Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour 1974 [DVD-audio]

Unsung Rory Gallagher live at his peak!

Rory Gallagher is quite possibly the most criminally underrated guitarist from the seventies. He has been described as the Irish version of Eric Clapton or Johnny Winter. Like these two guitarists he is comfortable playing blues or rock but he can also play in a more folk oriented style or even a jazzier style if the situation warrants it. This documentary of his 1974 Irish Tour should go a long way to rectify the situation. While Gallagher's reputation may have suffered due to his fear of flying and his humble nature, his playing more than speaks for itself. This fact is evident during the interviews and non-concert footage from the DVD. Gallagher's primary motivation appears to be the music and his fans, not the money and acclaim. Rory appears almost embarrassed at times about his fame and while taking the time to sign autographs for his fans he appears almost shy. His stage apparel of jeans and a checkered shirt and battered Stratocaster are legendary and further prove that he is not on some sort of star trip.

The music itself is both incendiary and emotion filled. Aided by long time bassist Gerry McAvoy along with former Killing Floor members Rod de'Ath on drums and Lou Martin on keyboards Gallagher succeeds in translating the live concert experience to disk. The concert itself contains three numbers "Hands Up", "Going To My Home Town" and the raucous encore "Bullfrog Blues" lamentably not issued on the compact disk version of the "Irish Tour 1974". Gallagher is adept at both acoustic and electric guitars as evidenced by his acoustic cover of Tony Joe White's "As The Crow Flies". Rory was also an excellent slide guitarist and "Who's That Coming" provides a testament to his slide guitar playing. His emotional reading of the slow blues "A Million Miles Away" is another highlight. The smile on Rory's face during the concert shows the viewer that he is both having a great time, which translates to the audience and is emotionally involved in the music. The concert footage is alternated with footage of Ireland and areas where Rory performed and grew up. This allows the viewer to identify with Gallagher's struggle to get his music heard outside of his native Ireland. Commentary is provided by both bassist Gerry McAvoy and Rory's brother and manager Donal. Some of the most interesting non-concert footage is of Gallagher jamming with the band before the concert and explaining the various styles and techniques he uses on both the acoustic and electric guitars. He also seems amused while shopping at a music store to find sheet music for some of his songs with his first band Taste.

I highly recommend this to fans of great blues and rock guitar playing. Rory Gallagher fans will find this essential due to the dearth of available live Gallagher footage and the three unissued versions of songs from the Irish Tour 1974. The film also provides valuable insights into Rory's background and personality. It also enhances the legacy of one of Ireland's greatest musicians.

[Amazon user review]