Released 08/04/2013
A series of superb performances from one of the great blues-rock guitarists, available as a dual format release for the very first time DVD includes seven bonus (acoustic) tracks from 1975-85 Region 0 DVD in 16.9 PAL format with DTS Surround Sound Deluxe digipack presentation with 16-page illustrated booklet, annotated by Montreux maven and broadsheet journalist Pierre Perrone
The brilliant Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher played the Montreux Jazz Festival on five occasions over a twenty year period, having appeared twice prior to that with his group Taste. The two DVDs here gather the crème de la crème from his appearances there between 1975 and 1985, as well as the complete 1994 gig, while the CD features highlights from the first four (1975-85). Together they offer another great opportunity to experience Gallagher in his natural habitat.
Rory was rightly famed for the virtuosity of his live performances and this definitive Montreux collection captures him at his very best. Whether playing his trusty Stratocaster, a variety of acoustic guitars or even wielding an electric sitar (as he does with great skill on the blistering Philby from 1985), Rory delivers one compelling performance after another. Throughout his three decades in music, the modest and charismatic Irishman toured relentlessly and always appeared in his element on stage. In fact, he was adamant that his concert recordings best captured the raw energy he exuded, whether covering the Chicago blues classic Messin' With The Kid – originally by Junior Wells – or the Stax soul standard I Take What I Want – a mod favourite by Sam & Dave – or performing original compositions like the ebullient Tattoo'd Lady or the barnstorming Laundromat.
Disc 1: Laundromat (1975) I'm Torn Down (1975) I Take What I Want (1977) Bought And Sold (1977) Do You Read Me (1977) The Last Of The Independents (1979) Off The Handle (1979) The Mississippi Sheiks (1979) Out On The Western Plain (1979) Too Much Alcohol (1979) Shin Kicker (1985) Philby (1985)
Disc 2: Tattoo'd Lady (1975) Garbage Man (1975) Cradle Rock (1975) I'm Torn Down (1975) Laundromat (1975) I Take What I Want (1977) Calling Card (1977) Secret Agent (1977) Bought And Sold (1977) A Million Miles Away (1977) Do You Read Me (1977) Pistol Slapper Blues (1977) Shin Kicker (1979) The Last Of The Independents (1979) The Mississippi Sheiks (1979) Too Much Alcohol (1979) Shadow Play (1979) Bad Penny (1985) Moonchild (1985) Banker's Blues (1985) Philby (1985) Big Guns (1985)
Disc 3: Continental Op (1994) Moonchild (1994) I Wonder Who (1994) The Loop (1994) Tattoo'd Lady (1994) I Could've Had Religion (1994) Ghost Blues (1994) Out On The Western Plain (1994) Medley: Amazing Grace, Walking Blues, Blue Moon Of Kentucky (1994) Off The Handle (1994) Messin' With The Kid (1994) I'm Ready (1994) Pistol Slapper Blues (1975) Too Much Alcohol (1975) Out On The Western Plain (1977) Medley: Barley And Grape Rag, Pistol Slapper Blues Going To My Hometown (1977) Walking Blues (1985)