An essential live collection from Irish singer-guitar great Rory Gallagher, as well as new album releases from New Mexico-based blues champion Jhett Black and Canadian standout Bahamas are worth adding to your music library.
Artist: Rory Gallagher
Title: All Around Man — Live In London (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, Alvin Lee, Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Rory Gallagher is widely regarded as one of the greatest electric guitarists of all time. The incredible talents of the late Irish artist — who sadly passed away in June 1995 at the age of 47 — are fully on display across the recent release All Around Man — Live In London. The 23-track live album available via triple LP (180 gram heavyweight vinyl) or as a double CD focuses a bright spotlight on a previously undocumented period in Gallagher's career; the tracks were recorded across a two-night run at the Town & Country Club (now known as The O2 Forum) in London in December 1990. These performances were staged in the wake of the release of Gallagher's 11th and last studio album Fresh Evidence that had been released in May 1990. All Around Man — Live In London has been mixed from the recently discovered multi track recordings and was mastered at Abbey Road Studios. The hard charging opener "Continental Op," British blues foray "Heaven's Gate," amped Chicago blues sortie "Don't Start Me Talking'," and Southern fried rocker "Kid Gloves" are among the highlights on LP1. The breathtaking classic rock mining "Moonchild," acoustic Americana nugget "Out On The Western Plains," instantly irresistible "Shadow Play" and Delta blues track "I Wonder Who" shine on LP2. The bluesy "Middle Name" and "Ghost Blues," dazzling "Messin' With The Kid," breakneck "Keep A Knockin'," and meteoric blues-rock closer "All Around Man" excite on LP3. Across the 23-track release Gallagher's top-tier lead vocals and stellar guitar work impress at every turn. Information: rorygallagher.com.
Title: All Around Man — Live In London (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, Alvin Lee, Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Rory Gallagher is widely regarded as one of the greatest electric guitarists of all time. The incredible talents of the late Irish artist — who sadly passed away in June 1995 at the age of 47 — are fully on display across the recent release All Around Man — Live In London. The 23-track live album available via triple LP (180 gram heavyweight vinyl) or as a double CD focuses a bright spotlight on a previously undocumented period in Gallagher's career; the tracks were recorded across a two-night run at the Town & Country Club (now known as The O2 Forum) in London in December 1990. These performances were staged in the wake of the release of Gallagher's 11th and last studio album Fresh Evidence that had been released in May 1990. All Around Man — Live In London has been mixed from the recently discovered multi track recordings and was mastered at Abbey Road Studios. The hard charging opener "Continental Op," British blues foray "Heaven's Gate," amped Chicago blues sortie "Don't Start Me Talking'," and Southern fried rocker "Kid Gloves" are among the highlights on LP1. The breathtaking classic rock mining "Moonchild," acoustic Americana nugget "Out On The Western Plains," instantly irresistible "Shadow Play" and Delta blues track "I Wonder Who" shine on LP2. The bluesy "Middle Name" and "Ghost Blues," dazzling "Messin' With The Kid," breakneck "Keep A Knockin'," and meteoric blues-rock closer "All Around Man" excite on LP3. Across the 23-track release Gallagher's top-tier lead vocals and stellar guitar work impress at every turn. Information: rorygallagher.com.
Title: Babel (Rumblestump Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Keb' Mo', Harlis Sweetwater, Lead Belly, Moreland & Arbuckle
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jhett Black has returned with the bewitching blues album Babel, a disc ideally suited to showcase his rich baritone vocals and rich song craft layered amidst a Gothic soundscape with layers of Southern-fried guitar work and driving rhythms. Babel will appeal to fans of traditional and modern day blues. The infectious opener "Roll Out," heavy blues rocker "Mamma Told Me Not To," driving "Eve" and haunting title track are early standouts on the disc that conjures up classic and contemporary sonic forces. Babel's riches include the genre-defying "Gold," soaring "Wayward Son," gloomy "Devil Ain't An Only Child" and a decidedly nightmarish take on the Freddie King classic "Going Down." Information: jhettblackblues.com.
Title: Bootcut (Brushfire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's "Harvest," Vince Gill, Glen Campbell
Tell me more: One of the year's great country albums has been released by an artist not typically associated with that genre. Bahamas' sixth album Bootcut finds Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar master Afie Jurvanen fusing his signature mix of folk, R&B, soul and indie rock with a decidedly country music bent. Recorded at the Sound Emporium studio in Nashville, this a collection sure to please discerning music lovers; Bahamas is that rare artist who balances deep real life introspection and comedic wit with artistic grace. The lovely "Just A Song" finds Jurvanen's affecting vocals adorned by pedal steel; the aptly-pegged "Working On My Guitar" is lyrically and musically playful. Other standouts on the wonderful album include the melodic "Somebody Just Like Me," reflective "Second Time Around," contemplative "Sports Car," shimmering "Gone Girl Gone" and beautiful closer "Nothing Blows My Mind." The artist deviates from the country stylings on the breezy "I'm Still," an R&B track bolstered by Jurvanen's funky guitar work. Information: bahamasmusic.net.
Robert Kinsler
Looking forward to diving into the new Bahamas album. Been a big fan for many years and always enjoy his musical reinvention. Thanks for the review!
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