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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 34, No. 18. October 6 1971

Live Taste — Rory Gallagher — Polydor

Live Taste

Rory Gallagher

Polydor

Taste were an Irish rock-trio who thrilled audiences from Belfast to Birmingham with a solid driving sound. Led by the cheerful Rory Gallagher, lead guitarist, the other members were Ritchie McCracken (bass) and John Wilson (drums).

However things did not go well with the band. There were arguments over the money, and later this year the trio split. McCracken and Wilson complained tha the cheerful, foot-tapping Gallagher was ego-tripping. He treated his ghythmists with disdain, frequently changing the beat during stage-numbers without prior arrangement. Thus Taste died and Gallagher announced he wanted to form his own group but still exercise complete control of the music.

Live Taste is a solo memorial to the Irish Trio, unless the bootleggers hit N.Z. This album is a recording of a performance at Montreux Casino, Switzerland. Although the dressing room punch-ups endangered the groups appearance at time, the personal animosity does not show in the music. Gallagher's playing is very good - he plays and sings with a driving, infectious cheerfulness.

There are five tracks on the album, four of which are Gallagher compositions, marked by his aggressive slide guitar work. Unfortunately the extended tracek I feel so good has been artificially divided into two parts, for record-pressing purposes. A good record though, of an exciting performance.

Gallagher now has an album out, backed by his new men, Gerry McAvoy (bass) and Wilgar Campbell, (drums) and Vincent Crane (piano) of Atomic Rooster helps out on two tracks. There are ten tracks on the album, all Gallagher compositions. On this album his style is mellower, featuring blues style slide-guitar. Though there are driving tracks like Hands Up the tone overall is more relaxed and personal - as heard in tracks like I'm not Surprised.

This album is one of the best albums heard this year and is strongly recommended listening.

'Phaethon'