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

DVD Review: Michael Schenker Group 'Live In Tokyo - 30th Anniversary Tour' [2010]



This performance was recorded on 13 January 2010 at the Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo during the band's 30th anniversary tour of Japan. Michael is joined by Gary Barden (vocals), Simon Phillips (drums), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Neil Murray (bass). While the audio and visuals are great, the lighting and fast alternating camera shots are disappointing, at times. The overall performance of the group, however, is astounding given that the tempo barely slackens during the entire 1 hour & 35 minute concert.

Gary's vocals are gritty, smoky, and one tends to wonder if his voice will hold out until the end of the show. I'm not a fan of hearing an audience sing the chorus of a song(s) while the vocalist temporarily takes a back seat, holding his microphone in their direction. It can be great for those attending the concert but frustrating for those watching & listening to the performance on DVD. Gary does make it to the end of the concert and he is refreshingly unpretentious. It's not an easy task for a rock vocalist to sing with such passion, vitality and feeling while seeking to be heard above the extensive volume produced by a band on stage.

The DVD is worth it alone for the renditions of 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie' (Michael's soloing and the ending are outstanding, melodic and mind-blowing), "Cry For The Nations", and "Lost Horizons". Some of the tracks and guitar playing (aka "On and On") may be slightly superior on the Japan DVD released in 1995. Nonetheless, this quality DVD provides further proof that Michael is an excellent guitar player and musician who remains greatly underrated and widely imitated. 

Simon Phillips is a revelation on drums. His diverse and refined rhythm patterns accompanied by Neil Murray's superb bass playing and sound create strong pulses that give the overall music extreme energy and passion. Michael's soloing throughout the concert highlights that his unique guitar tone and playing remain a joy to behold. It's good to see Michael back on top where he belongs. Wayne Findlay, whether he is playing guitar or keyboards, is an excellent musician in his own right. His input is essential to the sound and music of the MSG. His imaginative playing and feel are integral to the charm and brilliance of this exceptional concert.

The extras include an interview with each band member, a group rehearsal, and backstage shots which include Michael adjusting his amp & pedal settings, and meeting a crowd of exhilarated fans. This DVD is a must for fans of heavy rock and virtuoso rock guitar playing as displayed throughout the concert by Michael Schenker.

Hard, heavy, metal rock - call it what you will - is a genre that doesn't just belong to the '80s as some musical commentators espouse. It continues to attract a large enthusiastic following world-wide (young & old) which ensures it is as relevant today as it was yesterday. Diverse music forms, for example, blues, jazz, R&B, rockabilly, country, classical, are still played with passion and relevance. As an art form, metal, hard, heavy, rock has the right to be treated with as much respect and value as other types of music. And it should be played loud. Listen to it before it's too late.

Track List

Amazon: DVD Release Date: 11 Oct 2010

Michael Schenker Official Site

Concert Review: Jeff Beck - Brighton Centre, Brighton - 16/10/10

Concerts this inspiring don't come along too often. Some guitarist's flaunt their technical skill with fast playing, fast tempos, clichéd licks, have little interaction with their fellow-musicians on stage, and forget they are supposed to connect truthfully and emotionally with their audience. I see no point in grading guitar players as better or worse among themselves. The concept of who is/was the 'best' guitarist seems vacuous to me. All 'great' guitar players are born with a gift and I respect their genuine differences.

I guess Jeff's music and playing has a deep meaning for me and makes a genuine difference to my life; similar to other musicians I admire. Tonight, Jeff and his band exceed my expectations and give a performance rich in sound, delivery, creativity, emotion and inventive agility. When you watch and listen to Jeff playing live you hear each note he plays, the melody, the music. He constantly moves about the stage as if searching for fresh inspiration, new sounds.  His movements fixate the audience's attention. Tonight, Jeff shows breathtaking dexterity on the guitar in a wide range of musical styles. His excellent band never waver during the performance; kicking rhythmically in unison on each song while highlighting their individual artistic prowess.

