Gary Moore: Live at Montreux 2010

Although not well known in the U.S., the late Gary Moore built a solid reputation on the other side of the pond, where stints with Thin Lizzy and other bands, coupled with a long solo career, earned him guitar-hero status. Moore had been making blues records for several years before this 2010 gig, but for this 13-song concert, he returned to the Celtic rock style of his '80s heyday; in fact, the only blues tune here is the Jimmy Rogers chestnut “Walking By Myself.” That's fine, as this material (including “Military Man” and “Parisienne Walkways,” written by or with former cohort Phil Lynott) is surely more interesting than yet another shot of British blooze; some of it recalling the ringing, majestic sound of the Scottish band Big Country and its hot-wired evocation of bagpipes and other traditional instruments. But Moore fans were less interested in his songs and singing (which ranges from adequate to awful) than his playing, which remained strong until the end. Moore and his Les Paul produce a loud, piercing sound typical of other hard rock players, but along with the requisite (and impressive) speed, he displays admirable precision and discipline, and his solos are the highlight here. Sadly, Moore died of a heart attack seven months after this gig. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include four bonus performances from 1997. A strong optional purchase. (S. Graham)