The black hole left by the death of legendary Irish guitarist Gary Moore back in 2011 is still felt by many fans (this writer included), but thankfully Eagle Rock have continued to help keep Moore's spirit alive by releasing some stellar live material from the vaults in the years since his passing. This concert, recorded at London's Bush Hall on May 17th, 2007, was originally broadcast by Planet Rock radio, and this is the first time the complete show has been made available outside that original broadcast. Along with some material from his then new album Close As You Get, Moore and the band dipped into his extensive back catalog as well as performed some blues covers. With him on stage that evening was his old mate in Thin Lizzy, Brian Downey (drums), Pete Rees (bass), and Vic Martin (keyboards).
Those who love the rootsy, classic blues era from Moore will be thrilled at the set list here. "If the Devil Made Whiskey" and "Thirty Days" kick things off in rousing fashion, Moore's lead & slide licks ever present. The searing slow blues of "Trouble at Home" sends chills, with Gary's smoky vocals and emotional lead guitar just reaching your inner soul. "Hard Times" is more of an uptempo blues rocker with some fiery solos from his Gibson Les Paul, and the more meditative blues of "Eyesight to the Blind" slows things down, highlighting some soulful vocals and yearning lead guitar work. Moore goes back to his early '90s solo work for the energetic "Too Tired", a blistering blues workout, which then launches into the scalding solo guitar piece titled "Gary's Blues 1", a real treat for guitar lovers as Gary fires off a succession of blues & hard rock solos that shows off that impeccable technique. Dipping back into the Thin Lizzy catalog, you get an emotional take on "Don't Believe a Word" (Phil would be proud!) before launching into his signature blues era song "Still Got the Blues", which still triggers emotions in the listener as it did back when the song was first released. "Walking By Myself" hits pretty hard, as does "The Blues is Alright", each one chock full of scorching lead guitar, and the poignant Delta Blues styled cut "Sundown" closes things out in fine fashion.
Whether you preferred Gary Moore's time in Thin Lizzy, his heavy rock solo career in the '80s, or blues era in the '90s & up to his death in 2011, there's no denying the talent he had no matter what he attempted. Live at Bush Hall 2007 is another reminder of just how extraordinary a guitar player Moore was (and a very underrated singer as well), and kudos once again to Eagle Rock for unearthing this enjoyable live set to help keep the memory of his greatness alive.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
01. If The Devil Made Whiskey
02. Thirty Days
03. Trouble At Home
04. Hard Times
05. Eyesight To The Blind
06. I Had A Dream
07. Too Tired
08. Gary's Blues 1
09. Don't Believe A Word
10. Still Got The Blues
11. Walking By Myself
12. The Blues Is Alright
13. Sundown
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