From the opening track "Plan B" of the Jeff album (2003) it is evident this concert holds no false promises. The sound balance and Jeff's guitar tone are excellent. Also apparent is Jeff's willingness to give his group room to highlight their exceptional individual musicianship. When "Plan B" fully kicks in - an electronic, funky, haunting mix of beauty and steel - it enables Jeff to fire his powerful turbine of riffs over Rhonda's powerful, funky, bass lines, Narada Michael Walden's colourful, intuitive drumming, and Jason's exceptional, rich-sounding keyboard playing.

"Corpus Christi Carol" was as captivating and atmospheric 'live' as on the Emotion and Commotion CD, which didn't surprise me. What surprised me was that it didn't seem out of place on the set list. In fact, it sounded simultaneously mysterious and wonderful. If you were still enough, and concentrated on the music, the musicians, you felt part of it. A magnificent tenderness. The mood takes a powerful turn when Jeff hits the wah-wah pedal for the intro to "Hammerhead", a track that burns with passion, amazing soloing over hypnotic rhythms and riffs. Magical music with power and energy.

Jeff's rendition of "'Mná na h-Éireann" (Women of Ireland) composed by Seán Ó Riada, was moving and breathtaking. Jeff's soloing, on this song, was one of the highlights of the concert, as was Rhonda's bass solo. I prefer the 'live' version without violin. It felt, to me - and the audience, by their reception at its conclusion - that Jeff and the band delivered a haunting, evocative, and unforgettable version of the song. Truly wonderful.

Rhonda performed a stunning bass solo which included harmonics, bending the strings behind the nut of her bass guitar, hitting (caressing?!) its body, finger tapping, string bending, and then getting into some serious, eloquent, and powerful funky bass playing which had the crowd totally enthralled. Rhonda's playing was formidable and sexy. Am I allowed to state that? Hell, yes. Perhaps you should be over a certain age to witness Rhonda's compelling stage presence and musical talent!

Tonight, the music range is wide; embracing everything from blues to funk to jazz to classic British rock, and much more. The band play a wonderful version of "People Get Ready" and the vocals aren't missed. In fact, Jason plays some wonderful keyboards in the outro section of the song which create a strong groove. Then the concert goes up another notch; this time with a great version of "Big Block". Jeff's guitar soloing - alternating between light and shade - reaches a different level. In the hands of a master his guitar wails and sings with melody, riffs, single notes, harmonics, finger tapping, volume swells, whammy bends, and most of all, feel.  

"Brush With The Blues" lasts for about five minutes and is a complete masterclass in how to play music that connects with an audience, and why Jeff deserves to be placed high in the canon of musical geniuses. He plays with a lyrical beauty, spirit, and charisma that few guitar players, at present, can hope to reach.

The slow tempo of ""A Day In The Life" sounds rich, textured, melodious, and is a revelation - full of character, magic, exhilaration, sadness. Music that lingers in the memory. (Is that "Purple Haze" I hear? Is that a tribute to 'Jimi at the Monterey Pop Festival' at the end of the song?). John Lennon composed the beautiful, memorable song, and Jeff has reconfigured it to be heard in a different, and perhaps, for some, in a more powerful way.

Jeff and the group deserve the boisterous standing ovation at the close of the set. During the encores they preform a rousing, energetic version of "I Can Take You Higher" which highlights Rhonda's talent as a vocalist, as well as a musician. Jeff and the group are joined on stage by the leader of the support act, "Trombone" Shorty, which helps create a party feel. Jeff then pays tribute to the late "Great" Les Paul by adorning a Les Paul guitar and playing a rendition of "How High the Moon". Jeff and the group play in sync with a pre-recorded vocal tape. I believe the recording featured the vocalist, Imelda May.

Jeff reaches for his white, fender stratocaster and plays a beautiful, haunting version of "Nessun Dorma". He may not have played the songs everyone wanted to hear tonight, but no-one was left in any doubt they had witnessed an incredible show. A show performed by an outstanding group led by one of the greatest guitar players of our time. Music and guitar playing which tends to stay in the memory for a long, long time afterwards.



 

Jeff's set list signed by Rhonda

Postscript: Even though it was freezing outside the venue I'd like to thank Rhonda Smith and Narada Michael Walden for taking time to talk to fans outside the venue and signing memorabilia. The following photograph didn't come out as I hoped. I believe it was too cold and the flash decided not to work properly! It is still a good photograph and a great memento - along with the set list - of an outstanding concert.

