Album Information:

About Rory Gallagher:

Rory Gallagher was a blues and rock guitarist and singer-songwriter born in Ballyshannon, Ireland in 1948. He began playing guitar at a young age and, influenced by blues artists such as Lead Belly and Muddy Waters, went on to become one of the most respected guitarists in the world.

In the 1960s, Gallagher formed the band Taste and gained a following in the UK and Europe with their blend of blues, rock, and folk music. They released two successful albums before disbanding in 1971, after which Gallagher launched his solo career.

Gallagher released over a dozen albums in his career, each showcasing his distinctive and virtuosic guitar playing. His live performances became legendary, and he was known for his intense energy and wild on-stage antics.

Gallagher's music was a fusion of traditional blues and rock, with his guitar playing often taking center stage. He was known for his use of a wide range of guitars and amplifiers, often modifying them to create unique sounds and tones.

Gallagher's music had a cult following during his lifetime, and after his death in 1995, his influence on musicians such as Slash, Joe Bonamassa, and Johnny Marr has become more widely recognized. His guitar playing and songwriting continue to inspire generations of musicians, and his music remains a beloved favorite for fans of blues and rock.

About the album Against The Grain:

Against The Grain is the seventh studio album by Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher, released in 1975. The album has a blues-rock sound, with Gallagher's guitar skills taking center stage throughout. It's a follow-up to his successful 1974 album Irish Tour '74.

The album opens with the track 'Let Me In,' which features Gallagher's signature guitar style, a driving beat, and gritty vocals. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album with its hard-hitting sound.

Next up is 'Cross Me Off Your List,' a song with a catchy chorus, upbeat tempo, and plenty of guitar solos. The track is followed by 'Ain't Too Good,' which has a slower, bluesier feel and showcases Gallagher's ability to emote through his guitar playing.

The fourth track, 'Souped-Up Ford,' is a fan favorite and a real rocker. The song is full of energy, featuring a driving beat and some of the album's best guitar solos. 'Bought and Sold' is a standout track for its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs.

The next few tracks on the album take a slower pace, with 'I Take What I Want' and 'Lost at Sea' being more soulful in their execution. However, the tempo picks up again with 'All Around Man,' with its bluesy beats and vocals that are reminiscent of classic blues artists like Muddy Waters.

The album's final track, 'Out on the Western Plain,' is a traditional folk song adapted by Gallagher. He puts his unique spin on it, infusing the song with electric guitars and a driving rhythm.

Overall, Against The Grain is a classic album that showcases Rory Gallagher's impressive range as a guitarist and musician. The tracks are well-written, the vocals are strong, and the guitar playing is simply outstanding. It's an album that every fan of blues rock should make sure to check out.

Members:

Rory Gallagher was a solo artist, so there were no key members of his band. He did collaborate and play with many other musicians throughout his career, but none of them were consistent members of his band. However, below are brief biographies of some of the musicians he worked with:

1. Gerry McAvoy – bassist: Born in Northern Ireland in 1951, McAvoy was the bassist in Gallagher's band from 1971 until 1991. He played on many of Gallagher's albums and was known for his driving bass lines and powerful stage presence. After Gallagher's death, McAvoy continued to perform and record with various other artists.

2. Rod de'Ath – drummer: Born in Wales in 1950, de'Ath played drums with Gallagher from 1978 to 1981. He was a skilled and versatile drummer who was known for his explosive live performances. After leaving Gallagher's band, he continued to play with various other artists until his death in 2014.

3. Lou Martin – keyboardist: Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1949, Martin was a keyboardist who played with Gallagher from 1973 to 1981. He contributed to many of Gallagher's best-known albums, including 'Tattoo' and 'Against the Grain.' After leaving Gallagher's band, he continued to perform and record with various other artists until his death in 2012.

