Celebrating his final years, BMG reissue four titles from celebrated guitarist Gary Moore's catalogue, in studio albums 'Old New Ballads Blues', 'Close As You Get', and 'Bad For You Baby', along with the live album 'Live at Bush Hall'.
Following a period of experimentation where he dabbled in EDM for the underrated, but ill-advised ‘A Different Beat’ [1999] and formed his own supergroup Scars [2002], Gary Moore once again hit the reset button. It's this era that the latest batch of BMG reissues from the Moore catalogue focuses on; specifically the years 2006 - 2008, where the Belfast-born player went well and truly back to the blues.
Released in 2006, ‘Old New Ballads Blues’ features a number of standards and newly written material, in a similar the vein to his defining ‘Still Got the Blues’ [1990]. This is Moore at his purest, with the likes of the excellent 'Midnight Blues' showcasing his most understated side, while 'Ain't Nobody' adds funk, and 'Gonna Rain Today', tender soul. The blazing solo at the end of his take on Willie Dixon's 'You Know My Love' meanwhile tells you all you need to know about why he's is so revered as a player.
Following a year later, 'Close As You Get' saw him reuniting with former Thin Lizzy bandmate Brian Downey for this aptly-titled, raw, stripped back set. From the dirty chords, fuzzy bass and straightforward Downey beat of 'If The Devil Made Whisky', it's clear that this is a real no-frills affair. A jaunty cover of Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Eyesight to the Blind', along with the seductive 'Evening' and the tender 'I Had a Dream' rank among the highlights here.
Seventeen solo albums in, 'Bad For You Baby' [2007] would be the final album released during Gary's lifetime [he sadly passed away in 2011]. Though leaning toward the hard-rock-infused blues style he had embraced in previous years, it's a much more varied release than the others here; from the swing of the title track to the funk of 'Umbrella Man'. Moore's trademark aggressive soloing style returns too, and he's in remarkable form.
Finally, 'Live at Bush Hall' captures an intimate invitation-only show from 2007's 'Close As You Get' run. With Brian Downey on drums, Lizzy’s 'Don’t Believe a Word' gets an outing, and it's a joy to hear Moore in full flight in close confines on classics such as 'Still Got the Blues' and 'Walking By Myself'.
This period captures Gary Moore at his most authentic and emotionally resonant, reaffirming his deep connection to the blues after years of stylistic exploration. Together, these releases not only highlight a return to his roots, but also stand as a fitting testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most passionate and accomplished guitarists of his generation.
All four are released on 24th April 2026 on CD and double LP.
Order here.
Released in 2006, ‘Old New Ballads Blues’ features a number of standards and newly written material, in a similar the vein to his defining ‘Still Got the Blues’ [1990]. This is Moore at his purest, with the likes of the excellent 'Midnight Blues' showcasing his most understated side, while 'Ain't Nobody' adds funk, and 'Gonna Rain Today', tender soul. The blazing solo at the end of his take on Willie Dixon's 'You Know My Love' meanwhile tells you all you need to know about why he's is so revered as a player.
Following a year later, 'Close As You Get' saw him reuniting with former Thin Lizzy bandmate Brian Downey for this aptly-titled, raw, stripped back set. From the dirty chords, fuzzy bass and straightforward Downey beat of 'If The Devil Made Whisky', it's clear that this is a real no-frills affair. A jaunty cover of Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Eyesight to the Blind', along with the seductive 'Evening' and the tender 'I Had a Dream' rank among the highlights here.
Seventeen solo albums in, 'Bad For You Baby' [2007] would be the final album released during Gary's lifetime [he sadly passed away in 2011]. Though leaning toward the hard-rock-infused blues style he had embraced in previous years, it's a much more varied release than the others here; from the swing of the title track to the funk of 'Umbrella Man'. Moore's trademark aggressive soloing style returns too, and he's in remarkable form.
Finally, 'Live at Bush Hall' captures an intimate invitation-only show from 2007's 'Close As You Get' run. With Brian Downey on drums, Lizzy’s 'Don’t Believe a Word' gets an outing, and it's a joy to hear Moore in full flight in close confines on classics such as 'Still Got the Blues' and 'Walking By Myself'.
This period captures Gary Moore at his most authentic and emotionally resonant, reaffirming his deep connection to the blues after years of stylistic exploration. Together, these releases not only highlight a return to his roots, but also stand as a fitting testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most passionate and accomplished guitarists of his generation.
All four are released on 24th April 2026 on CD and double LP.
Order here.