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Rory Gallagher: Rory Gallagher (1971)

Most great artists are charismatic, driven, even headstrong individuals, armed with an unshakeable confidence in their vision and talent; but few have balanced those attributes with a down-to-earth humility quite like the one and only Rory Gallagher.

Gallagher proved this after breaking up his popular trio, Taste, towards the end of 1970, enlisting his younger brother Dónal as manager, and then proceeding to orchestrate his solo career 100% on his no-nonsense, unpretentious, borderline ascetic terms.

Auditions in early '71 included jams with former Jimi Hendrix Experience members Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, but Rory eventually chose a pair of relative unknowns in bassist Gerry McAvoy (*) and drummer Wilgar Campbell, both formerly of the Belfast band Deep Joy.

And while he was committed to the power trio format for the time being, Rory was also keen to broaden his blues/rock foundations with a wider variety of musical ingredients, even putting down his '61 Strat now and then to play harmonica, mandolin, and saxophone.

That's him blowing alto sax on the jazzy "Can't Believe it's True" and his 1932 National Resonator guitar is joined by Vincent Crane (**) tinkling authentic New Orleans style piano on traditional blues fare like "Wave Myself Goodbye" and "I'm Not Surprised."

Another acoustic highlight, "Just the Smile," was influenced by the British folk revival and electrified laments like "I Fall Apart" and "For the Last Time" showcased the remarkable breadth of Gallagher's artistry and depth of his emotional sensitivity.

As well has his versatile guitar chops, these songs really highlight the richness and textures of his voice, too.

And for those seeking plugged-in Rory, there's the churning riff of "Laundromat" (inspired by the rhythmic clatter of the basement laundry in his flat), the hard-driving "Hands Up," and the devastating slide guitar tour de force of "Sinner Boy" (previewed at the Isle of Wight Festival).

When one considers that this was Gallagher's very first LP under his own name, and only third overall, the creative range and masterful execution across these tracks are simply astonishing for their self-assured maturity.

And from a practical standpoint, this debut established Gallagher's career blueprint, characterized by a rejection of cheap gimmicks, a relentless work ethic (its follow-up, Deuce, arrived just six months later), and a direct link between blues tradition and the high-volume roar of the 1970s.

* McAvoy would go on to be Gallagher's longest-serving collaborator, staying by his side for the next two decades!

** Of Atomic Rooster and previously with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

More Rory Gallagher: Deuce, Tattoo, Irish Tour '74, Against the Grain; plus Taste’s Taste, On the Boards, Live at the Isle of Wight.