4. Ted McKenna – drummer: Born in Scotland in 1950, McKenna played drums with Gallagher from 1978 to 1981 and again from 1982 to 1984. He was a powerful and dynamic drummer who was known for his intricate rhythms and precise playing. After leaving Gallagher's band, he continued to play with various other artists until his death in 2019.

5. Mark Feltham – harmonica player: Born in London in 1955, Feltham played harmonica on Gallagher's albums 'Defender' and 'Fresh Evidence.' He was known for his soulful playing and bluesy tone. After working with Gallagher, he continued to collaborate with a wide range of musicians.

Track List for Against The Grain:

I apologize, as a language model AI, I do not have access to audio files or their durations. However, I can provide you with the list of tracks in the 'Against the Grain' album along with a brief description of each:

1. 'Let Me In' - A bluesy rock song that showcases Rory's guitar skills.
2. 'Cross Me Off Your List' - A fast-paced rock track with plenty of guitar riffs.
3. 'Ain't Too Good' - A slower, more introspective song that features some impressive acoustic guitar work.
4. 'Souped-Up Ford' - A fun, upbeat rock song with a catchy chorus.
5. 'Bought and Sold' - Another classic Rory blues rocker about the ups and downs of the music business.
6. 'I Take What I Want' - A cover of a classic soul song, delivered in Rory's signature style.
7. 'Lost at Sea' - An emotional ballad with plenty of guitar noodling.
8. 'All Around Man' - A fast-paced blues track with plenty of slide guitar work.
9. 'Out on the Western Plain' - A traditional Irish folk song that Rory turns into a stomping blues rock number.
10. 'At the Bottom' - A melancholy acoustic ballad with some gorgeous guitar playing.

Overall, 'Against the Grain' is a quintessential Rory Gallagher album, featuring plenty of guitar pyrotechnics, emotive lyrics, and classic blues rock grooves.

Discography for Rory Gallagher:

Here is a complete discography of Rory Gallagher:

Studio Albums:
1. Rory Gallagher - 1971
2. Deuce - 1971
3. Blueprint - 1973
4. Tattoo - 1973
5. Irish Tour '74 - 1974
6. Against the Grain - 1975
7. Calling Card - 1976
8. Photo-Finish - 1978
9. Top Priority - 1979
10. Stage Struck - 1980
11. Jinx - 1982
12. Defender - 1987
13. Fresh Evidence - 1990

Live Albums:
1. Live in Europe - 1972
2. Irish Tour - 1974
3. Stage Struck - 1980
4. BBC Sessions - 1999
5. Wheels Within Wheels - 2003
6. Live at Montreux - 2006
7. Notes from San Francisco - 2011

Compilations:
1. Sinner...And Saint - 1972
2. The Story So Far - 1974
3. A Taste of Rory Gallagher - 1995
4. The Essential - 1998
5. Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher - 1999
6. Big Guns: The Very Best of Rory Gallagher - 2005
7. The Rory Gallagher Collection - 2012

Singles:
1. 'Laundromat'/'Just the Smile' - 1971
2. 'Sinner Boy'/'I'm Not Surprised' - 1972
3. 'Used to Be'/'Goin' to My Hometown' - 1973
4. 'Tattoo'd Lady'/'Cradle Rock' - 1973
5. 'Walk on Hot Coals'/'Daughter of the Everglades' - 1974
6. 'Who's That Coming?'/'Should've Learnt My Lesson' - 1976
7. 'Shadow Play'/'Loanshark Blues' - 1978
8. 'Philby'/'Big Guns' - 1980
9. 'I Ain't No Saint'/'Treat Her Right' - 1980
10. 'The King of Zydeco'/'Empire State Express' - 1981

Unofficial Releases:
1. Live at Cork Opera House - 1991
2. BBC Radio Sessions - 1993
3. Live in Germany - 1994
4. BBC Sessions: Complete Taste and Rory Gallagher Sessions - 1996

Note: the above list does not include any posthumous releases or reissues.