Taste: What's Going On - Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 - Release Date: 18 September 2015 (DVD, Blu-ray, Vinyl & CD), I'll Remember (Taste: Four CD Box Set) & The Final Split

Rory Gallagher's comprehensive story is finally being brought up to date. I'm pleased that Taste's performance at the The 1970 Isle Of Wight Music Festival is being released on DVD, Blu-ray, double-disc vinyl & CD formats on 18 September 2015. Any review of Rory's life, music and unique guitar playing would remain imbalanced and incomplete without footage of the seminal and inspirational music Rory created and performed at the outset of his career with Taste. I was fortunate at sixteen years old to be at the festival with my older brother and witness Taste's performance. From the opening riff of "What's Going On" Rory and Taste (Richard McCracken on bass and John Wilson on drums) had the crowd enthralled.

The extraordinary power, dynamism and breathtaking improvisation created by Taste, and Rory's magnificent and emotional guitar playing, was a shot in the arm - mid-afternoon - after some uninspiring performances from preceding artists. Taste were buoyant and their stellar performance generated a spirited and sincere rapport with the large crowd. Each song of their set was followed by a storm of applause. I'm disappointed that no footage of Taste performing 'I Feel So Good' is available. Rory's innovative and singing guitar sound reached a 'peak' on this song during their performance. Moreover, the bass and drum solos by Richard McCracken and John Wilson are sadly absent from the film. The fact that the tracks asterisked below contain incomplete, duplicated, or mostly crowd footage during the performance is also a disappointment.   

 Tracklisting DVD / Blu-Ray
What’s Going On

Sugar Mama
Morning Sun*
Gambling Blues
Sinner Boy
Same Old Story*
Catfish Blues

Tracklisting CD / Vinyl
What’s Going On
Sugar Mama
Morning Sun
Gambling Blues
Sinner Boy
I’ll Remember
I Feel So Good
Catfish Blues
Same Old Story
Blister On The Moon 

Fans of Taste and Rory Gallagher will welcome the bonus features which include a film on the history of Taste and three tracks from the German TV series Beat Club: 'Morning Sun', 'It’s Happened Before, It’ll Happen Again' and 'If The Day Was Any Longer.' I believe, however, that the P3 music promo videos for 'I’ll Remember', 'What’s Going On' and 'Born On The Wrong Side Of Time' are artistically banal in visual & narrative style, and, instead of enhancing the music, get in the way of it.

The successful performance of Taste at the Isle of Wight in 1970 established Rory Gallagher as a prodigious talent and a charismatic and passionate guitar player. Just as the popularity and fame of Taste was increasing with audiences, record buyers and critics, only an "inner circle" knew that the atmosphere within the blues/rock trio and its management was beset with dissatisfaction and sustained tensions. Given that Taste were still producing memorable live performances, receiving rave reviews in the music press, most of their fans had no knowledge, or reason, to think that disharmony was tearing the group apart. 

Rory was just twenty two years old in 1970. Taste had achieved considerable success in Europe and were attracting a growing audience with each passing gig and day. I remember reading the cover of Melody Maker in September 1970 and trying to take in the shock announcement: "TASTE SPLIT". What had caused the early disintegration of a supreme rock and blues trio led by Rory Gallagher, a rare talent and musical genius?

 

The vast majority of Rory's fans were not privy to the anxieties and problems that beset Taste, their management, agents, record company, or the mindset of group members on the cusp of success. What I do know is that the unpredictable demise of Taste ended with a short lap of honour which included concerts in Belfast and Dublin. The music and magic were still present. Fans watched and listened to "three" gifted musicians playing to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion.

The burden of leading a band brings great physical and psychological demands and can be exhausting to a passionate, sensitive artist whose own life places great value on integrity, honesty and commitment. I'm just glad that Taste existed and, in Rory Gallagher, produced a genuine musical legend who played in his own unique style with grace and passion, and enriched the lives of so many people worldwide. Moreover, Rory remains an inspiration for successive generations of guitar players. Daniel A. Muise's book: 'Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer and Trower: Their Lives and Music' provides, through interviews, a kaleidoscope of memories of Rory's life, music, and premature death which, at times, is difficult to read without experiencing profound sadness.

