Album Information:

About Rory Gallagher:

Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was born on March 2, 1948, in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. He was the eldest of the three children of Daniel and Monica Gallagher. Rory was exposed to music at an early age, as his parents ran a pub that hosted live music acts. His father was also a saxophone player.

Gallagher's interest in music began when he was a child. He taught himself how to play the guitar and became proficient at playing various styles, including rock, blues, and folk. His early influences included Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Lead Belly.

In 1963, at the age of 15, Gallagher formed his first band, The Fontana Showband. The band played a mix of rock, pop, and show tunes at local dance halls in Ireland. However, Gallagher quickly became dissatisfied with the band's limited musical range and left in 1965.

In 1966, Gallagher formed a trio called Taste, with bassist Eric Kitteringham and drummer Norman Damery. The band played a unique blend of blues, rock, and jazz, with Gallagher's guitar work standing out for its technical ability and emotive style. Gallagher's reputation as a guitar prodigy began to grow, and Taste became one of the most exciting live bands on the UK club circuit.

In 1968, Gallagher signed a contract with Polydor Records, and the band released their self-titled debut album. The album was well-received, and Taste began to tour extensively, playing with artists like Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band released two more albums, 'On the Boards' and 'Live at the Isle of Wight,' before disbanding in 1970.

Following the breakup of Taste, Gallagher began a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s. These included 'Rory Gallagher' (1971), 'Deuce' (1971), 'Blueprint' (1973), and 'Irish Tour '74' (1974). Gallagher's music combined blues, rock, jazz, and folk influences, with his guitar playing at the forefront of each composition.

Throughout his career, Gallagher was known for his intense live performances and his devotion to his fans. He toured extensively, playing hundreds of shows a year in venues ranging from small clubs to massive arenas. Gallagher was also known for his down-to-earth personality and his love of traditional Irish culture.

Gallagher's career was cut short when he died of complications from a liver transplant on June 14, 1995, at the age of 47. Despite his short life, Gallagher remains one of the most respected guitarists in rock history, influencing numerous musicians, including Slash, Brian May, and Joe Bonamassa. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his music remains timeless and unforgettable.

About the album Blueprint:

Blueprint is the third studio album by Irish guitarist and singer-songwriter Rory Gallagher, released in 1973. The album includes ten tracks, with a total run time of just under 44 minutes. Gallagher's energetic and emotive guitar playing is front and center throughout the album, backed by a tight rhythm section and occasional horns.

The album kicks off with the upbeat and bluesy 'Walk on Hot Coals,' featuring Gallagher's signature guitar work and soulful vocals. 'Daughter of the Everglades' is a swampy and atmospheric track that showcases Gallagher's knack for storytelling. 'Banker's Blues' is a nod to traditional acoustic blues, with Gallagher's acoustic guitar and harmonica taking center stage.

The title track 'Blueprint' is a standout, with its funky rhythm and jazzy horns providing a unique backdrop for Gallagher's guitar pyrotechnics. 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is another bluesy highlight, with Gallagher's distorted guitar providing a driving riff throughout the song.

The album also includes a cover of Lead Belly's 'Out on the Western Plain,' which showcases Gallagher's skills as a slide guitarist. 'Barley & Grape Rag' is a lively instrumental track that highlights Gallagher's impressive fingerpicking technique on acoustic guitar.

The album concludes with the haunting and atmospheric 'Unmilitary Two-Step,' showcasing Gallagher's versatility as a songwriter and performer. Overall, Blueprint is a diverse and dynamic album that showcases Rory Gallagher's distinctive voice as a guitarist and songwriter. It's a must-have for fans of blues rock and classic rock alike.

Members:

Rory Gallagher was a solo artist and did not have a permanent band. He often played with a rotating cast of musicians and collaborated with various artists throughout his career. However, there were some musicians who frequently performed with Gallagher and made significant contributions to his sound.

1. Gerry McAvoy (bass guitar)
Gerry McAvoy played bass guitar on almost all of Gallagher's recordings and tours from 1970 until 1991. He was born in Northern Ireland and began playing bass at a young age. In 1965, he joined the Irish showband Deep Joy before moving to London in 1969. McAvoy joined Rory Gallagher's band in 1970 and played on some of Gallagher's most iconic albums, such as 'Deuce' and 'Irish Tour '74.' After Gallagher's death in 1995, McAvoy continued to play tribute shows and became an advocate for Gallagher's legacy.

