“Gallagher’s vocal power may remind you of the late Steve Marriot or a young Robert Plant” , wrote Relix magazine when describing the sound of Lee Gallagher and The Hallelujah’s eponymous debut release.  Relix praised the record and named the band “one of 5 artists you should know about”.  More critical acclaim for the record followed from outlets such as Shindig! and Classic Rock and drew more comparisons ranging from Neil Young to Tom Petty to The Band. 

Gallagher started his career as a teenager singing in the bars of Southern Ohio.  He learned the harmonica by listening to Little Walter records and soon picked up the guitar to begin crafting his own songs. Things took a turn musically when he moved to San Francisco and subsequently began spending time in Joshua Tree collaborating with artists such as Victoria Williams, Bobby Furgo (Leonard Cohen), and Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Eric Burdon) which resulted in his solo EP, Valley of a Dying Breed.   With pockets full of more songs and the need for a permanent band, he returned to SF and put together a group of musicians he eventually dubbed  “the Hallelujah” to perform the songs live.  The band quickly entered the studio to record their aforementioned full length LP.  Following the release, the band toured the US both headlining and opening for legendary acts such as Leon Russell and were invited to perform for the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary Jambase special, Songs of Their Own.  Their sound swung from psychedelic Americana to southern tent revival and showcased Gallagher’s appreciation for and ability to write songs and move along the fabric and history of rock and roll. 

The new album L.A. Yesterday was recorded at Palomino Sound, a vintage 70’s studio near downtown Los Angeles.  Gallagher was joined by long time band members Kirby Hammel (keyboards) and Jimmy Dewald (bass).  The sonic palette was expanded with the addition of slide guitar, 12 string, mandolin, and searing lead guitar all provided by Jason Soda (Jakob Dylan, Everest, Gospelbeach) who also owns and operates Palomino.  Drummer Will Scott (Gospelbeach, Pink Mountaintops, the Mooney Suzuki) tied everything together providing a rock solid foundation for the new songs to flourish.  To be released in 2020, the album is comprised of 10 songs inspired by dusty stacks of vinyl, the never-ending search for a truer sound, and endless journeys along the back roads and highways of California.

Jake Smith 181 is following