Well its once again that time of the week for my collection of the latest stuff I have been listening to for review.
CD reviews
Rory Gallagher: Crest of a Wave
This is a CD set—24 tracks of the Irish blues genius at his best—that is a pretty comprehensive best-of from the great guitarist that has influenced so many. And no, this Gallagher has nothing to do with the feuding brothers from Oasis. Instead he is one of the most respected bluesman of his generation. He might not have lived to a ripe old age, but he certainly left his mark. He was listed in Classic Rock’s top 100 guitarists of all time and the music on here makes it clear why.
Not only a brilliant guitarist, but like his fellow countryman Gary Moore, he has a soulful voice that just lends itself to the blues. Incidentally, the Rolling Stones asked him to replace Brian Jones after his untimely death. He managed in his solo career to work with some of the best of the best in the business including Albert King, Jerry Lee Lewis and he has recorded with the help of Roger Glover of Deep Purple.
The music speaks for itself and this collection shows just what a talented solo artist he was in the end. You will love it from start to finish… pure class.
Gregg Rolie Band: Rain Dance Live
Now normally I would not recommend that someone come into contact with an artist for the first time via a live CD. This release, however, is one of those exceptions. Gregg Rolie was a founding member of Santana and left that band with Neil Schon to form the stadium powerhouse that was Journey. This was recorded by his solo band doing material from his Santana days and from his solo album, Roots. If the guy was good enough for Carlos Santana, you know he had the chops.
Fans of original Santana will delight in hearing Rolie doing “Evil Ways,” the great track “Black Magic Woman” and the song originally by Tito Puente, “Oye Como Va.” If you are into Latin blues music you will just love this release. If you get the urge to dance every so often, don’t be surprised to find yourself dancing with your favorite partner to this. Sod the whole “Smooth” era of Santana; Rolie was there when they were a great musical powerhouse doing stuff many people had never heard.
Article comments
1 - justforfun
Very nice reviews Mr.Dodge .
Rory Gallagher , really one of the best !!!
Only one thing - it was Mick Taylor who left the Stones (because of drug problems)and Rory Gallagher was one of the guitarists who were in the focus to replace Mick . Later Ronnie Wood got the job .
2 - Andrew Ian Dodge
JFF: Doh form me about the RS thing. Thanks for the correction.
3 - El Bicho
I almost hurt myself trying to get through that first sentence and I didn't realize these come out the same time every week.