives on through generations of guitarists including Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Brian May, Johnny Marr and The Edge; and also through his amazing catalogue including some of his finest works included in this collection of releases.

Each of the five studio albums are now re-released in digipack form, with restored artwork based on the original first release cover art. The audio has been re-mastered from the original ¼” inch tapes. Each album includes exclusive sleeve notes, album reviews and rare photographs.

"Continuing on from last year’s 40th Anniversary of Rory Gallagher's solo career, we’re pleased to present his next five solo albums from 1975-1982," says Daniel Gallagher, Rory’s Nephew and producer of the reissues. "The interest in Rory's music is still so strong that we can continue to celebrate the man's music by re-issuing more of his studio albums. We’re going back to the vinyl artwork and original 1/4" tapes so that they look and sound exactly as Rory intended. It's also great to see in a digital world that the demand for a physical copy of Rory's music means we can release these albums on vinyl for the first time in almost 40 years."

‘Against The Grain’ was originally released in 1975. This deluxe reissue features original release album reviews written by Cameron Crowe of Rolling Stone.

‘Calling Card’ was originally released in 1976. This deluxe reissue features an interview with ‘Calling Card’ producer and Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover, plus the previously unreleased track ‘Where Was I Going To?’

‘Photo-Finish' was originally released in 1978. This deluxe reissue features an album review written by David Fricke in Circus magazine in 1980, plus two bonus tracks.

Top Priority was originally released in 1979. This deluxe reissue features a CREEM magazine album review from 1980, plus two bonus tracks ‘Hell Cat’ and ‘The Watcher’.

‘Jinx’ was originally released in 1982. The reissue boasts a review of the album originally published in Melody Maker, plus two bonus tracks ‘Nothin’ But The Devil’ and ‘Lonely Mile’.

www.rorygallagher.com

Bullfrog Blues - Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends

GERRY McAVOY’S BAND OF FRIENDS - A CELEBRATION OF RORY GALLAGHER’S MUSIC
There are many tribute bands playing the music of Rory Gallagher; some good some not so good but what they are doing is keeping the music of this great musician alive.
Rory’s music reached a massive audience from Norway to Spain, from Japan to the USA, Covering all parts of the globe and producing some of the greatest rock/blues albums of the 60’s 70,s and the 80, s. Sadly we lost Rory on 14th June 1995, to his devoted fans and followers this was the ultimate tragedy.

The BAND OF FRIENDS is not a tribute to Rory, more a celebration of his life and music.

The band consists of musicians who played with Rory throughout his career.

GERRY McAVOY (Bass Guitar) played with Rory for 20 years; from 1971 to 1991 and because of this has a great insight into the man and his music. Gerry played on every album Rory ever made. He also wrote a book following his career which was published in 2005. “RIDING SHOTGUN”, “ON THE ROAD” its German title. www.ridingshotgun.co.uk. (Deep Joy/Champion Jack Dupree/Rory Gallagher Band/Nine Below Zero).

TED McKENNA (Drums) played with Rory from 1977 to 1981. Ted is a rock drummer’s drummer. He has played with numerous rock legends and has recorded some of the top albums of our time. (Teargas/The Sensational Alex Harvey Band/Rory Gallagher Band Greg Lake/Gary Moore/Michael Schenker Band).

MARCEL SCHERPENZEEL (Guitar) grew up with Rory’s music and Gerry is quoted as saying “This is the closest guitarist to Rory you will ever hear” (Wolfpin)


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The Jack / If You Be My Baby - Lee Hedley Band

