Gerry Quigley And Th e Nomadic Dr uids

Yesterday, Today & Tomorr ow

Own Label

We like to bring you something unusual and also try to feature albums submitted by readers if appropriate, and this instrumental offering satisfies both categories rather well. Gerry Quigley describes this debut album as ‘Instrumental progressive rock with a Celtic twist’ and we have to agree. Gerry switches effortlessly between electric, acoustic and classical guitars as well as mandolin and a curious twin-necked mandola/bouzouki (Prelude To Tomorrow) so there’s plenty of variety here. ‘It’s a musical story, a journey’ he reveals and indeed it feels like a ride through space and time with that soaring guitar rising above. Lot’s of moods here and Gerry has a unique feel which may be a hang over from early lessons from Thin Lizzy’s Eric Bell back in his home city of Dublin. He experienced a great deal of success in Ireland with heavy rock outfit Raw Deal but subsequently left for Australia in 1983. Returning to Ireland in 2012 he put together this band and we rather like the result. the way he attacks the guitar is really something to behold. He has a very individual style of playing in spite of being influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, BB King and AC/DC. This 12-strong song offering is packed with fantastic guitar work; licks, runs and solos abound, but it’s his expert use of effects that gives Tognoni the edge. For instance, the instrumental title track makes great use of wah-wah but all his tones are superb. All the tracks are self penned (apart from George Harrison’s Something which gets a very different treatment), while some, like Tsunami, sound more commercial. The band is a four-piece with Rob handling vocals and keys; the material is varied enough to capture our interest while retaining the power. Well worth checking out.