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Blues Rock
J&R Adventures
New Release
Joe Bonamassa
The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork
Reviewed in issue:
115
Release Date:
19 Jun 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Paul Gregory
For Fans Of
Rory Gallagher
Eric Gales
Kenny W. Shepherd
Top three tracks
• Walk On Hot Coals (Live)
• A Million Miles Away (Live)
• Bullfrog Blues (Live)
Fireworks Verdict:
"This is a truly fantastic tribute concert."
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
This upcoming release from Joe Bonamassa is a live album that was recorded in Cork, Ireland, last year over several nights. It contains his personal tribute of some of the songs that were recorded by the legendary Irish Blues-Rock guitarist Rory Gallagher. Cork was Gallagher’s hometown and it all started in 2024 as an invitation from the Gallagher family that quickly became something much larger. Rather than try to reinvent the material, Bonamassa has focused on meeting it with the right spirit - “I felt the very best I could hope for was to approach his catalogue with humility and reverence.” Bonamassa travelled to Cork to announce the tribute with a small introductory performance for Gallagher’s family, local friends and members of the press. The response was immediate and emotional, and what began as a single concert soon expanded into three sold out shows that took place in 2025. The album will be released in June 2025 on digital and as CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray and also on double Red Marble vinyl.
"The response was immediate and emotional"
This part of the review is for the CD. The opener is ‘Cradle Rock’; a version of which he had previously recorded in 2005 on his ‘A New Day Yesterday’ album. This rendition sounds much heavier and very up to date. As always Bonamassa is on top form with his scintillating guitar playing and strong vocals. The band he has with him this time around also sound superb, providing a massive driving force behind him. ‘Walk On Hot Coals’, ‘Calling Card’, ‘I’, ‘Messing With The Kid’, ‘BullFrog Blues’, ‘Bad Penny’ and ‘A Million Miles Away’ are Gallagher’s most famous tunes, and they are the standout songs from this set, each played with lots of gusto and fantastic musicianship. ‘Tattoo’d Lady’ has a tremendous keyboard solo and a long blistering guitar solo, whilst ‘Wonder Who’ is a Twelve-Bar Blues track done in Bonamassa’s inimitable way, with outstanding piano and organ playing by Lachy Doley. ‘As The Crow Flies’ is a Blues track that has Bonamassa playing Gallagher’s own 1930 National Triolian resonator guitar on loan from the Cork Public Museum; it’s an outstanding performance.
The DVD and Blu-Ray contain a film of the live gig which adds a further dimension to the performance. They also contain some extra documentaries; ‘The Spirit Of Rory’, ‘The Inspiration Of Rory’, ‘Rory’s Acoustic Guitar’ and ‘BallyCotton – A Million Miles Away’.
"As always Bonamassa is on top form with his scintillating guitar playing and strong vocals."
This is a truly fantastic tribute concert. The tracks may sound different to Gallagher’s originals, but they have been tastily revamped by Bonamassa and the band.
Reviewer:
🟣 Paul Gregory
Let Us Know The Score!
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