A four CD Box Set titled I'll Remember containing 'remastered' versions of Taste's studio albums Taste and On The Boards (as well as bonus tracks) will be released on 28 August 2015. The box set contains previously unreleased 'live' recordings from Stockholm’s Live at Konserthuset (1970), "Off-Air" recording at the Paris Theatre, London (1970) which includes blistering and dynamic renditions of 'I'll Remember' and 'Railway and Gun', and the Woburn Abbey Festival (1968); also, demos recorded in Belfast (1967) and sleeve notes with rare and previously unseen photographs. I'm thankful to have the 'original' vinyl albums of Taste I purchased in Belfast in the late '60s and early '70s and which still take 'pride of place' in my record collection. 
I believe that Rory Gallagher's musical career, at times, lost impetus and direction (similar to all established musicians), and his singing voice periodically wavered in its emotional resonance (due in part, to relentless tour schedules, long set lists, and the impassioned and organic nature of each performance). Sadly there was never to be the likelihood of Rory performing, during his solo career, any of the classic, timeless songs he composed and recorded with Taste which still touch the emotions in profound and unexpected ways.    

Re-issuing and re-packaging Rory's music is to be welcomed and will undoubtedly attract new listeners to his music and guitar playing. Words cannot do justice to Rory's looser live performances where the magic and the music really happened.

Rory Gallagher Official Site

CD Review: Robin Trower - 'State to State: Live Across America 1974-1980' (Audio CD) - Release Date: October 04, 2013

A two CD set released on October 04, 2013 includes twenty-four previously unissued 'live' performances by the Robin Trower band. The album includes performances recorded in Philadelphia and California (1974), Illinois (1976), Oklahoma (1977) and Missouri (1980).

The late and supremely gifted James Dewar sings on each track on the album, and plays bass guitar on all but two tracks on Disc 2: 'Somebody Calling' and 'Bluebird'. Robin was feeling his way into a new phase of his career and brought in Rustee Allen on bass guitar with the intention of exploring, to an extent, funkier rhythms and sounds. Robin believed this would enable Jimmy Dewar to concentrate on fresh ways of delivering his distinctive and expressive voice. Whether this experiment was successful, or not, is left to the listener to decide and those fortunate to see the different groups in performance. I believe the personnel change, while transforming the scope of Robin's music, left James Dewar both musically and personally exposed on stage without his bass guitar.
             
All of the tracks on Disc 1 feature the magnificent drumming of the late Reg Isidore. Disc 2 highlights a significant change to the group: Bill Lordan replacing Reg Isidore on drums. Both excellent musicians with different musical identities and style. I believe that Bill Lordan's musicianship and presence improved the sound of the group both in performance and in the studio. His drumming is inspired and dynamic and enabled Robin to explore different musical concepts. The version of 'Alethea' recorded in California in 1974 highlights the contrasting techniques and creative abilities of both drummers.  
    
This 'live' collection contains music of a high caliber (even where the recordings are of a low standard and Robin's guitar tone is adversely affected by feedback and malfunctioning effects pedals) played by superb musicians and fronted by a guitar player who pushes himself to the limit each time he takes to the stage.

The highlights of the performances are those recorded in Illinois during 1976. All of the tracks, especially: 'Daydream', the wonderful 'Same Rain Falls' and 'Too Rolling Stoned' contain some of Robin's most expressive, moving and inventive guitar playing. His excellent musicianship, guitar tone and use of effects confirm that Robin had arrived at an artistic peak. This, however, could not have been achieved without the evocative, subtle and tremendous James Dewar on vocals & bass and Bill Lordan on drums, who both combined to create a tight and superb rhythm section.

The track 'Sailing' is remarkable and atmospheric. Jimmy is in great voice and the melodic groove is of deep emotional depth. Robin's guitar tone on 'Long Misty Days' resembles a jet aircraft taking-off with its huge brooding sound. The live performance is magnificent, transcends the studio version, and contains some of Robin's most eloquent and emotive playing. It would be great to hear other songs from the Illinois performance. Robin, Jimmy and Bill are outstandingly cohesive and, in terms of sound and inspiration, generate a well of sublime music which doesn't fail to get the adrenaline flowing.   

A striking feature of the recordings is the power, texture and soulful voice of James Dewar. At times, the unique quality of Jimmy's voice elevates itself above the atmospheric music, and the listener is drawn to the magical and beautiful expressiveness of his vocals. Truly breathtaking music.        

