Rory Gallagher – Deuce
By: Faraz Chaudry
Rory Gallagher’s second solo release, Deuce, keeps the same blues trio format but brings about a whole new Rory. Recorded at Tangerine Studios in London, this album is distinctly grungier and more soulful. Gallagher’s guitar tone is much richer and layered many times to create different textures and sonorities. In addition, the confidence exuded from his playing is immediately recognized in the first track, “I’m Not Awake Yet.” The brooding melody soars above jangly guitars, killer riffs and rhythmic fills. Long improvisational interludes are taken, and although repetitive, these figures never overstay their welcome. In fact, I could hear him solo on this track for the full length of the CD and still not be satiated.
Gallagher’s sound is much more focused on this album, the breadth of genres featured on the previous record are all but whittled down to straightforward blues rock. However, with this transition Rory found some soul. His voice, dripping wet with reverb, sounds as though it has aged much more than the actual year it was between recordings. This new confidence and experience breeds a much more experimental blues sound, evident on the track “Whole Lot of People.”
The rhythm duo of Gerry McAvoy (bass) and Wilgar Campbell (percussion) were tight as always, but were definitely more integrated on this album, instead of simply laying the foundation for Rory’s guitar work. More complex drumbeats and ubiquitous twisting, driving basslines were the main component in the transition to a harder, darker sound and authenticity.
With the exception of the opening track, this album lacks the attractive melodies and purity of the previous record, but is deliberately replaced with tons of attitude. As he continued on his career the focused sound and maturity create a bluesy genuineness of which this CD is just the beginning.