Ronnie and Rhonda - post concert in chilly, cold Brighton 

Rhonda Smith Official Site 

Jeff Beck Official Site   

Jeff Beck - Official YouTube Channel

DVD Review: "Live In Tokyo" - The Michael Schenker Group - Released July 2005

While it's not the same as witnessing Michael Schenker live in concert, and the visual (one camera?!) and audio quality are patently substandard, this DVD still captures Michael's original, melodic, fluid guitar playing at its best.

The DVD is good value: two concerts; forty songs, 236 minutes in length, an excellent interview with Michael Schenker, and all the band members are in outstanding form.

Sometimes the best recorded shows available on DVD do not always catch an artist/group giving their finest performance. However, this DVD provides proof that Michael is an outstanding guitar player who remains grossly underrated and highly imitated.

Let's be thankful Michael is still playing and looks to be back on track.

Track listing:
1. In the Search of the Peace of Mind (Scorpions)
2. Doctor Doctor (UFO)
3. Let it Roll (UFO)
4. Natural Thing (UFO)
5. Lights Out (UFO)
6. Only You Can Rock Me (UFO)
7. Another Piece of Meat (Scorpions)
8. Into the Arena (Michael Schenker Group)
9. Are You Ready to Rock (Michael Schenker Group)
10. Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group)
11. Captain Nemo (Michael Schenker Group
12. No Time for Losers (McAuley Schenker Group)
13. Save Yourself (McAuley Schenker Group)
14. All the Way from Memphis (Contraband)
15. Pushed to the Limit (UFO)
16. Written in the Sand (Michael Schenker Group)
17. Back to Life (Michael Schenker Group)
18. Love Never Dies (Michael Schenker Group)
19. Essence (Michael Schenker Group)
20. Never Ending Nightmare (McAuley Schenker Group)
21. Bijou Pleasurette (Michael Schenker Group)
22. Positive Forward (Michael Schenker)
23. Lost Horizon (Michael Schenker Group)
24. Too Hot to Handle (UFO)
25. Attack of the Mad Axeman (Michael Schenker Group)
26. Love to Love (UFO)
27. On and On (Michael Schenker Group)
28. Armed and Ready (Michael Schenker Group)
29. Feels Like a Good Thing (Michael Schenker Group)
30. Rock Bottom (UFO)

Bonus video - taken from the Unforgiven World Tour, Japan 2001:
1. Cry for the Nations
2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
3. Rock My Nights Away
4. Fish Dancing
5. Pilot of Your Soul
6. In and Out of Time
7. The Mess I've Made
8. Hello Angel
9. Fat City
10. Looking for Love

Further details available at: Amazon

      

Concert Review: Robin Trower - The Irish Centre, Leeds - 22 November 2005

This was special - why? - it just happened to be my birthday, so tickets, flights and accommodation were booked well in advance. My wife and I flew from Belfast the day before the concert. I must admit I still felt slightly exhausted following the Bristol concert - but hell it was worth it. On the day of the Leeds concert I regained my energy and as the clock ticked by my eagerness to witness again the finesse of the Robin Trower Band in concert heightened by the minute.

There has been immense hype in the media regarding the purported musical highlights of 2005: the reunion of ‘Cream’ (tickets selling beyond face value for as much as £1,500; no room for genuine fans unless immensely lucky - mostly corporate sycophants sitting in the front stalls, as with other major music events held these days), and ‘Live 8’ (worthy cause - all form, but modest musical substance).

For quite a few music fans in the UK a main highlight has been the return of one of its 'unsung heroes' to the live circuit in the personage of Robin Trower on the ‘Living Out Of Time’ Tour. Just don't rely on the music press - including guitar magazines - to inform you. This tour has confirmed that Robin should be recognised as one of the top guitar players of all time (up there with Clapton, Page, Beck, SRV, and the greatly underrated Rory Gallagher). Robin is a guitar master with a unique and distinctive sound, and inspired song writing ability.

