Belgian fingerstyle virtuoso Jacques Stotzem has long been known for his expressive acoustic interpretations and deep musical sensitivity. With his tribute album To Rory, he turned his attention to one of his earliest inspirations, reimagining the Irish legend’s music through intricate instrumental arrangements. I recently caught up with Jacques to talk about discovering Rory, translating his songs to acoustic guitar and the lasting impact of that influence on his own playing. I hope you enjoy reading his reflections

1. When did you first discover Rory Gallagher, and what was it about his music that really grabbed you?

When I started learning acoustic guitar, a friend’s brother who was a big collector of rock records advised me as a young guitarist to buy Live! in Europe. It was a wonderful discovery. My first step into Rory’s world! As a beginner on acoustic guitar, I was deeply impressed by his acoustic version of Blind Boy Fuller’s ‘Pistol Slapper Blues’.

2. Did you ever get the chance to see Rory live? If so, where and what stands out most about that experience?

I saw Rory live only once. It was in Belgium in Liège (Grivegnée) in 1977. After all these years, I still have in mind the power, the energy that Rory had on stage. He was totally involved in the music.

3. Did you ever meet him in person? If so, what do you remember about that encounter?

Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet him in person.

4. When did you start playing guitar, and how did Rory influence your early approach to the instrument?

I started playing guitar at 16, learning acoustic blues with Stefan Grossman. Thanks to him, I discovered Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller, and many other acoustic blues players. Rory influenced my playing with his versions of songs like ‘Pistol Slapper Blues’, ‘Bankers Blues’ and ‘Unmilitary Two-Step’. I was always trying to pick up some licks from these songs! A special mention also goes to a song that’s stuck in my head: ‘I Don’t Know Where I’m Going’. I’ve always loved this track for Rory’s playing, its melody, and its swing.

5. What did Rory teach you about being a musician and a performer?

What I truly admire about Rory is his efficiency with minimal equipment: a guitar, a cable, an amp. He achieves such a powerful result on stage. I call it the “plug and play approach,” which has inspired me for years. When I play a concert, I only have a guitar, a cable, and an amp, and every time, Rory’s approach is an endless source of inspiration for me.

6. What inspired you to record To Rory, and how did you go about selecting the songs for the album?

I’m a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, but I have a deep connection to Rory’s music. So I decided to make an acoustic tribute album, but in a very different way from the originals. I don’t sing, I only play instrumental guitar, so I arranged my favourite Rory songs that could be adapted into instrumental versions. I did it with great respect for his music.

7. You previously performed at the Rory Gallagher Music Library in Cork. What was that experience like, and how did the audience respond?

I played twice at the Library in Cork on the invitation of Dónal and Eoin Gallagher and it was such a pleasure to perform there, really an honour for me! The audience responded very well. It was important for me because my Rory acoustic project is so different and when Rory’s fans gave such a warm welcome to the project, it meant a lot to me!

8. How did it feel to be invited to play at the unveiling of Rory Gallagher Avenue in Cork? What was it like?

It was a really special moment for me, filled with emotion, and of course a great honour to have had the chance to play at the celebration at Cork Airport, in front of city representatives, the Irish Prime Minister, and Rory’s family members… A wonderful memory!

9. Are there any Rory songs you particularly love to perform or that challenge you in a special way?

I love playing ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Out on the Western Plain’ at almost every concert, and very often ‘Tattoo’d Lady’. These three songs are so representative of Rory’s music and are always very well received by fans and by those less familiar with him. ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Tattoo’d Lady’ are real challenges to play live on acoustic guitar.

10. What aspects of Rory’s playing or approach do you feel are most relevant for young guitarists today?

I think, as I mentioned before, Rory’s way to simply go on stage and play (plug and play approach) must be very relevant for young players.

11. In your view, what makes Rory’s legacy enduring?

The power of his music, the richness of his compositions and the sincerity he had in his music, the sincerity he displayed on stage.

12. What projects are you working on at the moment, and what’s next for you?

I just released a new solo album with my own compositions called Bright or Blue, so I will be touring all year long with this concert programme.

13. And finally, do you see yourself revisiting Rory’s music in future recordings or performances?

I gave two tribute concerts to Rory in Belgium this year. These concerts combined Rory’s songs that I had arranged for my album To Rory with some of my own compositions. If I receive further invitations to give similar concerts, I would obviously be delighted to do them again!

You can find out more about Jacques’ music here