The archival live releases from the Rory Gallagher vaults continues with Check Shirt Wizard-Live in '77, a mighty fine 2CD set contain a wealth of recordings from four UK dates in January & February of 1977. Touring in support of his then brand new release Calling Card, Rory and the band tear into selections from that album as well as older favorites, with the first disc comprised of rousing, rocked-up numbers saturated with his blistering guitar solos and frantic rhythms, while the second disc takes a more laid back approach and features more of his acoustic blues favorites.
If you prefer the electric side of Rory Gallagher, you'll get treated to some barnstorming versions of "Moonchild", "Do You Read Me", "Bought and Sold", "Tatoo'd Lady", "Calling Card", "A Million Miles Away", and other jacked up blues-rock gems. As always, Gallagher's guitar skills and vocal talents are on display, the solos crisp, biting, and acrobatic as he blasts away on his war-torn Fender Stratocaster. Over on the second disc, a selection of acoustic and straight blues is featured, including excellent renditions of "Country Mile", "Too Much Alcohol", "Out on the Western Plain", "Bullfrong Blues", and "Barley & Grape Rag", each one littered with either rootsy acoustic tones or tender slide guitar. Again, it needs to be mentioned just how good of a singer Rory was as well, something that often was overshadowed by his virtuoso guitar skills.
Though there is now a multitude of live Rory Gallagher releases to choose from these days, any fan of the late guitar hero will tell you that you can never have enough live Rory Gallagher in your collection. Check Shirt Wizard-Live in '77 should definitely be your new addition.
Track Listing
1. Do You Read Me (Live From The Brighton Dome, 21st January 1977)
2. Moonchild (Live From The Brighton Dome, 21st January 1977)
3. Bought And Sold (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
4. Calling Card (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
5. Secret Agent (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
6. Tattoo'd Lady (Live From The Brighton Dome, 21st January 1977)
7. A Million Miles Away (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
8. I Take What I Want (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
9. Walk On Hot Coals (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
10. Out On The Western Plain (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
11. Barley & Grape Rag (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
12. Pistol Slapper Blues (Live From Sheffield City Hall, 17th February 1977)
13. Too Much Alcohol (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
14. Going To My Hometown (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
15. Edged In Blue (Live At Newcastle City Hall, 18th February 1977)
16. Jack-Knife Beat (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 18th January 1977)
17. Souped-Up Ford (Live From The Brighton Dome, 21st January 1977)
18. Bullfrog Blues (Live From The Brighton Dome, 21st January 1977)
19. Used To Be (Live At Newcastle City Hall, 18th February 1977)
20. Country Mile (Live At Newcastle City Hall, 18th February 1977)
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