CCMusic.com

• Track Listing

Five albums spanning 1996 to 2017 by guitarist Eric Bell. Best known for the classic, early albums and enduring singles he recorded with Thin Lizzy, including 'The Rocker' and the definitive version of the traditional Irish tune, 'Whiskey In The Jar', his career included a spell with Van Morrison and Them as well as stints with former Jimi Hendrix bassist Noel Redding and former Colosseum saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith's Mainsqueeze, not to mention legendary Irish rock band Skid Row. 'LIVE TONITE... PLUS!' (CD1) was recorded in Sweden and originally only available there. Featuring 'The Stumble', best known as a song featured on John Mayall's 1966 album featuring Eric Clapton alongside the Van Morrison classic 'Madam George', Them's 'Gloria', and inevitably two of the songs that first made Thin Lizzy famous, 'Whiskey In The Jar' and 'The Rocker'. 12 years elapsed before Eric's next album, 'IRISH BOY' (CD2), dedicated to the memory of Rory Gallagher. A significant milestone in Eric's career, the set saw him emerge as a songwriter in his own right. 'LONELY NIGHTS IN LONDON' (CD3) was produced by Gillan guitarist and fellow Irishman Bernie Tormé at his home studio, the record also testifies to Bell's ability to incorporate various styles within his songwriting, recalling the diversity of the early Thin Lizzy. As well as Eric Bell originals, the set also includes a cover of Willie Dixon's 'Hoochie Coochie Man' and Johnny Winter's 'Dallas'. Produced by Andy Quinn, 'EXILE' (CD4) was his most assured solo collection to date, with Eric handling the vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, bass and percussion, with Joe Oakes on drums. The album includes 'Song For Gary', a heartfelt tribute to the late Gary Moore, the guitarist and friend who temporarily replaced Bell on his exit from Thin Lizzy in 1973 and who replaced him in Skid Row. Released in 2017, 'STANDING AT A BUS STOP' (CD5) built on the strong foundation laid by 'EXILE', and found Bell continuing to grow in confidence as a song writer. Inspired by one of his musical heroes, 'In Memory of Django' is a tribute to the gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. The set features extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Eric who also published his autobiography Remembering in 2022.