Rory Gallagher – Jazz Fan!
I just caught up with Cerys Matthews’ interview with Donal Gallagher on BBC6Music last Sunday (6th). It’s a lovely interview, with some real insights into Rory Gallagher’s musical development from his obviously loving elder brother. If you’re quick you can still hear the interview on BBC iPlayer Radio, or whatever they call it now. Donal Gallagher on BBC 6Music
Rory started out playing guitar inspired by the great blues players, people like Muddy Waters and Big Bill Broonzy. But in the Showband arena he learned to play all kinds of music and also how different instruments contributed to the overall sound. Donal says this is what got him started in exploring other instruments and other music.
Amazingly Rory Gallagher was a real multi-instrumentalist. According to Donal he played piano and alto sax as well as guitar, something Donal attributed to his time in the Showbands, and was inspired by Scott Joplin, Django Reinhardt, Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler among many others. Who knew?
Joe was fortunate to work with Rory on several occasions, recording with him on Rory’s ‘Live in San Francisco’ and on Joe’s groundbreaking album ‘Gaodhal’s Vision‘. It’s something he still feels was a very special part of his life, and part of the legacy he carries with him.