Lee "The Fixer" Hedley - Frontman and Harmonica and Slide Guitar - Originally taken under the wing of family friend and Irish Soul / Blues Legend, the late Sam Mahood, Lee has been fronting and blowing blues-harmonica for various Rock and Blues outfits since 1991. Lee has played on the same stage and supported an endless list of stars from various genres on his way up the long and seamingly never ending 'showbiz' ladder. These include some other homegrown, but household pop names such as The Corrs and Westlife; Irish Soul Band The Commitments and Dublin's very own Blues Harmonica maestro Don Baker, whom Bono from U2 has been quoted as being "...the best blues harmonica player in the world". Lee has enjoyed numerous TV appearances and has even recorded a live session on the Paul Jones Blues Show for BBC Radio 2. Lee's 'Blues for Concern' album in 2000 caught the attention of Old Grey Whistle Test presenter "Whispering" Bob Harris, who immediately handed it to Ex- Manfred Man frontman Paul Jones, who in turn set up the session with Lee's band (formerly called Beale Street Boogie Band). But even with all of the above, the highlight for the Lee Hedley Band was most definitely the Irish Tours with Ex-Muddy Waters Chicago Blues guitarist, John Primer & also the late Phil Guy.
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Slow Blues - Eric Bell

Eric Robin Bell (born 3 September 1947 in East Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish rock musician and guitarist, best known as a founder member and the original guitarist of the rock group Thin Lizzy.
Bell began his career with local groups around the Belfast area, including the last incarnation of Them to feature Van Morrison, between September and October 1966. He also played with a number of other bands including Shades of Blue, The Earth Dwellers and The Bluebeats, before joining an Irish showband named The Dreams. He left in 1969 having tired of the showband format, and at the end of that year he formed a band with local musicians Phil Lynott, Eric Wrixon and Brian Downey. Bell named the group Thin Lizzy, after Tin Lizzie, a robot character in The Dandy comic.
In 1974, after a brief period fronting his own Eric Bell Band, Bell was recruited by ex-Jimi Hendrix sideman Noel Redding, along with keyboardist Dave Clarke and drummer Les Sampson, to form The Noel Redding Band. Bell was initially unsure of the musical direction Redding was taking, but went on to record two albums with the group before they split in 1976. A third album of unused tracks was released in 1995. Bell composed the song "Love and War" for the second album, Blowin'.
In 1980, Bell reunited with Thin Lizzy to record a tribute song to Jimi Hendrix, "Song for Jimmy" , which was released as an orange flexi disc and given away with Flexipop Magazine in August 1981. It was later included on the Thin Lizzy Vagabonds, Kings, Warriors, Angels box set in 2002. Bell also appeared as a guest on Thin Lizzy's final tour in 1983, and the accompanying live album, Life.

Bell had also reactivated his own band in the late 1970s, and released an E.P. in 1981.

Bell subsequently joined saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith's eight-piece blues rock ensemble Mainsqueeze. They toured Europe, recorded a live album in 1983, and later toured as Bo Diddley's backing group, recording the Hey... Bo Diddley: In Concert album in 1986.
Bell has continued to perform and record with the Eric Bell Band throughout the 1990s and 2000s, releasing several albums. He has also recorded with the Barrelhouse Brothers.

In 2005, he joined Gary Moore onstage to perform "Whiskey in the Jar" at the Phil Lynott tribute concert "The Boy Is Back in Town" in the Point Theatre, Dublin. This was released on a DVD called One Night in Dublin: A Tribute to Phil Lynott. In 2010, Bell moved from London where he had lived for many years to his new home in West Cork, Ireland.
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The Jack / If You Be My Baby - Lee Hedley Band

Lee "The Fixer" Hedley - Frontman and Harmonica and Slide Guitar - Originally taken under the wing of family friend and Irish Soul / Blues Legend, the late Sam Mahood, Lee has been fronting and blowing blues-harmonica for various Rock and Blues outfits since 1991. Lee has played on the same stage and supported an endless list of stars from various genres on his way up the long and seamingly never ending 'showbiz' ladder. These include some other homegrown, but household pop names such as The Corrs and Westlife; Irish Soul Band The Commitments and Dublin's very own Blues Harmonica maestro Don Baker, whom Bono from U2 has been quoted as being "...the best blues harmonica player in the world". Lee has enjoyed numerous TV appearances and has even recorded a live session on the Paul Jones Blues Show for BBC Radio 2. Lee's 'Blues for Concern' album in 2000 caught the attention of Old Grey Whistle Test presenter "Whispering" Bob Harris, who immediately handed it to Ex- Manfred Man frontman Paul Jones, who in turn set up the session with Lee's band (formerly called Beale Street Boogie Band). But even with all of the above, the highlight for the Lee Hedley Band was most definitely the Irish Tours with Ex-Muddy Waters Chicago Blues guitarist, John Primer & also the late Phil Guy.
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Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy re-issue of Rory Gallagher - Live At Montreux - Review

