"Luck And Strange!" – What You Need to Know

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Just a short post for Pink Floyd fans. I want to call your attention to David Gilmour's new album called "Luck and Strange!"

Read on if you like Rock music and need a short break from the online marketing drudgery of the day! 😎

Who Is David Gilmour?

David Gilmour is one of the most iconic guitar players in rock history. He is best known as the lead guitarist for Pink Floyd, where he created some of the most memorable guitar solos and sounds ever heard in classic rock!

You’ve probably heard his work on famous songs like “Comfortably Numb” and “Wish You Were Here,” not to mention the "Dark Side of the Moon" album! David’s style focuses on smooth, melodic lines rather than flashy, fast playing. His ability to make each note count is what sets him apart. He's like the B.B. King of Rock! Lol

About Luck And Strange

His new album, Luck and Strange, showcases David’s signature sound with fresh ideas. Released last month, this album combines his classic guitar tones with a mix of modern elements. Fans of his earlier work will recognize his soulful playing, but he’s also trying new techniques that keep his music feeling fresh and interesting. The album features his rich, layered guitar work and deep emotional feel.

How Luck And Strange Was Made

Luck and Strange demonstrates how much David still loves making music after all these years, even at 78 years old! Recorded mostly in his home and riverboat studios, the album has a personal feel, like he’s inviting listeners into his world. David spent several months working on the songs, often layering guitars on top of each other to create the rich, immersive sound he’s known for.

One fun fact is that some of the songs, like "Scattered," were inspired by melodies he came up with while walking around his garden! David often records bits and pieces of music on his phone, sometimes inspired by everyday moments like these, and many of those fragments eventually evolve into full songs!

Artists Who Contributed To Luck And Strange

Gilmour brought in a group of talented musicians to help shape the album. His wife, Polly Samson, contributed to the songwriting, which isn’t surprising since they’ve worked together on many previous projects. Guy Pratt, who has played bass for Pink Floyd since the late 1980s, handled most of the bass lines. Steve DiStanislao, who has been part of Gilmour’s touring band for years, played drums on the album. Jon Carin, long associated with Pink Floyd and David's solo projects, added his atmospheric keyboard sounds, while Caroline Dale contributed her skills on the cello, adding an orchestral layer to some of the tracks.

A Family Affair: Romany Gilmour’s Contributions

David Gilmour’s daughter, Romany Gilmour, also had a special role in Luck and Strange. She played the harp and contributed vocals on several tracks. This family collaboration brought a unique and personal touch to the album. The harp gives the music a softer, more delicate layer, which contrasts beautifully with David’s signature acoustic and electric guitar sound. Her voice adds a gentle quality that complements the other elements, making her contributions really stand out in the mix!

This isn’t the first time Romany has worked with her father, but on Luck and Strange, her role is more prominent, highlighting the Gilmour family’s musical bond. Fans have been excited to hear the father-daughter duo on the album, and their connection adds another layer of depth to the overall sound.

David On Tour!: The Rome Concert

A friend saw the Luck and Strange tour at the Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy, on 9/28/24. A pro-shot version of this 2 ½ hour show was leaked on YouTube, and I was lucky enough to view it before it was removed due to copyright restrictions.

It featured a great mix of songs from the new album as well as selections from his other solo works and Pink Floyd favorites!

Here's a video of the tour rehearsal:

https://www.youtube.com/live/OT7c7yfKFyQ?si=px8AYjJntdPeWFQp

Check out some of the photos my friend took from the audience at the Rome concert!:

'Wish You Were Here"

Romany Gilmour - on the big screen

David playing the guitar solo for "Comfortably Numb."

Discography

(Courtesy of ChatGPT)

Here is the majority of David's musical recordings, including both his solo studio albums and his work with Pink Floyd. His career spans several decades, and his influence as a guitarist, vocalist, and producer is deeply rooted in rock history!

I strongly recommend you listen to everything in this list! If you only listen to just one (don't do it! Lol), then make it Dark Side Of The Moon (1973)!

Solo Studio Albums

1. David Gilmour (1978)
2. • Gilmour’s debut solo album, released while Pink Floyd was still active. It features his signature guitar style, with a more stripped-back, relaxed sound compared to Pink Floyd’s larger productions.
2. About Face (1984)
3. • Gilmour’s second solo album reflects more of the 1980s rock sound, blending guitar-driven tracks with keyboards and modern production techniques.
3. On an Island (2006)
4. • Released 22 years after About Face, this album features a more introspective Gilmour, with serene soundscapes and rich orchestration. It includes contributions from Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright.
4. Rattle That Lock (2015)
5. • Gilmour’s fourth solo album features a mix of rock, blues, and jazz influences, with contributions from his wife Polly Samson on lyrics. It touches on both personal and political themes.
5. Luck and Strange (2024)
6. • Gilmour’s latest album, which blends his classic guitar work with modern elements and features family contributions, including his daughter Romany on harp and vocals.

Live Albums

1. David Gilmour in Concert (2002)
2. • A live recording from Gilmour’s performances at the Royal Festival Hall in London, featuring acoustic versions of solo and Pink Floyd tracks.
2. Live in Gdańsk (2008)
3. • A live album from Gilmour’s 2006 tour, recorded at the shipyards in Gdańsk, Poland. It features a full orchestral performance and includes Pink Floyd classics alongside songs from On an Island.
3. Live at Pompeii (2017)
4. • Recorded at the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, this live album revisits Gilmour’s music with both Pink Floyd and his solo career.

Pink Floyd Studio Albums (featuring Gilmour)

1. A Saucerful of Secrets (1968)
2. • Gilmour's first album with Pink Floyd, taking over from founding member Syd Barrett.
2. Meddle (1971)
3. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
4. Wish You Were Here (1975)
5. Animals (1977)
6. The Wall (1979)
7. The Final Cut (1983)
8. • Gilmour plays guitar and provides some vocals, though this album is more heavily dominated by Roger Waters.
8. A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
9. • The first Pink Floyd album without Roger Waters, with Gilmour taking creative control.
9. The Division Bell (1994)
10. The Endless River (2014)

• Released as a tribute to Richard Wright, this album is largely instrumental and based on material recorded during The Division Bell sessions.

Collaborations and Other Projects

1. Metallic Spheres (2010) – A collaborative album with The Orb, blending ambient and electronic music with Gilmour’s guitar work.

Tell Me What You Think!

Are you familiar with David's work? What is your favorite Pink Floyd album?

Have you listened to the Luck And Strange album?

Let me know what you think in the comments, AND ...

Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘

(Image by DALL-E 3)

Frank 🎸

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