"Photo-Finish" Album Description:
In the vibrant tapestry of musical history, certain albums stand out as timeless representations of their era. Rory Gallagher's "Photo-Finish," released as a 12" vinyl LP album, is one such record that captures the essence of the late 1970s. With a unique blend of blues, rock, and folk influences, Gallagher's musical prowess shines through in each track, creating a sonic journey that resonates with the spirit of its time.
The recording process itself contributes to the album's distinct character. Produced by Rory Gallagher and Alan O'Duffy, with O'Duffy also serving as the engineer, "Photo-Finish" came to life in the renowned Dierks Studio in Stommeln, West Germany. This choice of location adds an international flavor to the album, reflecting the global nature of the music scene in the late 1970s.
Dierks Studio, under the guidance of renowned producer Dieter Dierks, was a hub for many notable artists during that era. Gallagher's decision to record there speaks to the studio's reputation for fostering creativity and capturing authentic performances. The result is an album that not only showcases Gallagher's musical prowess but also benefits from the studio's acoustics and production expertise.
The album cover, featuring photography by Danny Clifford and Peter Wagg, adds a visual dimension to the overall experience. The choice of photographers and the imagery they capture provide a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the late 1970s. The black and white photographs, characteristic of the era, evoke a sense of nostalgia, further anchoring "Photo-Finish" in its time period.
"Photo-Finish" is a testament to Rory Gallagher's ability to blend genres seamlessly. The tracks on the album range from bluesy guitar solos to folk-inspired ballads, showcasing the artist's versatility. Songs like "Shin Kicker" and "Brute Force and Ignorance" demonstrate Gallagher's masterful guitar work and songwriting skills. The album's diversity of sound reflects the musical landscape of the late 1970s, where artists were experimenting with different styles and pushing the boundaries of genre.
Band Members and Musicians on: Rory Gallagher Photo-Finish |
Rory Gallagher Band: members/musicians
- Rory Gallagher - Guitars, vocals
Rory Gallagher (Real-name: William Rory Gallagher) was an Irish guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Due to his virtuosic playing, but relative lack of fame compared to some others, he has been referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of", and strongly influenced other guitarists such as Brian May and Eric Clapton. Gallagher was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine in 1972, and listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. (Source: wikipedia)
William Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland on 02/03/1948. He was the first child of Daniel Gallagher 1919 and Monica Roche.
He did not have a fixed lineup of musicians but instead had a number of musicians who joined him on various albums and tours, including Lou Martin, Gerry McAvoy, Wilgar Campbell, Rod de'Ath, Brendan O'Neill and Mark Feltham among others. He released several albums throughout his career, starting with his self-titled debut album in 1971, and continuing with albums such as "Against the Grain" (1975), "Calling Card" (1976), "Photo-Finish" (1978), "Top Priority" (1979), "Stage Struck" (1980) and "Defender" (1987) among others. He was a popular live performer and several of his albums were recorded live
- Gerry McAvoy - Bass guitar
Gerry McAvoy (Real-name: John Gerard McAvoy ) a bassist from Northern Ireland, best known for his work as a member of Rory Gallagher's band from 1971 to 1991. McAvoy first joined Gallagher's band in 1971 and played on all of Gallagher's albums and tours during his tenure with the band. He was known for his solid and powerful bass playing, and his tight rhythm section work with drummer Rod de'Ath. McAvoy was also a key member of Gallagher's touring band, and he played on all of Gallagher's tours, including the Irish Tour '74, which was recorded and released as a live album. McAvoy was with Rory Gallagher band until his death in 1995. After that he formed his own band and continue to play Rory Gallagher's songs.
- Ted McKenna - Drummer
Edward McKenna Edward McKenna was a Scottish drummer who played with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band,
Rory Gallagher
,The Greg Lake Band, and
The Michael Schenker Group.
He also toured with Ian Gillan for a short period of time in 1990, alongside fellow former SAHB member, bassist Chris Glen. He lectured in Applied Arts at North Glasgow College from 1996–2011. (Source; wikipedia)
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