
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 6, 1991                   TAG: 9104060551
SECTION: SPECTATOR                    PAGE: S-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Dwayne Yancey
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RECORD REVIEW

On his first U.S. album in nine years, Irish blues rocker Rory Gallagher indeed offers "Fresh Evidence" (IRS Records) why he's one of the most talented - albeit unappreciated - guitar slingers on the scene.

This album offers everything Gallagher devotees have come to expect over the years - fancy fretwork combined with literate lyrics that drop American place names at every opportunity, some straight-ahead rockers with a little blues flavoring, and the obligatory old-time blues chestnut (this one, "Empire State Express" by Son House.)

"Fresh Evidence" also offers two notable departures from form. There are two instrumentals (Joe Satriani, beware) and the sparkling "King of Zydeco," which lays typical Gallagher riffs over a mean Cajun accordion.

It's easily the most exciting track on the album, a sign that Gallagher can both experiment and still rely on traditional forms at the same time.

For those who don't know the name, Gallagher came out of Ireland in the last '60s with the band Taste, then went solo in the early '70s - achieving fame in Europe, but failing to move past cult status in the States.

His LPs are now virtually impossible to find, except in used-records bins. Some, however, are now being released on compact disc and are undiscovered jewels waiting to be snapped up. Gallagher has been remarkably consistent over the years; there are no bad buys.

By far the easiest to find are the early '70s albums "Blueprint" and "Tattoo," now available in a double disc form, the classic double-live set "Irish Tour '74" and two albums from the late '70s and early '80s, "Top Priority" and "Jinx."

After the latter, in 1982, Gallagher was silent for nearly a decade. His 1987 release, "Defender," was one of the strongest albums he's ever recorded, but was available in the U.S. only as an import.

Now comes "Fresh Evidence," an apt title with an equally telling opening track. "Kid Gloves" tells the story of a boxer back in the ring after being sprung from a stint at San Quentin. Judging by this one, Gallagher himself is back in fighting form and ready to go 15 rounds. Now if only someone notices.

by CNB