Album: Deuce (1972)
Rory Gallagher found himself in something of a baptism by fire in 1971. The year started with him recoiling from the bitter split of Taste and dealing with the various bits of red tape arising from that, while trying to launch his solo career. At the same time, he was putting together a new band and, after auditioning Jimi Hendrix’s old rhythm section of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, he opted to go with bassist Gerry McAvoy and drummer Wilgar Campbell, both of the Belfast group Deep Joy, who split not long after Taste broke up.
With his eponymous debut album, Rory hadn’t had the chance to take his new band out on the road. This was a different kettle of fish when it came to the follow-up, Deuce. By this point, the group had several gigs under their belt. They were even touring when Deuce was being recorded, coming to the Tangerine Studios after shows, with an aim of capturing the fire of the Rory Gallagher live performance. Deuce not only captured this energy, but it also captured the fact that Rory had regained his confidence after the experience of the chaotic Taste split. In essence, he perhaps regained faith in his ability as a musician. Deuce, released on 28 November 1971, is one of his most highly regarded albums, and seen as a good entry point for those who are new to his work.
It was the first time Rory worked with engineer Robin Sylvester, who was the in-house engineer at Tangerine Studios. He had started as a musician during the 1960s, becoming an engineer in 1969 and was one of the assistants at Abbey Road when The Beatles recorded the Abbey Road album. Robin took up bass after being inspired to do so by Paul McCartney. Rory found him an excellent person to work with, and Robin would subsequently work on Live In Europe, Irish Tour and Against The Grain. The relationship with Rory would continue when Robin’s band supported Rory on tour. Shortly before the time of writing, it was sadly announced that Robin had passed away. He appears to have had that rare quality – someone Rory trusted to get the sound he wanted without too much supervision!
One of the aspects of Deuce most commented on is the strength of Rory’s slide guitar. A notable track is ‘Whole Lot Of People'. It’s a fiery song. The recent 50th anniversary release of Deuce offers a great insight into how it was built up. Hearing it on acoustic in an alternate take 1, you would think it might be vastly different to the final electric version on the album. However, while it does have a classic folky feel, thanks to the acoustic, it still retains its fire and is instantly recognisable. It has a nice solo that is a pleasant addition to the endless list of epic Rory Gallagher moments. This version would have equally held its own as a definitive version on the album. The other versions offered on the Deluxe 50th anniversary release are also acoustic, with yet more gorgeous soloing. Is it possible that Rory originally envisioned it as an acoustic track before going electric?
With all that said, the electric version that we are more familiar with fits perfectly with the lyrics. Rory said in one interview he didn’t see the point in him writing a political song, though he acknowledged it was something other musicians did. Of course, being Irish and the Troubles being at their height, it was a topic Rory was asked about at times. He was very well versed on the politics, though it and his music were kept apart. One thing Rory does remain famous for is the fact that he was one of the few artists who would play in Belfast in the early 1970s. His shows at the Ulster Hall in Belfast are the stuff of legend – and a statue in his honour is planned to be erected there, though it has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with ‘Whole Lot Of People,’ Dónal Gallagher notes on the official Rory website:
“The sharpness of this playing masks the lyrics of the politics of the then emerging and troubled ‘new‘ Ireland.”
Of course, fans can and will attach their own meaning to a song that is utterly at variance with what the composer originally intended. Music is, at the end of the day, an immensely subjective experience, and the lyrics of ‘Whole Lot Of People’ are powerful:
A whole lot of people talking, trying to make sense
Seems everybody's living on a barbed wire fence
Whole lotta people too proud to call
'Cause it won't get no help at all
Everybody's waiting for the good news day
But it seems so far away
Wonder if it's ever gonna come
'Cause the way it's been the restless one
With Rory, his songs are also seen as an insight into his deeper feelings, that he was reluctant to air by talking about them. Dónal, however, does offer a valuable take as one of the people closest to Rory.
RIP Robin Sylvester, 1950 - 2022
Find out more about Rory playing Belfast during the Troubles click here.
