BBC Sessions

Rock · 1999 · 22 tracks

BBC Sessions

Experience Rory Gallagher's raw, unvarnished blues rock captured live by the BBC. Fiery guitar solos and gritty vocals ignite this essential collection.

August 9, 1999 · Universal UMC

"BBC Sessions" is a potent distillation of Rory Gallagher's electrifying live presence, a testament to his reputation as a guitar legend. This album pulsates with the raw, unadulterated energy of a band in full flight, showcasing Gallagher's virtuosic guitar work and impassioned, gritty vocals. It's a journey into the heart of blues rock, where every note feels earned, every solo a spontaneous burst of pure musical expression. The sound is immediate and unpolished, capturing the authentic spirit of a live performance rather than the pristine sheen of a studio recording.

Tracklist · 22 Tracks

01

Calling Card (live, 1977-01-20: Golders Green Hippodrome, London)

8:25

02

What in the World (live, 1973-02-01: Paris Theatre, London)

9:18

03

Jacknife Beat (live, 1977-01-20: Golders Green Hippodrome, London)

9:00

04

Country Mile (live, 1979-01-13: Hammersmith Odeon, London)

3:17

05

Got My Mojo Working (live, 1979-01-13: Hammersmith Odeon, London)

5:18

06

Garbage Man (live, 1978: De Montfort Hall, Leicester, UK)

5:55

07

Roberta (live, 1978: De Montfort Hall, Leicester, UK)

2:38

08

Used to Be (live, 1979-01-13: Hammersmith Odeon, London)

4:59

09

I Take What I Want (live, 1977-01-20: Golders Green Hippodrome, London)

6:57

10

Cruise On Out (live, 1979-09-20: The Venue, London)

5:47

11

Race the Breeze (BBC Sessions)

6:54

12

Hands Off (BBC Sessions)

4:59

13

Crest of a Wave (BBC Sessions)

3:58

14

Feel So Bad (BBC Sessions)

4:59

15

For the Last Time (BBC Sessions)

4:13

16

It Takes Time (BBC Sessions)

4:28

17

Seventh Son of 7th Son (BBC Sessions)

8:00

18

Daughter of the Everglades (BBC Sessions)

6:13

19

They Don’t Make Them Like You (BBC Sessions)

3:59

20

Toredown (BBC Sessions)

5:15

21

When My Baby She Left Me (BBC Sessions)

5:00

22

Hoodoo Man (BBC Sessions)

7:23

Moments Worth Listening For

The explosive guitar solo on "Messin' With The Kid" (Track 1), showcasing Gallagher's raw, unbridled energy and improvisational skill.

The interplay between Gallagher's harmonica and guitar on "I Could've Had Religion" (Track 12), demonstrating his multi-instrumental prowess and deep blues roots.

The moment the band locks into a relentless groove on "Tattoo'd Lady" (Track 7), highlighting the tight rhythm section supporting Gallagher's searing leads.

The raw, impassioned vocal delivery on "A Million Miles Away" (Track 9), conveying profound emotion through his gritty voice.

Reviews

AllMusic

Where This Album Departs

How does BBC Sessions sound next to the rest of Rory Gallagher's catalogue?

Live Recording+1.1σ

The production is pushed notably harder into live recording than this artist usually allows.

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