GARY MOORE: Still Got The Blues (BLUES): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

When you take a closer look at the career of Gary Moore, his love for the Blues is no secret. This legendary music was clearly present in the influences of the groups in which he started, that it is Skid Row (the Irish group not to be confused with the combo US of Rachel Bolan) or Thin Lizzy. So it would not be extraordinary to imagine that the young boy practicing his scales under the look of a Jimi Hendrix poster represents Gary Moore in his childhood. What is more surprising is the content of this new album, even if its title has the merit to warn the listener with frankness. A mix of compositions and covers of the greats of the genre, "Still Got The Blues" marks a serious change of direction for the famous six-stringer, abandoning for the occasion the racy hard rock of his previous albums.

Surrounded by a line-up with variable geometry according to the titles, and calling as well on some faithful stars such as Bob Daisley (bass) or Don Airey (keyboards, piano, direction of the sections of strings) as on true legends of the Blues, Gary Moore pays a true homage to the musical style without which no branch of the Rock, that it is Hard, Heavy or others, would exist currently. And so that his approach cannot be questioned, he goes so far as to play with the legendary Albert Collins on "Too Tired", composed by Johnny "Guitar" Watson but made famous by Collins. Reinforced by a horn section and Don Airey's fiery piano, this dynamic Blues-Rock comes and blows us away for an exciting result. This feeling is also present on the whole album, especially on the three tracks paying tribute to another idol of Gary Moore: Albert King.

It is first of all "Oh Pretty Woman", swaying Blues composed by A.C Williams made famous by King himself, and occasion to compare the old-fashioned playing of the legendary guitarist with the more electric interventions of the master of the place. With "King Of The Blues", Gary offers a majestic and dynamic composition, also reinforced by a brass section and the Hammond organ of Airey, and counting the history of this living god. Finally, the feeling flows on the cover of Deadric Malone's "As The Years Go Passing By". A languorous and intimate ballad, illuminated by a superb piano solo from Nick Hopkins, it proves that Moore has often listened to the famous version that King offered in the past.

It is difficult to quote each title of this album called to become a must of the genre. We will however pay homage to the 2 superb ballads composed by the Irish guitarist, that it is the eponymous title gorged with emotions and with the unstoppable riff, or a "Midnight Blues" all in roundness and delicacy. As for the tracks written by our host, "Texas Strut" is a tribute to the bearded men of ZZ Top with its hyper dynamic boogie and its vocal gimmick borrowed from "La Grange". Finally, we will not forget to point out the presence of George Harrison on slide and chorus on the cover of his "That Kind Of Woman", acting as a break more Rock in the middle of this joyful flood of Blues in all its forms.

Once the surprise effect is over, "Still Got The Blues" stands out as a remarkable Blues-Rock album, halfway between the tribute to the legends of the genre and the real work of composition. New proof of Gary Moore's talent, it confirms his status of guitar-hero as well as reveals his elusive genius capable of imposing himself in different styles without us ever knowing where he will strike. - Official website

GARY MOORE

STILL GOT THE BLUES

VIRGIN

BLUES