Gerry McAvoy (Rory Gallagher)

 

Though he never achieved the commercial success of his contemporaries Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page – the late Irish blues master Rory Gallagher was among the most lyrical and influential guitarists of his era.

 

The bassist for Rory’s entire recorded solo canon was John Gerrard “Gerry” McAvoy. Unlike traditional blues rock players, McAvoy rendered contrapuntal melodies, chords, and counter rhythms which afforded Gallagher an expansive platform for his improvisational forays on stage and in the studio.

 

McAvoy continues on the bandstand with Band of Friends which celebrates the artistry of the legendary Rory Gallagher.  All McAvoy’s work with Gallagher is worthy of exploration, especially Irish Tour ’74 (1974) and Photo-Finish (1978).  Note that Rory’s Calling Card (1976) release was produced by Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover.

 

For the latest Gerry McAvoy news and gigs – be sure to visit http://www.bandoffriends.eu/

 

Be advised to seek out Gerry’s autobiographical tome Riding Shotgun: 35 Years On the Road with Rory Gallagher and Nine Below Zero

 

 

 

 

Gerry McAvoy Sound & Vision…

 

“Shadow Play” live in ‘79 https://youtu.be/go9J9REtfdA

 

“Cradle Rock” https://youtu.be/WGMnSFAVVDE

 

“Calling Card” https://youtu.be/EU1q5Kf9bFo

 

“Fuel to the Fire” https://youtu.be/qXr9BollQXw

 

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER ZOOM ZESSIONS / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW 

 

 

Charlie McCracken (Taste with Rory Gallagher)

Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com

Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com

The classic line-up of Rory Gallagher’s Taste featuring bassist Richard “Charlie” McCracken and drummer John Wilson waxed two seminal studio sides along with a couple of archival live slabs which traversed blues, jazz, and hard rock.

A fluid bassist who intuitively left space for Wilson and Gallagher to shine, McCracken often doubled Rory’s trills, hammer-ons, and glissandos, thereby creating a massive sound which, to my ears, rivaled Jimi’s Experience and Cream.

Dig Charlie and Rory from Beat Club https://youtu.be/HlM03tr48Hc

Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com

Courtesy Rory Gallagher Com