Here is another "must have" release from the Rory Gallagher archives. This set of recordings documents the best of four live performances at Montreux (1975, 1977, 1979 and 1985). This release includes Laundromat, Tore Down, I Take What I Want, Bought And Sold, Do You Read Me, Last Of The Independents, Off The Handle, Mississippi Sheiks, Out On The Western Plain, Too Much Alcohol, Shin Kicker and Philby. There isn't one throw away track on the cd and it is full throttle from the second the first track starts. This great live compilation release clearly demonstrated why Gallagher is a legend and his reputation has remained as a superstar even years after his demise. His guitar tone is terrific throughout and the recording quality is terrific one end to the other. On Too Much Alcohol Gallagher lets up for a few moments on his Strat and plays a great fleeting solo on his dobro. If you want to hear Gallagher torture his guitar relentlessly... look no further! Doesn't he have the best looking strat on the planet!
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Going Down - The Pyro Blues Executive

Michael Tierney (known as Mick Pyro) is an Irish musician. He is best known as the frontman of the Dublin funk rock band Republic of Loose. He has also partaken in other independent work with fellow Irish and international musicians and performed a duet with Sinéad O'Connor at the 2008 Meteor Awards when she revealed her admiration for his vocals. He has also written for the Irish Independent. Pyro is known for his distinctive vocals and his bearded appearance.
Recorded at the Leeson Lounge 13th June 2011. The Pyro Blues Executive are: Mick Pyro Guitar & Vocals, James Delaney Keys, Noel Bridgeman Drums, John Quearney Bass & Pat Farrell Guitar.
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Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy re-issue of Rory Gallagher- Notes From San Francisco - Review

This is one that you don't want to miss! This is a lost Rory Gallagher album from 1978. After some internal distress after the end of his 1977 tour Gallagher shelved this album which he was recording at the time and broke up the band. Disc one is made up of 12 songs kicked off by Rue The Day which shows Gallagher's intensity was still up from the tour. Mississippi Sheiks highlights Gallagher's great guitar tone an presence on his soloing. Wheels Within Wheels is a much calmer Gallagher than I'm used to with a guitar playing in more of an ethereal manner. Overnight Bag is a great blues tune of course with strong guitars. You can actually hear Gallagher's inspiration for Brian May on this tune. Cruise On Out is uptempo and a real ripper! Fuel To The Fire is a modern style blues with a great guitar interlude. Cut A Dash is a great rock tune with great guitar and drums throughout. Out On The Tiles is a hard driven track almost literally paving the way for Stevie Ray Vaughn!

The second disk was recorded live in San Francisco in 1979 with Gerry McAvoy on Bass and Ted McKenna, a band he had after seeing the Sex Pistols. The influence is definitely apparent. Gallagher is always at his best when recorded live and this is no exception. This recording really kicks butt. it starts off with Follow Me and Shinkicker. Both tracks definitely present a more driven raw attach of the great master. He doesn't completely abandon his roots and Off The Handle is a more traditional blues. These tracks show a definite change in deliver from earlier recordings and a must have for Gallagher enthusiasts. Even traditional Gallagher tracks Calling Dard, Tattoo'd Lady have new perspective and Bullfrog Blues is absolutely on fire!! Gallagher concludes the release with Sea Cruise which is a slide guitar enthusiasts dream. If you haven't had the chance...don't wait!
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Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy re-issue of Rory Gallagher- Irish Tour - Review