Sylvia and I went by taxi to the venue and when the doors opened made straight for the front of the stage and met Laurie Brace, Sound Engineer for Robin Trower, and Steve Russell, Backline. These guys have been instrumental in ensuring Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete have achieved the sound and success this tour has generated, and it has been a pleasure meeting them; their friendliness and banter at each venue I attended has been greatly appreciated. Prior to the show we went to the dressing room and had a picture taken for posterity – whoever Prosperity is?

I noticed Robin’s amplification had been augmented on stage with the addition of two Leslie Cabinets to enable Robin to hear his guitar clearer, and to facilitate a better sound balance for the whole band. I felt he had played too loud at the Cambridge gig and this had impacted on the overall performance on the night.

Shortly after nine the band took to the stage and the crowd moved forward to the front of the stage. The atmosphere was electric and it was obvious from the opening chord progression of ‘Twice Removed From Yesterday’ that the sound balance was superior to the Cambridge and Bristol gigs I had attended lately - also the tone of Robin’s guitar. The crowd was totally mesmerised from the start and each instrument could be heard clearly, even Robin’s voiced parts during the song were audible.

I must admit I prefer the band opening with ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ as it enables the crowd and the band to get into a hypnotic groove early in the concert. But everyone has their favourite songs . . . including Robin. ‘Hannah’ again proved superlative with Robin playing beautiful arpeggios during the chord sequences supported by Dave’s ‘stellar’ bass lines (sounding Newtonian at times!), strong drumming from Pete, and great vocals from Davey (which tonight could be heard clearly). This definitely made the gig more moving and enjoyable.

I was slightly disappointed ‘What’s Your Name’ and ‘Living out of Time’ had not been included on the set list again – perhaps more flexibility with the set list would be a plus for the group and the fans on any future tour(s) . . . only planting seeds; The Fool and Me; Alethea; Secret Place. This, however, was compensated by the inclusion of ‘Fine Day’ - song writing at its best; and incredible lead playing during the solos.



The version of ‘Bridge of Sighs’ tonight was breath-taking and the solo fully highlighted the formidable vibrato, awesome string bending, and tremendous guitar tone which Robin possesses - truly emotional with melodic phrasing. The experience is augmented by the smaller type venue which, on this tour, has proved intimate for Robin, his band, and the fans, giving the atmosphere an electric charge not facilitated at larger venues.

Next was the instrumental ‘Islands’; a melodic masterpiece which enabled the trio of Robin, Dave and Pete to take the concert to a different emotional level. Another great song live is ‘Rise up like the Sun’ which allows Robin to solo over a great rhythm provided by Pete and Dave. Robin’s soloing once again reaching heights of raw emotion and soulfulness simultaneously - a joy to behold.

Other highlights included ‘Victims Of The Fury’; ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ ‘Go My Way’; and ‘Another Time Another Place’ which highlighted Davey’s excellent vocals and Robin’s beautifully placed fill-ins. The encores included ‘Lady Love’ and ‘Daydream’.

On the night Sylvia and I agreed ‘Daydream’ was in a class of its own due to the crystallization of the band emotionally and musically - something I am sure Robin appreciates – it enables him to let his guitar soar ever higher in search of that ‘buzz’ which somehow bonds with the audience. A truly memorable night. It is obvious Robin likes to play live and hopefully this band will tour in 2006 . . . just keep the fingers crossed.

Afterwards I bought the DVD and had it signed by the band. A lot of bantering, humour, and laughing on the night after the gig as evidenced by the subsequent photographs. A big thank you to Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete; also Laurie and Steve, for making my birthday special, and also the concerts I attended in Manchester, London, Southampton, Cambridge, Bristol and Leeds. It has been an adventure full of great memories, and fantastic music played by superlative musicians.

Pete & Ronnie

The Three Tenors aka Davey, Ronnie and Dave – 'Who said vaudeville was dead?'

Set list: Twice Removed From Yesterday; Hannah; Roads To Freedom; Fine Day; Islands; Day Of the Eagle; Bridge Of Sighs; Rise Up Like The Sun; Victims Of The Fury; Too Rolling Stoned; Go My Way; Another Time, Another Place; Little Bit Of Sympathy; Encore: Lady Love; Daydream