The Complete Rockpalast Recordings - The Definitive Collection - Rory Gallagher DVD Review

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DVD Review

Better be quick! This unique collector's item's going to fly out.

The Blues fired the soul of Rory Gallagher until the day he died on June 14 1995, from complications following a liver transplant.

Raised in Cork Ireland, he almost single-handedly spearheaded and influenced the entire Irish Rock movement. Following the split from early band Impact, Gallagher cut his teeth on the European circuit in the mid-60s, particularly Hamburg. Then forming power trio Taste, he moved to London and made his name with them over the next two years.

After their demise in 1971, Gallagher embarked on yet another solo career, but on a much higher profile.

Unlike so many of his contemporaries, he remained faithful to the genre throughout his recording and performance career. Never quite reaching the heights of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton et al, Gallagher, from what I've seen and heard on this outstanding collection of live footage, actually had more technique at his disposal. For me, he was arguably the greatest white Bluesman that ever lived. Now you can experience a whopping 84 tracks spread over an equally whopping 9 hours, which simply can't be bettered.

Great emphasis was placed on 'authentics' of the style, but the most overwhelming feature of the entire collection, from his acoustic sets, at Cologne's studio recoding at Rockpalast 6 October 1976 to the electric was his mastery of technique.

Whether playing solo or with band he had every skill at his instant recall which thrilled both sets of studio and outdoor audiences.

DVD 1 at the Rockpalast from 1976 is low key in presentation with a small but intimate crowd. Thereafter, the collection builds up in pace and volume as he creates an enviable masterclass.

Listening to him play his acoustic guitar almost defies belief: the instrument was purely an extension of his soul. Songs by Leadbelly and Big Bill Broonzy - Bankers' Blues - are spellbinding as he lays into steel guitar with real venom. Add a bottleneck, and he's mind-blowing, found on Nothing But The Devil: he emanates both conviction and sincerity which rightfully brought him critical acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Mandolin skills are equally impressive: check the punchy Goin' To My Hometown as the line-up expands to a quartet which segue into a rocking I Take What I Want. Closing gig one, he's almost in amongst the small studio audience doing a rip roaring Boogie - the fans love it.

Grughalle 1977, the band hit the stage and go all out to impress with a stunning Messin' With The Kid. Later Muddy Waters' A Garbage Man brings the best of string-bending out of the maestro, as the fans chant his name continuously in the song breaks - real hero worship. Secret Agent is a sight to behold!

Disc 2, in the evening from Loreley, it's more of the same as he opens with pulsating Wayward Child followed by a further scintillating 17 songs - all at high octane delivery as his battered Stratocaster takes a familiar pounding. Rounding off disc 2 there's an almighty din of a jam session featuring Eric Burdon (I think).

Third disc features 2 more shows from Germany where he did a lot of work over 30 years. This time its Wiesbaden '79 then Cologne '90 and more thumping rocking Blues from both gigs, highlight of the former is a slow paced thriller Off The Handle as he shows his finger picking class.

Hair shorter and piling on the pounds, Cologne's gig is still a sensation as the exhibitionism runs riot and it's still the same old Strat at work. Best bit is the initial call and response (piano - guitar) on Muddy Waters' Mean Disposition. More instruments, like blues harp (harmonica) and accordion, fill out the incredible sound. Ex- Cream bassist Jack Bruce throws his weight behind three songs only to add to the musical thrills - the chemistry is palpable. An incredible finale!

This collection is the ultimate testament to one of the greatest men of rock music.

Turn it up and let it go.

Out on general release in UK from MONDAY DECEMBER 5 2005

Also direct by mail order from:

Wienerworld Limited,
Unit B2, Livingstone Court,
Wealdstone,
Harrow,
Middlesex,
HA3 7QT

Tel no. 020 8427 2777 (please quote catalogue number 53025)

Elly Roberts