Third in the review of re - issue Rory Gallagher... Irish Tour. This is a recording that should be in every blues rock lovers library. It sounds as fresh as recorded yesterday and easily one of Gallagher's strongest recordings. This album came about as a result of the massive appeal of a concert filmed for television. It soon became apparent that the film deserved a larger audience and was released for the theater. This all came about during incredible turmoil in Belfast and most musicians wouldn't venture there. As this is a live recording, most of the songs have been released in studio form on other releases but never with such vigor! The recording opens with Cradle Rock and a series of pinched harmonics which have become synonymous with this recording. This track was first heard on the Tattoo'd Lady release but in a much more tame form. Rory is blazing with the slide right out of the chute! Next up is a Muddy Waters track, I Wonder Who and again Rory doesn't hold back and has some terrific pinched harmonics as well as the call and response associated with Chicago Blues. This track develops into a full on frontal attack with is guitar... WOW! third is Tattoo'd Lady of course from the Tattoo'd Lady release. This is a straight forward UK style blues rock track ... of course with a healthy share of Rory's excellent guitar technique and feel. Too Much Alcohol, a JB Hutto tune takes on more of a traditional delta feel only on Strat. There's also a real nice key solo in this track by Lou Martini. As The Crow Flies, a Tony Joe White tune is played on a National Resonator and is delivered in a modern but traditional fashion as only Rory could do. I will mention that Rory's harp playing on this track resembles Bob Dylan.
A Million Miles Away, another track from Tattoo'd Lady shows Gallagher's mastery of the guitar in so many ways. It is articulate, soulful and expressive ... just great!
Walk On Hot Coals, a true blues rocker is played with strong conviction and was surely a great centerpiece for the concert with extended instrumentals as only concert recordings have. Who's That Coming opens with Gallagher's trademark slide sound. Gallagher begins the track as a ditty and turns it into a full blown blues rock boogie. Back On My Stompin' Ground begins with a slide melody and the song builds from it. Gallagher again pulls out the stops and lets it fall where it may. Maritime, the final track on the recording is really only an outro sounding like a part of Santo and Johnny's Sleepwalk. Terrific ending to a terrific concert. You won't be disappointed!
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This is a slightly different version of the same tune:

Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy re-issue of Rory Gallagher- Deuce - Review

I have been listening to the newly re - issued and remastered recording of Rory Gallagher's Deuce.“Deuce” became Rory's third self-penned album in a row - having written all of Taste's second album “On The Boards” as well as the debut solo album “Rory Gallagher”. “Deuce” was recorded at Tangerine Studios in Dalston, East London, which had been built by the legendary British record producer Joe Meek.This is a 10 track recording that covers a lot of Rory's musical interests at the time. The opening track, I'm Not Yet Awake, has a bit of a folk style to it and is followed up by Used To Be which is an early example of Blues rock at it's best. Don't Know Where I'm Going has a strong country Piedmont style to it and Maybe I Will comes back out swinging in Rory's UK rockin' style. Whole Lot Of People sends Rory finger picking on his strat and pushing the blues rock style that he is to develop. It also has a great little slide solo that is sure to please anyone who loves Rory's style. In Your Town brings on a full tilt boogie like a modern John Lee Hooker and Before G Thorogood caught the groove. Should've Learn't My Lesson is a down and dirty blues in the path of Otis Rush and is killer. There's a Light again visits Rory's beginnings in the experimental blues/rock/jazz genre that was starting to meld all musics together and demonstrating Rory's intricate playing style and versatility. Out Of My Mind is a bit of a folk blues in the style of Doc Watson showing Rory's acuity at finger picking. Crest Of A Wave wraps up release number two with Rory's blues rock style and his flaming slide work.

It's great to hear this timeless music again and freshly remastered.
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Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy re-issue of Rory Gallagher's first Solo Recording - Review

