By Cornbread

Rory Gallagher – Live In Cork
Eagle – March 17, 2009

Live in Cork documents Rory Gallagher’s homecoming, when he returned to Ireland to play the Cork Opera House in 1987. While this DVD features 78 minutes of the guitar virtuoso doing what he does best, playing guitar it also allows the viewer an in-depth look at his hometown, Cork through photos and memories.

Rory was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, and grew up in Cork City. Rory performed his last performance in January 1995 and the blues-rock guitarist died on June 14, 1995 at age 47.

Track Listing:

1. Continental Op
2. Tattoo'd Lady
3. Don't Start Me Talkin'
4. I Ain't No Saint
5. Follow Me
6. When My Baby She Left Me
7. Off The Handle
8. Out On The Western Plain
9. Wanted Blues
10. The Loop
11. Shadow Play
12. Messin' With The Kid
13. Loanshark Blues

This was originally released as ‘Messin’ With The Kid’ and aired on Irish TV and VHS, I suppose the updated audio and DVD are stellar improvements. I like watching DVD’s that put you on stage with the band (or at least in the first row), there's plenty of close ups highlighting Rory and his guitar playing. The band does a good job supporting Rory throughout a selection of his old and new material. There is no shortage of energy as Gallagher uses his skillful slides and vibratos or hammer-ons on his road worn ‘61 Fender Stratocaster and adds a balance of raw emotion is his singing throughout these thirteen songs. Some of the highlights for me were; the real rocker with a bit of boogie on “Continental Op’, the blazin’ Chicago blues song ‘When My Baby She Left Me’ originally by John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, the funky take on Sonny Boy Williamson’s bluz’ tune ‘Don’t Start Me Talkin’, and a folk-blues done up as a solo acoustic version as homage to Lead Belly’s song ‘Out On The Western Plain’.This is a decent recording and tribute to Rory and a worthy must have for folks who like Rory and/or smokin’ blues guitar.

Peace and Love
Peter ‘Cornbread’ Cohen, CBP