Presenting a live blues radio show sometimes means you get to bring sad news and yesterday it was the sudden death of guitarist Gary Moore (announced at tea time). Neil did a great tribute on STAR ROCK and I took the opportunity to talk a bit about him on STAR BLUES; as well as play some of his music.
Even the most curmudgeonly of purists would concede that Gary's skillful, fluid playing opened up our music to a much wider audience. His 1990 and 1991 albums had guesting blues legends and had him in the vaults for some covers - blues had been a bit in the doldrums ion the 1980s and was just starting to get the imagination of the mainstream - Gary Moore took it onto the next level with exposure on tv, in magazines etc. Imelda May and Seasick Steve get plenty of coverage on Top Gear and the like, I doubt either would get a second thought had it not been for Gary Moore.
Some will have a problem labelling him as blues because he also played rock, jazz and hip hop with the same dexterity and focus on instrumental virtuousity. I chose a rare live tack he did with Albert Collins, a lovely controlled cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Merry Go Round" (using a Gibson guitar that used to belong to Peter Green), and a guest appearance on Otis Taylors last album.
We also had the usual fare including mayhem, tomfoolery, a chain, the piano, some gospel, you me and 1001 blues. Little Miss Higgins showed us her Bargain Store Panties, I broke my toaster listening to JJ Jackson, and we said congrats to Paul Jones' award for "Keeping the Blues Alive" with his moving vocal go at Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". Boo Boo Davis and Roomful of Blues have new albums out and Los Fabulocos has called up Kid Ramos for some exquisite Mexican flavoured cajun music. (I think I just invented a new genre). They did a unique version of "Keep a Knocking" they credited to Little Richard but the current issue of Juke Blues says the song is much older than that.
Guitar Slim used a long lead and the shoulders of his roadie to take his playing into the audience and outside to the street, he also gave us the "1001 blues" song. There's nothing new, just stuff you ain't heard yet. Next Sunday at ten pm, I'll see if I can find some more and it'll be great if you can make it along. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you.
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