Well, I've got them! The re issue recordings by Rory Gallagher and I'm going to review them like they're new as many readers weren't alive when these were cut and the music is as fresh today as it was when cut in 1971. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums with his first band, Taste, and playing the Isle of Wight in 1970, Rory left the band to pursue a solo career. The original release had 10 tracks. This one has 2 bonus tracks originally recorded during the original sessions and they are great additions. The recording opens with Laundromat Blues which came to be a trademark rocker for Gallagher. As I Fall Apart in retrospect appears to be the stimulus for a later song by American Band "the Outlaws" (Green Grass and High Times)... I can hear it anyway). Wave Myself Goodbye is a very cool straight forward delta style blues track. Hands Up gives you an idea where Thin Lizzy got their sound. Sinner Boy, one of the signature tracks on this recording has the blazing slide work that Gallagher is know for. For The Last Time is a laid back stylistic blues piece with the beginnings of Gallagher's musical experimentation. It's You shows how US country music had started to permeate the UK and Gallagher even emulated a steel guitar with slide on his Strat. On the final track of the original recording Can't Believe It's True shows Gallagher experimenting into the jazz fusion as did his contemporaries. Great guitarmanship. The two bonus recordings are dedicated to two of Rory's blues heroes. The first bonus track is Rory's version of the Muddy Waters classic Gypsy Woman. It's done in a stripped down Delta style and I really like it. The second bonus track, It Takes Time, is done as a shuffle and of course is a version of Chicago blues guitarist, Otis Rush.This is also a great addition.

It's great to see these recordings remastered and re - issued in their original packaging and also available on vinyl! I can't wait to listen to the next one!
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Snatch It Back and Hold It - John O'Leary

JOHN O'LEARY is one of the pioneers of the art of the blues harp in the UK. Originally from Ireland, John's family was part of the massive migration to England in the aftermath of World War 2. In London's thriving jazz clubs of the 1960's he first heard blues harp player Cyril Davies with Alexis Korner's Blues Inc. John bought his first instrument in 1962 and learned to play by listening and watching Davies. Inevitably, he discovered the great masters of the blues harmonica; Sonny Boy Williamson No.1, Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Noah Lewis, James Cotton, Shakey Horton and Junior Wells. John's career has seen his involvement with numerous bands and musicians over four decades. Beginning in 1965 with Savoy Brown's Blues Band through to the present day John O'Leary & Sugarkane, John has continued to maintain a prominent position on the British and European blues scene.
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Rory Gallagher's first six solo albums reissued for 40th anniversary

Sony Music in association with Capo Records and Legacy are proud to re-issue the first six original Rory Gallagher albums in chronological release date order – “Rory Gallagher” (1971), “Deuce” (1971), “Live In Europe!” (1972), “Blueprint” (1973), “Tattoo” (1973) and “Irish Tour ’74” (1974). These seminal re-issued albums celebrate 40 years since the start of Rory’s solo career.

Rory Gallagher was a musician like no other. He was, and still is, one of the world’s greatest guitarists, singers, song writers and live showmen. His music lives on through generations of today’s hottest guitarists including Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Brian May, Johnny Marr and The Edge; and also through his amazing catalogue including some of his finest works included in this collection of releases, his first six albums.

These milestone albums were released during Rory's most prolific years (1971-74), when he recorded and produced 6 albums in a 3 year period. Each of the albums is now re-released in digipack form, with artwork restored from the original first release cover art. The audio has been re-mastered from the original ¼” inch tapes. Each album includes exclusive sleeve notes written by Donal Gallagher; Rory’s brother and former tour manager, legendary photographer Mick Rock, and British journalist Roy Hollingworth.

As Daniel Gallagher, Rory’s Nephew and producer of the re-issues states, “It's fantastic that 40 years since the original release of these albums the interest in Rory's music is still so strong and vibrant that we can celebrate the man's music by re-issuing his first six classic solo albums. We've aimed to release them in the spirit of the original release by going back to the vinyl artwork and original 1/4" tapes so that they look and sound exactly as Rory intended. It's also great to see in a digital world that the demand for a physical copy of Rory's music means we can release these albums on vinyl for the first time in over 30 years.”

The albums are now available on CD, digital download and vinyl (through Music On Vinyl).

After releasing two critically acclaimed albums with his first band, Taste, and playing the Isle of Wight in 1970, Rory left the band to pursue a solo career. His eponymous debut solo album was released in 1971. Standout tracks include “Laundromat”, “I Fall Apart” and “Sinner Boy”. The new re-issue includes two bonus tracks originally recorded during the original sessions. The two recordings are dedicated to two of Rory's blues heroes. The first bonus track is Rory's version of the Muddy Waters classic '“Gypsy Woman”. The second bonus track, “It Takes Time”, is a version of Chicago blues guitarist, Otis Rush.