Pre-order at Amazon 

Listen to MP3 samples at Amazon

Robin Trower Official Site

Jimmy Dewar

CD Review: "Robin Trower - At the BBC 1973 -1975" - [2 CD Set] - Release Date: 7 February 2011


This 'Double CD' collection contains most of Robin Trower's BBC sessions from 1973-1975 recorded for John Peel, Bob Harris, and the 'BBC In Concert' series. The tracks highlight the genesis of a group destined to create memorable music both in the studio and in live performance. Illustrious music destined to help mark out the lives of people fortunate to hear it. In fact, it has become an essential part of some of the lives of Robin's fans throughout the world.

The recordings emphasize the importance of having outstanding songs: a 'collective gift' to built on their foundation with sensitive, soulful singing; melodic, emotional guitar playing; and excellent, illuminating, drumming to produce music of power, soul and passion that words alone fail to portray. The music, itself, engenders a mixture of feeling and recall - not unlike poetry - where each melody is remembered by those who love them.

The BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert  CD released by Windsong International in 1992 was a disappointment due to falsified crowd noise and the absence of "Two Rolling Stoned" which was included in the original broadcast. The inclusion, however, of a full version of "Rock Me Baby" made purchase of the CD irresistible. I'm fortunate my brother taped the original broadcast of the radio. It remains one of my favourite recordings of the Robin Trower Band in concert. A true classic.

The collection is a must for any fan of Robin Trower, Jimmy Dewar, Reg Isidore, Bill Lordan, or any affectionate of classic rock and blues at its finest: soulful, passionate, emotional, sincere, moving.  Robin Trower remains one of the greatest exponents of blues and rock guitar on this planet. Jimmy Dewar was an outstanding vocalist both in the studio and live. All the tracks are testament to Jimmy's beautiful, soulful voice, and Robin's fluid, melodic, dreamy guitar playing. 

I believe the overdubbing of guitars on the John Peel Sessions, especially on "In This Place" (CD1) and the four songs on (CD2), was unnecessary given the profound depth and emotion each song already embodies. It would have been magical to hear "In This Place" played live without guitar overdubs.

Bugbears: Did anyone proofread the CD liner notes? The misspelling of 'Alethea' and other typos' ... It's not too much to ask, is it? The absence of a photograph of the late Reg Isadore - a genuine oversight, or not - is shameful.

The music still sounds haunting, magnificent, with a magic heart at its core. Enjoy.

CD1

1. Twice Removed From Yesterday (John Peel Session)
2. Man Of The World (John Peel Session)
3. Daydream (John Peel Session)
4. Sinner's Song (John Peel Session)
5. Day Of The Eagle (Bob Harris Session)
6. Little Bit Of Sympathy (Bob Harris Session)
7. Lady Love (Bob Harris Session)
8. Daydream (Bob Harris Session)
9. The Fool And Me (Bob Harris Session)
10. Alethea (Bob Harris Session)
11. Too Rolling Stoned (Bob Harris Session)
12. I Can't Wait Much Longer (Bob Harris Session)
13. Bridge Of Sighs (John Peel Session)
14. In This Place (John Peel Session)
15. Alethea (John Peel Session)
16. Little Bit Of Sympathy (John Peel Session)

CD2

1. Fine Day (John Peel Session)
2. Confessing Midnight (John Peel Session)
3. It's Only Money (John Peel Session)
4. Gonna Be More Suspicious (John Peel Session)
5. Day Of The Eagle (BBC In Concert)
6. Bridge Of Sighs (BBC In Concert)
7. Gonna Be More Suspicious (BBC In Concert)
8. Fine Day (BBC In Concert)
9. Lady Love (BBC In Concert)
10. Daydream (BBC In Concert)
11. Too Rolling Stoned (BBC In Concert)
12. I Can't Wait Much Longer (BBC In Concert)
13. Alethea (BBC In Concert)
14. A Little Bit Of Sympathy (BBC In Concert)

Album and MP3s of songs available at Amazon

CD Review: "What Lies Beneath" - Robin Trower - Released 28 July 2009

Some musicians are excellent: some are outstanding. Robin Trower belongs to the latter category. During his long solo career Robin's feel for melody, musicality, passion, and rhythm has not deserted him. Despite decades of successful achievements - on record, and in performance - this album confirms he is still capable of searching for new and challenging musical horizons while retaining his own trademark sound.

