This month, Provogue Records will release a new album from the late master blues-rock guitarist GARY MOORE.
“How Blue Can You Get” will feature previously unreleased material and will be out on April 30th.
From the Moore family archives, the album will feature never-before-heard deep cuts and alternate versions of previous songs by the dazzling former Thin Lizzy and Skid Row guitarist.
There’s a ferociousness that can’t be matched…
In tribute to the late guitar hero, Black Stone Cherry singer Chris Robertson says: “Gary Moore took the blues and turned it on its head for me. His ferocity and his style of playing definitely has been an influence on me. There’s a ferociousness on what he does that can’t be matched.”
Don Airey, another long-time friend, adds: “Gary was a great singer, lyricist and songwriter, and then there was his guitar playing to contend with, (not to speak of his coruscating Belfast wit)…”
It’s ten years since the tragic passing of the iconic Northern Irish mega-musician/singer-songwriter. He left behind a huge catalog of music from an illustrious solo career, as well as juicy cuts from his days with Thin Lizzy, Skid Row, Colosseum II and more.
We had an early listen:
The album roars away with Freddie King’s “I’m Tore Down” (a favorite of live shows) which is — as fans will recall — is an irrepressible sprite of a song with airy guitars that burst into life between fast beats. Yes, this is a brilliant high-flyer.
There is also a previously unreleased virtuoso version of Memphis Slim’s “Steppin’ Out” (blues connoisseurs will be familiar with the John Mayall & Bluesbreakers version) — but this stunning rendition is equally athletic and comes bumper-packed with the same kind of explosive energy and controlled tenacity. There is earnestness delivered in each-and-every note!
“In My Dreams” is a graciously velvety tearjerker with silk-like, fluid, instrumentalism and an unfurrowed voice. This version is unforgettable: it’s like witnessing an angel safeguarding a lost soul.
Elmore James’ “Done Somebody Wrong” is another song that illustrates Moore’s stunning technique. The squelch-fest is determined, compulsive and stubborn! And his slide guitar acrobatics are hotter than a sizzling crocodile skin on the morning griddle!
The enormous 7-minute never been released title-track cover of the BB King’s 1964 hit “How Blue Can You Get” has that seductive melodiousness we’ve come to expect from the man… right from the very start. This is one of those blues hymns that not only crushes your heart and squeezes it dry… but also brings scoops of medicine along… to heal your nerves and improve your day. It’s a miraculous combination of comedy ‘n’ tragedy that becomes immortalized in a single song!
There’s an alternative version of “Love Can Make A Fool Of You” — which was a bonus track on the 1982 “Corridors Of Power” and brings with it that bouffant, glamorous’ 80s style (you can imagine Gary stepping out onto stage in a light trench coat to play this.)
Plus there’s the achingly magnificent “Living With The Blues” — a rare studio track — a song that tells us everything we need to know about the man and how he makes a guitar howl in pain: this number delivers nitric pain and impassioned redemption as it comes to terms with lost love and finds solace. Yes, this is melancholic… and that’s the only way a blues song can be. This is a number tinged with sadness amongst sepulchral rhythms.
An album of fascinating blues-rock masterpieces by the everlasting guitar-guru of tortured love! Outstanding!
Words: @neilmach 2021 ©
GARY MOORE’S “How Blue Can You Get” is out on April 30th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group
Order here: https://smarturl.it/GaryMoore
Check the previously unreleased version of GARY MOORE track “In My Dreams” (visualizer) shared below
RAW RAMP 