On June 19th, 2026, J&R Adventures will release ‘The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork,’ a live album and accompanying film. This project is blues guitarist JOE BONAMASSA’s ’s heartfelt homage to the legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher.
“The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork,” includes fourteen songs selected to display Gallagher’s diverse musical talent. The release spans energetic tracks like “Walk On Hot Coals” and “Bullfrog Blues” to heartfelt blues numbers such as “A Million Miles Away”along with with standout performances of pieces like “Tattoo’d Lady,” “Bad Penny,” “I Fall Apart,” “Calling Card,” and “Cradle Rock,” with each song presented with remarkable vitality and sincerity, staying true to the original material.
A highlight of this new release is Bonamassa’s performance of “As The Crow Flies” using Gallagher’s 1930 National Triolian resonator guitar, borrowed from the Cork Public Museum. This offered a tangible connection to the artist, whose lasting influence on the city and guitarists remains evident today.
“Tattoo’d Lady,” was a pivotal early song, and it appeared on Gallagher’s 1973 album Tattoo. The song honestly and personally depicted Gallagher’s life as a touring musician, as it explored the difficult aspects of regular late nights, perpetual travel, and the constant stress of being all-alone on the road. The Irishman’s personal writing style was evident in the song’s relaxed, confident rhythms and perceptive lyrics. The song combined cleverness and vulnerability, and evoked a sense of perpetual motion.
Bonamassa discovered that tracks like “Tattoo’d Lady” were crucial for understanding Gallagher’s wide-ranging talent and his unique storytelling. “Tattoo’d Lady” showcased the keen insights and unique character that secured Rory Gallagher’s enduring fame.
Bonamassa’s version of “Tattoo’d Lady” on ‘The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork,’ opens with bright, sharp notes that fade into the background. After the magical beginning, the piece accelerates, to incorporate a series of forceful rhythms and a robust, commanding rock style. Following an exceptional keyboard solo, the guitar-play becomes ever more powerful, crafting a mesmerizing musical world of amazement and transcendence.
The guitar-play becomes ever more powerful, crafting a mesmerizing musical world of amazement and transcendence…
“Walk On Hot Coals” is a rock ‘n’ roll celebration filled with enthusiasm. The performance includes a standout emerald guitar tune that beautifully blends with the naturally crafted rhythms. The woody, juniper-like timbre of Bonamassa’s voice boosts the piece’s cohesion and genuineness. Reaching beyond upland clouds, the uninhibited, rhythmic sway moves towards a sense of perpetual, golden sunset.
Joe Bonamassa’s take on the flavourful “Bad Penny” (video shared below) is perhaps the most eloquent tribute on the album. Featuring a sweetly insistent, nostalgic vibe, his guitar work feels like iced lemon-rind pouring over cresting rhythms. In many ways, this piece delivers psychedelic—weaving organic aural patterns, kaleidoscopic textures, and blossoming cadences. It is super-neat!
“Bullfrog Blues” is slide-guitar heaven, driven by a gritty, rough-riding riff that hits you square in the gut and rattles you to the marrow. Packed with whiplash-fast guitar and pent-up dynamic energy, this leaves the listener absolutely panting for more.
“Who’s That Coming?” begins as a traditional Delta blues piece, enhanced by elegant, interlacing keys from Lachy Doley. The song soon settles into a comfortable, yet driving, riff-based celebration. The solo guitar is a whir of sheer delight and speculation, ultimately evolving into a soulful masterpiece of dedication and magnificence.
What a wonderful commemoration!
Pre-order the album from UK and Europe here – https://lnk.to/JoeBonamassa.
Pre-order the album from North America here – https://joeb.me/OrderTheSpiritOfRory
Words: © Neil Mach 2026
Main photo: © Marcus Bird
CD Track Listing
1. Cradle Rock (Live)
2. Walk On Hot Coals (Live)
3. Tattoo’d Lady (Live)
4. I Wonder Who (Live)
5. Calling Card (Live)
6. Who’s That Coming? (Live)
7. Messin’ With The Kid (Live)
8. Bullfrog Blues (Live)
9. Treat Her Right (Live)
10. Bad Penny (Live)
11. I Fall Apart (Live)
12. A Million Miles Away (Live)
13. As The Crow Flies (Live)
14. Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)
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