The addition of strings, in particular, the cello, on some of the tracks give a a tonal warmth which is immediately appealing. The cello touches the heart and soul in ways other musical instruments are denied.

The qualities that make Robin's music an art which cannot be imitated - and shine throughout this recording - are its rhythmic pure sound; its warm, polyphonic textures; and, of course, Robin's mastery of the guitar: tone; chord inversions/extensions/voicings, vibrato; phrasing; melody; string bends, feedback, whammy-bar, improvisation, wah-wah, and feel.

Track Listing:

01. Wish You Were Mine (instrumental) 

A 'classic' hypnotic rhythm overlayed with Robin's warm guitar tones, feedback and whammy bar create an opening track of ethereal beauty. The interplay with strings (cello/violin) is captivating adding to the celestial mood.   The lead which kicks in at 1:37 is Robin at his finest.

02. What Lies Beneath 

The wah-wah introduction (its use throughout) and the recurring bass riff and sound give this song a solid depth and structure. After repeated listening Robin's voice suits this song, and most songs on the CD. At times, his voice sounds smoky, husky, conversational, but always impassioned, sincere.

03. As You Watch Each City Fall (part 1) 

Beautiful intro. Great melody interspersed with lyrical fill-ins. At 1:56 a new dimension is reached. The rich tapestry of sound is enhanced by the strings, and Robin's soloing and layered guitar parts. The tone of a strat never sounded better.

04. As You Watch Each City Fall (part 2) - (instrumental)

The plethora of sounds, guitar parts, bass, and drums combine to make this a instrumental a joy. Full of creativity; great arrangement. Magical.

05. Freefall 

This track sends shivers up and down my spine from start to finish. The tone of the main guitar is intense and powerful. The blend of Robin's vocals, the melody, the arrangement, bass and drums, combine to produce a classic track. Love the backing vocals ... Astounding.

06. Once The Spell Is Broken 

A song that contains a plethora of sounds including organ. The combination of a strong melody and a wonderful outro solo makes this one of the best songs on the CD. Moody and ambitious; amazing chorus.

07. Sleeping On The Moon 

Don't be fooled by the calm start to this song. Out of the calm comes a strong, passionate chorus (great harmonies). Then it goes up another gear when Robin breaks into incendiary solos at 1:36 and 2:34. Love the groove on the outro solo ...

08. Time and Emotion  (instrumental)

The organ and Robin's melodic guitar riffing and chord embellishments combine to make this a wonderful, atmospheric composition. Robin solos using all the techniques he has perfected since he started out as a professional musician. A sweet and passionate track.

09. Skin and Bone 

A track that appears to be going in one direction and takes different paths. A well-structured song with strong soloing. Great tone and Robin seems to be enjoying himself. The change at 2:10 makes for a welcome fade out were Robin is firing on all cylinders. A sound to behold, indeed.

10. Buffalo Blues  (instrumental)

The blues has played a large part in Robin's musical career and songwriting. This catchy, blues-driven instrumental - supplemented by organ - gives Robin the opportunity to play the blues as only he can. Some sweet lines and bends; seamless playing with incredible tone.

11. Find A Place

The chord voicings make this one of the best tracks on the CD. Robin's guitar parts are inspirational and melodic throughout and create a wonderful sound. A strong verse and chorus make this a great song. Robin's vocals sound completely in sync with the music. An exceptional closing track for the CD. Breathtaking outro.

Credits:

Robin Trower - Guitar & Vocals
Livingston Brown - Bass
Sam Van Essen & Chris Taggart - Drums
Roger Cotton - Organ
Andrew Haveron & Clare Hinton - Strings


Further details about What Lies Beneath at Amazon and trowerpower.com

Robin Trower - UK & European Tour - Sep/Oct 2010 - Venues and Dates

CD Review: Crest of a Wave - The Best of Rory Gallagher (Release Date: 25 August 2009)

I'm not a fan of compilation CDs or DVDs whether the artistic form is rock, blues, or classical music. It brings out the worse in those involved in the music business: record companies, managers and marketers. In essence, everyone except the artists who created and recorded the music in the first instance. This is not the first compilation to be made using Rory Gallagher's name or 'brand'.

