A 2020 Vision: - Johnny Gallagher and The Boxty Band [CD]

Johnny Gallagher and The Boxty Band have launched their album ‘2020 VISION’ on a worldwide release. It’s a compilation CD comprising of a selection of nine songs from Johnny Gallagher’s work from the past 10 years chosen by the French record company Dixiefrog, plus four brand new compositions penned by JG. Johnny and the Boxty Band have a huge following in Ireland their native country; they draw massive audiences throughout Europe. Their music is mainly driven with hard rock n roll and rhythm & blues and this album certainly showcases just that. All songs on the CD are written by Johnny with the exception of the only cover version on the album Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. The opening title track ‘2020 Vision’ is an exciting blistering rocker that will instantly grab you, from the opening “Hey little baby what do you say, wanna take a ride with me” his vocals scream like Little Richard and his guitar lead breaks are stupendous. The Cowboy of the Deep Blue Sea, Mr. George and Shake That Tambourine have all become established classic favorites at a Johnny Gallagher gig that have the place bouncing. ‘Judi’ which was released as a single is a masterpiece which in my opinion has the potential of being a big hit if it was given the airplay that it deserves; its catchy refrain is infectious. Scars and Stitches the second track of the new songs has a sort of punk/heavy metal sound with some nice blistering guitar riffs which I found very appealing. St. Julian I really like this one; it has a nice bouncy country rock feel with great guitar licks. Johnny has a profound affinity with the beautiful island of Corsica and has performed many times at the Patrimonio Music Festival, which inspired him to write the lovely song Patrimonio {aqua dolce} also included on the album. There is a mystery song, well it’s not actually listed it’s simply called ‘SARAH’ it was personally written by Johnny for a young girl of the same name who lost her mother at a very young age. It has a lovely dreamy blues intro which gradually builds into a crescendo and I really love this track ‘big time’. I’ll not say where you’ll find it so you’ll have to buy the CD and discover its location. 2020Visions is a well produced album with a nice open out sleeve. Congratulations on a super CD and would highly recommend it. Joseph Cohen.