On the new three-disc The Definitive Montreux Collection
from Gary Moore, fans who love the Belfast-born guitarist (or those who want
to learn more about this fantastic player) get a jam-packed eye and earful of
what he can do. The three discs — two DVDs, one CD — are from the
famous Montreux Jazz Festival on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, featuring Moore’s
sets from 1990, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
The first show consists of seven straight-blues numbers. Featuring the guitarist’s
old band mate from Colosseum II (and presently with Deep Purple) keyboardist
Don Airey, Moore saunters through the horn-laden opener “Midnight Blues”
and the strutting “Texas Strut” — a clear indication that Moore
can adhere to any style. After sliding through “Moving On,” he duets
with Albert Collins on “Cold Cold Feeling” and “The Blues Is
Alright,” then absolutely kills with a crying, no-holds barred every-technique-in-the-book
“The Messiah Will Come Again.”
We advance five years later to find Moore supporting his album Blues
For Greeny, dedicated to Fleetwood Mac founding guitarist Peter Green.
This 11-song set opens with “If You Be My Baby” “Long Grey Mare”
and “Merry-Go-Round” — all Green compositions. From there, he
covers Freddie King’s “The Stumble” as well as an unbelievable “The
Sky Is Crying.” Of course, the crowd explodes with the perfect reading
of Moore’s big hit, “Still Got The Blues For You.”
The second DVD covers the remaining shows from 1997, 1999 and 2001. First,
we see a more rocking and stylish Moore, clad in a bright yellow shirt, granny
sunglasses and a big red hollow-body guitar. “One Fine Day” and “Cold
Wing Blows” showcase Moore’s playing as well as bassist Guy Pratt’s backing
vocals. Tunes like “I’ve Found My Love In You” and “Always There
For You” are almost contemporary AOR with the soft, arpeggio keyboard work
from Magnus Fiennes.
In1999, Moore returned to the blues with a chunky “Oh Pretty Woman”
and “Too Tired.” He also played the Bossa Nova flavored “I Loved
Another Woman,” along with “Further On Up The Road,” at a real
movin’ pace. The eight-song set from 2001 sees us in both blues and rock territory
with “You Upset Me Baby,” a real loud and rockin’ “Stormy Monday,”
a little stop-and-go treatment on “Walking By Myself,” and a true
treat, a blistering note-for-note cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.”
The CD is an 11-song compilation featuring select songs from the two DVDs.
As with most of the footage that has been released from Montreux, the direction,
editing and camera work on this set are first rate, with more emphasis on the
players than those annoying audience reaction shots. You are right there with
Moore’s long fingers pushing, bending and working. All the more reason to jump
in feet first, whether you know Gary Moore’s work or not, and dig into a truly
superb The Definitive Montreux Collection.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