2. Ted McKenna (drums)
Ted McKenna was a Scottish drummer who played with Gallagher from 1977 until 1981 and again from 1982 until 1984. He was born in Lennoxtown, Scotland, and began playing drums at the age of 12. In addition to playing with Gallagher, he also collaborated with bands such as The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Ian Gillan and Michael Schenker Group. McKenna died in 2019 at the age of 68.

3. Rod de'Ath (drums)
Rod de'Ath was a Welsh drummer who played with Gallagher from 1974 until 1978. He was born in Pembroke, Wales, and began playing drums in his teens. Before joining Gallagher's band, he played with Clifford Davis' band, If, and Jet. In addition to his work with Gallagher, de'Ath also played with The Animals and The Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson Band. He passed away in 2014.

4. Lou Martin (keyboards)
Lou Martin was a pianist and keyboardist who played with Gallagher from 1973 until 1976. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and began playing piano at a young age. Before joining Gallagher's band, he played with bands such as Killing Floor and The Grease Band. Martin played on some of Gallagher's most iconic albums such as 'Tattoo' and 'Irish Tour '74.' After leaving Gallagher's band, he continued to perform with artists such as Rory Gallagher and Muddy Waters. He passed away in 2012.

5. Mark Feltham (harmonica)
Mark Feltham is a British harmonica player who played on several of Gallagher's albums and tours. He was born in London and began playing harmonica at the age of 15. Feltham first played with Gallagher on the album 'Defender' in 1987 and continued to collaborate with him until Gallagher's death in 1995. He also worked with artists such as Oasis, Morrissey and The Pogues.

Track List for Blueprint:

I apologize, but as an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences listening to music. However, here are the tracks in order with their play times along with brief descriptions of each track:

1. Walk on Hot Coals - 7:02 - A bluesy rock song with dynamic guitar solos and powerful vocals.
2. Daughter of the Everglades - 6:12 - A slower blues ballad featuring emotional lyrics and a soulful guitar solo.
3. Banker's Blues - 4:42 - A high-tempo blues song with a catchy hook and lively guitar riffs.
4. Hands Off - 4:31- A classic rock song with an upbeat tempo and prominent drumming.
5. Race the Breeze - 6:54 - A bluesy track with intricate guitar work and a soaring chorus.
6. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son - 8:25 - A cover of the traditional blues song, featuring Gallagher's signature guitar style and impressive vocals.
7. Unmilitary Two-Step - 2:47 - An instrumental track showcasing Gallagher's acoustic guitar skills.
8. If I Had a Reason - 4:28 - A soulful and bluesy ballad with heartfelt lyrics and soft guitar melodies.
9. Stompin' Ground - 3:41 - A fast-paced track with driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus.
10. Treat Her Right - 3:58 - A cover of the classic R&B song, featuring Gallagher's bluesy guitar and rough vocals.
11. Memoirs of the Traveler - 7:09 - An epic instrumental track with soaring guitar solos and dynamic drumming.

Overall, 'Blueprint' is a classic blues rock album that showcases Gallagher's impressive guitar skills and emotive vocals. The album features a mix of energetic, up-tempo tracks and more introspective ballads, making for a diverse listening experience.

Discography for Rory Gallagher:

Albums:
1. Rory Gallagher (1971)
2. Deuce (1971)
3. Live in Europe (1972)
4. Blueprint (1973)
5. Tattoo (1973)
6. Irish Tour '74 (1974)
7. Against the Grain (1975)
8. Calling Card (1976)
9. Photo-Finish (1978)
10. Top Priority (1979)
11. Stage Struck (1980)
12. Jinx (1982)
13. Defender (1987)
14. Fresh Evidence (1990)

Singles:
1. 'Laundromat' (1972)
2. 'Sinner Boy' (1972)
3. 'Used to Be' (1972)
4. 'Let Me In' (1973)
5. 'Tattoo'd Lady' (1973)
6. 'Cradle Rock' (1973)
7. 'Messin' With The Kid' (1973)
8. 'Walk On Hot Coals' (1974)
9. 'Who's That Comin' (1975)
10. 'Philby' (1979)

Other Releases:
1. Live at the Marquee (1972)
2. In Your Town (1975)
3. Stage Struck (1980)
4. BBC Sessions (1999)
5. Wheels Within Wheels (2003)

Note: This discography includes only official releases during Rory Gallagher's lifetime. There have been numerous posthumous releases since his death in 1995.