Originally formed in Cork, Ireland in 1966 by Rory Gallagher, Taste had a brief but influential career, releasing two studio albums in 1969 and 1970 and disbanding shortly after their legendary appearance at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival, which is the centerpiece of this film. The core of What s Going On is the band s performance at the festival on August 28th but it is encapsulated by a documentary on the history and importance of Taste and setting the scene for their Isle Of Wight Festival appearance.
Academy Award winning Director, Murray Lerner explores Irelands seminal rock band ‘Taste’ with unseen footage from the trio’s now legendary performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival 1970. The festival at the Isle of Wight was to Europe what Woodstock was to the USA. Many problems came about as more rock fans than tickets available came to this usually peaceful island just off the coast of Portsmouth, England. The festival was held at East Afton farm in Freshwater, on the 13- by 23-mile island off the coast of Southern England. This was considered the last monster tribal gathering — the five-day 1970 Isle of Wight Festival — where 600,000 mostly stoned flower children turned ugly in obnoxious displays of hippie self-righteousness.”
Many of the biggest rock stars of the time appeared at this festival including The Who, Free, Donovan, Ten Years After, The Moody Blues, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen and Jethro Tull, and ELP. Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison of the Doors made their last live stage appearance here.
Taste played through the madness of this giant concert where those who did not have tickets rushed and crashed the gates. ‘Taste Live at the Isle of Wight’ has some wonderful songs by Rory Gallagher and a cover for blues star Broonzy in “I Feel So Good.” Originally formed in Cork, Ireland in 1966 by Rory Gallagher, Taste had a brief but influential career, releasing two studio albums in 1969 and 1970 and disbanding shortly after their legendary appearance at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival. This expanded CD is released to coincide with the newly restored 16mm film footage appearing on DVD & Blu-ray. It includes four additional tracks which were not included on the original 1971 album. Rory Gallagher would go on to enjoy an acclaimed and highly successful solo career and this electrifying show by Taste is an early example of Rory s justified reputation as the ultimate live performer.
Live at the Isle of Wight is the fourth album and second live album by Irish rock band Taste, released in 1971.[1] It was recorded live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 and released after the band broke up.
Taste could have been on top of the world musically, this performance proves they were a force to take notice of, Rory Gallagher’s playing is inspired, there was a sound made I could not identify until I saw it on the film, Rory actually hitting the strings with the palm of his hand makes this sound. John Wilson on drums leaning in so as not to miss any notes he counters to Rory’s, the same with Richie McCracken on bass, Rory leading and they match him note for note on their instruments, Rory pulls them along with unspoken “you can do this”. They played on Friday afternoon, a lot of the crowd hadn’t arrived by then, after What’s Going On (the opening number) the appreciation starts to grow, by the time they leave the stage (for the first time) after I Feel So Good, the crowd are roaring, its like an avalanche or tidal wave, the crowd know they are witnessing something they will never see again, I reckon they could literally have played all night, the crowd would have demanded they stay on stage.
On the way to the festival, due to appallingly bad management, Rory had decided to break up the band, so they played on stage like they were possessed. It is the most amazing, mind blowing, awesome, tremendous set ever, inventive, as Rory introduces Gamblin’ Blues he says “we would like to do a bit of bottleneck, hope you like it” – the crowd didn’t like it THEY LOVED IT. I know of one of my friends who was actually at this festival and he waited 45 years to hear it again
Track listing[edit]
- “What’s Going On” – 5:41
- “Sugar Mama” (Trad. arr. by Rory Gallagher) – 10:18
- “Morning Sun” – 4:31
- “Sinner Boy” – 5:31
- “I Feel So Good” (Big Bill Broonzy) – 10:10
- “Catfish” (Trad. arr. by Rory Gallagher) – 14:26
- All tracks composed by Rory Gallagher except where indicated.
- Rory Gallagher – guitars, vocals, Harmonica
- Richard “Charlie” McCracken – bass guitar
- John Wilson – drums
The Fat Angel Sings 