Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight

The riveting music documentary Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight brilliantly captures the intense and raw energy of the legendary Irish Rock band – Taste lead by the virtuoso guitarist, Rory Gallagher. Directed with a keen eye by renowned filmmaker Murray Lerner, this captivating film stands as a time capsule of one of the most memorable moments in rock history and offers a timeless tribute to one of the greatest guitar heroes of all time.

The film brings the audience face to face with a singular music event – the historic Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, which was nothing short of a rock music fever that swept over Europe. For the uninitiated, the Isle of Wight Festival was the Woodstock of Europe, hosting a staggering 600,000 strong audience and the show-stopping performances of some of the most influential musicians of the era.

Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight immerses viewers into the sheer magnitude of this iconic festival and skillfully blends concert footage and backstage scenes with reflective interviews. However, the documentary truly shines when the spotlight is cast on Taste and their magnetic frontman, Rory Gallagher.

Hailing from Ireland, Taste was a blues-rock powerhouse that marked the 70s music scene with their hard-hitting mix of blues, rock, and jazz. Gallagher, in particular, was a force of nature with his guitar – his passionate, incendiary licks, accompanied by his soulful voice, left an indelible mark on the rock n' roll music industry worldwide. The film highlights the band at the peak of their prowess, filtering their raw and powerful stage presence through the lens of pure cinematic magic.

Director Murray Lerner insightfully choreographs the film around the band's breathtaking performance but doesn't miss out on offering a glimpse of who these remarkable musicians were offstage. The contrasting dynamic offers an all-encompassing panorama of Taste's brilliant but unfortunately brief journey in the music industry. It was indeed a sweet but short run as the band disbanded shortly after their memorable stint at the Festival. This film, hence, serves as their most enduring legacy, witnessed by a multitude of awestruck fans.

Never-before-seen footage of the group's electrifying performance is interspersed, providing fans an unparalleled thrill ride. The performance sequences are masterfully weaved in, showcasing the band's chartbuster songs like “What’s Going On,” “Morning Sun,” “Sinner Boy,” and naturally, their impromptu, rousing version of “Gamblin’ Blues”. The camera not only documents Taste's sheer instrumental prowess but also, their tangible intensity and ferocity that resonated throughout their performances.

A notable aspect of Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight is the detailing and Rory Gallagher's narration of their journey takes center stage in the documentary. Through intervations both with Gallagher (recalled from 1995) and Wilgar Campbell and Richard McCracken, it offers compelling insights into their artistry, their music-making process, and the inspirations that fuelled their fiery stage shows.

Moreover, the documentary also delves into Gallagher's extraordinary commitment towards the band and music in general. Known for his resolute refusal to surrender his creative independence, Gallagher’s artistic integrity is imparted through various segments of the film, painting a vivid picture of his unyielding dedication towards his craft.

What sets Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight apart from other music documentaries is its underlying ethos - it isn't just a film; it's an experience. It transcends the usual concert documentary trope of idol worship, focussing instead on celebrating the explosive talent, the timeless music, and the unforgettable impact this band and its frontman made on the rock music landscape.

In conclusion, Taste - What's Going On Live At The Isle Of Wight is an essential viewing for any rock n' roll aficionado. It serves as a spectacular testament to the undying spirit of musicians who embraced their craft with relentless passion. The film leaves you with a potent sense of nostalgia, a renewed appreciation for Taste and Rory Gallagher’s musical ingenuity, and an infectious rhythm humming in your heart long after the credits roll.