Featuring the tracks “in Your Town” and “Crest of a Wave”, “Deuce” became Rory's third self-penned album in a row - having written all of Taste's second album “On The Boards” as well as the debut solo album “Rory Gallagher”. “Deuce” was recorded at Tangerine Studios in Dalston, East London, which had been built by the legendary British record producer Joe Meek.

“Live! In Europe” was Rory’s first official live album, and was recorded throughout Europe during February and March 1972. The album was re-mastered from the original tapes by Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham at Wired Masters, November 2011. “Live! In Europe” is widely considered to be one of the greatest live recordings ever captured; it was also Rory’s first UK top-10 album.

“Live! In Europe” has served as a massive influence on budding musicians. U2’s Adam Clayton and The Edge both cite the album as the recording that made them want to pick up the guitar and play in a rock’n’roll band. Choice cuts from the live album include “Bullfrog Blues” and “Messin' With The Kid”. The newly re-mastered album includes two additional bonus tracks - “What In The World” and “Hoodoo Man”.

After six years working as a trio (guitar, bass, drums), Rory embellished his sound by adding keyboards into the band. The line-up of Rory Gallagher (vocals, guitars), Gerry McAvoy (bass), Lou Martin (keyboards) and Rod De'Ath (drums, percussion), remained together from 1973-78, and would record five albums, “Blueprint” was the first. Along with stand-out track “Walk On Hot Coals”, the newly re-mastered version of “Blueprint” includes two bonus tracks from the original recording sessions, including “Stompin' Ground”, and the Roy Head classic “Treat Her Right”.

For his fifth solo album, rehearsals for “Tattoo” started in a rowing club in Cork City. The album was released in the same year (1973), nine months after the “Blueprint” album. Signature tracks include “Tattoo’d Lady”, “Cradle Rock” and “A Million Miles Away. The new reissue includes the bonus track “Tucson, Arizona”, written by the legendary American guitarist, Link Wray.

Considered by blues rock guitarist, Joe Bonamassa, to be one of the most influential live albums of all time, “Irish Tour '74” was recorded at Belfast Ulster Hall, Dublin Carlton Cinema and Cork City Hall, during a time when live music was a rare occurrence, due to the troubles that were then at their most violent peak. “Back On My Stompin' Ground (After Hours)” was recorded at sessions during the tour on the Lane Mobile Unit. The reissue CD liner notes capture the excitement of the Belfast concert; "Two thousand people were overjoyed as Gallagher - a native of Cork, Southern Ireland - took to the Ulster Hall stage just 24 hours after the city had witnessed its biggest bomb blast during a night of at least 10 explosions."

www.rorygallagher.com

Parisienne Walkways - Gary Moore with Phil Lynott

Philip Parris "Phil" Lynott (play /ˈlaɪnɒt/; 20 August 1949 – 4 January 1986) was an Irish musician who first came to prominence as a founding member, principal songwriter, and frontman of the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy.

As leader of the band, Lynott's vocals and bass guitar were a key element in the commercial success of thirteen albums, in addition to a string of hit songs, notably "Whiskey in the Jar" and "The Boys are Back in Town". Lynott also embarked upon a solo career, published two books of poetry, and after Thin Lizzy disbanded, he assembled and fronted the band Grand Slam, of which he was the leader until it folded in 1984. In the period before his demise he had major UK success with Gary Moore with the song 'Out in The Fields', followed by a minor hit 'Nineteen'.