The Best Of Taste - Amazon - (16 tracks)

Big Guns: the Very Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (15 tracks)

Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (24 tracks)

This current double disc highlights Rory's tremendous musicianship, outstanding guitar playing and artistic passion. In the music business these attributes do not always equate with happiness and success. Rory was a cult hero to his fans. In fact, Rory attracted extraordinary affection and warmth; a mutual bond with his audience which few musicians attain throughout their career. While Rory always pushed himself to the limit on stage, I believe he never reached the pinnacle of success he sought, or deserved. It takes a rare talent, courage and extreme energy to create the music, sing the songs, play the guitar, and to be the main focus of a band over decades.

CD Tracklisting  

I'm thankful that Rory received a degree of success. It must be hard to survive in the music business without moments of despair, and the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with creativity and the pressure of live performance.

It's great for Rory's many fans that the Internet exists. Sites such as YouTube and Rory Gallagher's official website enable individuals to share footage of Rory and Taste in concert. New listeners can explore Rory's outstanding musical talent on videos posted by his many fans worldwide. The live performances capture a phenomenal guitar player who was truly inspired on stage. And who took his audience with him to indescribable heights of elation during each concert.  

Concert Review: Robin Trower - The Brook, Southampton - 22 April 2005

I travelled from Belfast for my third gig of the 2005 tour - I have a very understanding wife. While collecting my ticket mid-afternoon at the venue I was delighted to meet Laurie Brace, Road Manager/Sound Engineer for Robin Trower, and Steve Russell, Backline. We discussed the success of the European tour, the high standard of musicianship of the band, the great sound balance at the gigs in Manchester and London, and their respective backgrounds in the music business. It was great to talk to them and a pleasure.

The venue doors didn’t open until eight o’clock. I was fortunate, however, to meet John and Martin from London who both helped the wait in the queue to be enjoyable even though the weather was quite cool. When the doors opened we made straight for the area in front of Robin’s pedals and stayed there throughout the gig.

Robin and the band took to the stage unannounced and for over one and a half hours captivated the audience who burst into bouts of applause and yells at the end of each solo, and sustained appreciation for the quality of the playing and material throughout the concert, even though it was apparent it was very warm for the group on stage. After the obligatory opening flurry of notes by Robin, the band started into "Too Rolling Stoned". It was apparent the band was again in great form and fully in sync with each other throughout the set.

Robin again demonstrated his capacity for incorporating impromptu licks in his guitar solos’ throughout the set. This is refreshing as some “major league” guitar players are content (restricted!) to reproduce in meticulous fashion at each concert every lick and guitar solo played on the original recording. This, in my humble opinion, makes the music generally lack - to a degree - a certain critical factor, namely ‘soul’. Even at the age of sixty there is no doubt Robin’s playing has reached a superior level, even exceeding his earlier periods in the 70’s and 80’s. It is, however, still delivered in his unique soulful and bluesy manner, evidenced by his formidable vibrato, awesome string bending, facial contortions (mostly with his eyes closed) and tremendous guitar tone.

The songs of the new album, particularly, “What’s Your Name”, “Another Time, Another Place” and the title track “Living out of Time”, went down a storm. I was slightly disappointed Robin didn’t include “Ain’t Gonna Wait” and “I Want To Take You With Me” from the new CD, but maybe in the Autumn (Part 2 of tour) ...?

Other highlights included a great version of “Rise Up Like the Sun” with Robin playing a great wah solo; a soulful and bluesy “Daydream”; “Day of the Eagle” and “Bridge of Sighs”. Robin played some outstanding blues licks on “I want you to love me” supported by Dave’s strong bass lines and great drumming from Pete. Once again the band finished with a blistering version of a “Little bit of Sympathy” and left the stage to well earned applause and shouts for more. The smaller type venue is definitely more intimate for Robin, his band, and the fans, and the atmosphere was electric at times. The encores included “Come to Me”, and “Secret Place” which proved a fitting end to the concert with its jazzy, bluesy chords and tempo. Robin’s guitar playing was at times amazing and truly emotional during this instrumental.

I would like to thank Robin, the band, and crew, for a memorable concert. I spoke to Robin afterwards and told him he should be proud of the standard of the songs on “Living Out Of Time”. I bought the re-mixed CD at the venue and got the whole group to sign it.

I would also like to thank Dylan and the staff of The Brook who were obliging beyond belief, and helped me obtain a poster, meet with Robin and the band, and obtain autographs. Indeed, a great venue in all aspects. Cheers to you all. Might see some of you on the second part of the 2005 tour in the Autumn. Here’s hoping it comes off.