SonyBMG U.K. to Release Best of Rory Gallagher Surround Sound SACD in June

SonyBMG Music U.K. announced that a Best of Rory Gallagher Surround Sound Super Audio CD will be released this summer. The upcoming release, entitled Big Guns: The Very Best Of Rory Gallagher is slated for release on June 13th in the U.K. and Ireland to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of the famed blues rock guitarist’s passing. The announcement by SonyBMG Music in the U.K. follows last month’s announcement that the label plans a 5.1 Surround Sound SACD release of Jeff Wayne’s landmark War of the Worlds album this summer.

Comments from SonyBMG Music
SonyBMG Music U.K describes the upcoming release by saying that “The package includes a comprehensive booklet with sleeve notes penned by the highly esteemed Times newspaper rock correspondent, David Sinclair, himself an avid Rory admirer. A second set of essays is provided by Michael Molenda, Editor-In-Chief of Guitar Player magazine in the U.S.

Gallagher has often been highly regarded by music critics and fans as one of the finest blues musicians treading the boards: a guitar virtuoso and among the finest slide players in the world. Gallagher has received the rare accolade of being invited to play with legendary musicians including the great blues virtuoso Muddy Waters, who invited him to record on his London Sessions album (1972, Chess Records), and Albert King, who invited him to play on his 1977 Live album (Utopia/RCA Records). Gallagher also recorded on albums for Jerry Lee Lewis (London Sessions, 1973, Mercury), British skiffle-king Lonnie Donegan (Puttin’ On The Style, 1976, Chrysalis), and the Chris Barber Band (Frat That Fraddle Rat).

With Rory Gallagher’s most memorable recordings upgraded in 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time, experience vintage blues guitar just as if the man himself is playing his heart out in the privacy of your front room. Crank it up because it doesn’t get any better than this.”

A 24 Track, 2 SACD Disc Set
Big Guns is slated to be a 2 disc, 24 track release featuring new 5.1 Surround Sound mixes presented in Super Audio CD of many of Gallagher’s signature songs and performances. Work on the project is being led by the late guitarist’s brother Donal Gallagher.

While the final song line up won’t be released until May, SonyBMG U.K. has announced that the set will include these selections among the 24 tracks:

  • Big Guns – from the album “Jinx” (1982)
  • Tatoo’d Lady – from the album “Tattoo” (1972)
  • Sinnerboy – from the album “Taste: Live At The Isle Of Wight” (1968)
  • What’s Going on – from the album “Taste: On The Boards” (1970)
  • Calling Card – from the album “Calling Card” (1976)
  • Lonesome Highway – from the album “Wheels Within Wheels” (2003)