Lynott died on 4 January 1986 at the age of 36.
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A Big Welcome to the Dublin Blues Club

Dublin Blues Club BLUES APPRECIATION SOCIETY -THE EVOLUTION OF THE BLUES

A message to all members of Dublin Blues Club

For more info go to >> http://bluesclub.ning.com Featured Events Left Right & Centre Play Frank Ryans Smithfield   Thursdays December 15, 2011 from 9pm Colette Cassidy  Live !! @ JJS Friday, 16th December December 16, 2011 at 9pm HENRY McCULLOUGH BAND PLAY JJS SAT 17th Dec December 17, 2011 at 9pm DONAL KIRK BAND Play Submarine Bar Sundays 6-8 pm December 18, 2011 from 6pm THE  PYRO BLUES EXECUTIVE *CHRISTMAS BLUES NIGHT* incl John Francis (dj) @ The Leeson Lounge  Mondays **4 hours of The Blues**  Free Adm. December 19, 2011 at 8pm

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It Might Get Loud - Film

It Might Get Loud is a documentary by filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. It explores the history of the electric guitar, focusing on the careers and styles of Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White. The film received a wide release on August 14, 2009 in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Classics.
The film documents the varied playing and recording styles of guitarists Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White.

Page's history with guitar traces back to his childhood when he played in a skiffle band. After desiring to do more than play pop music, Page "retires" from guitar playing to attend art school. He later revives his music career as a session guitarist, only to be discouraged by the realization that he is playing others' music and stifling his own creativity. At that point, Page begins to write and perform in the bands The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin. Page discusses the skiffle and blues music that influenced him at the time. For many of Page's scenes, he is seen visiting Headley Grange, where several songs from Led Zeppelin IV were recorded, and in one scene, explains how the distinctive drum sound from "When the Levee Breaks" was achieved from the acoustics of the house.

The Edge's history with guitar traces back to building a guitar with his brother Dik and learning to play. In the film, he visits Mount Temple Comprehensive School and recalls forming U2 in his childhood. He also demonstrates his playing technique, in how he eliminates certain strings from chords, as well as his use of echo and delay effects to "fill in notes that aren't there". He also discusses his purchase of his signature guitar, the Gibson Explorer, in New York City and the punk music that influenced him. In other scenes, he plays early demo tapes of "Where the Streets Have No Name", discusses his inspiration for "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and spends time experimenting with guitar effects for the riffs to "Get on Your Boots".

Jack White traces his musical background to his childhood in a rundown neighborhood of Detroit. Living with two drum sets and a guitar occupying his room and sleeping on a piece of foam due to taking out his bed for more room for his music, White struggled to find a musical identity, as it was "uncool" to play an instrument and his nine siblings all shared a musical propensity. His strong interest in blues and roots music opposed the hip hop and house music popular in the predominantly Latino south Detroit neighbourhood at the time. White eventually finds a niche in a garage rock band called The Upholsterers while working as an upholsterer, which paves the way for his future bands The White Stripes and The Raconteurs. White's philosophy is to limit and challenge himself in various ways to force creative approaches to recording and playing.

The touchstone of the film is a meeting of the three guitarists dubbed "The Summit". In these scenes, the three guitarists not only converse about their influences and techniques, but they also play each other's songs together, showing each other how to play "I Will Follow", "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground", and "In My Time of Dying". The film concludes with the men playing an impromptu cover version of The Band's "The Weight" on acoustic guitars.
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Badcredit Blues - Brownstone Blues Band

New submission by listener... thanks guys!

Original track recorded live @ "The Shed". Featuring James McGuiggan on guitar and vocals, Nick Brown on bass and vocals and Stevie Glackin on drums.

Midnight Blues (Gary Moore Tribute) - Joe Bonamassa - Jack Bruce

Joe Bonamassa (born May 8, 1977 in New York, USA) is an American blues rock guitarist and singer.
John Symon Asher "Jack" Bruce (born 14 May 1943, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire) is a Scottish musician and songwriter, respected as a founding member of the British psychedelic rock power trio, Cream, for a solo career that spans several decades, and for his participation in several well-known musical ensembles. Best recognized as a memorable vocalist and bass guitarist, Bruce has been referred to as a "World-class pioneer in his main instrument; a composer of some of the most endurable and recognisable rock songs of our time; an accomplished classical, jazz and Latin musician and one of popular music's most distinctive and evocative voices." He is also trained as a classical cellist. The Sunday Times stated "... many consider him to be one of the greatest bass players of all time."\