Gary Moore and the 2 Alberts

This post will deal with Gary Moore, and more importantly, his concerts, 2 of which included the late, and so great Albert King, and Albert Collins.

The first time I even heard the jam with Albert King and Gary Moore, I was completely blown away.

However, over the last few years, whenever I've looked at it, I've become less and less of a Gary Moore fan. Gary Moore appears to be the classic guy, technically sound, with amazing speed, loud, and absolutely no soul.

When watching this jam, I was disappointed by the lack of respect for Albert King. He was clearly interested only in blowing the great bluesman off the stage. At the start of the jam, Albert holds his jacket open, to more or less cover Moore's guitar neck, and he really isn't smiling. Some might argue that Albert is "hamming it up". I don't see it that way at all. Throughout the tune, Albert is asking the band to turn it down, and sings covering his ear, because they are too damn loud.

Anyway, in the end, I thought that Moore was only interested in over powering the soulful and fabulous Albert King.

Next up, Albert Collins, and as you would expect, the same thing happens. The good news is that Albert is up to the challenge, and meets Gary at center stage twice, in a gunslinger showdown. Those are truly great moments, both in Caledonia, and Too Tired.

All in all, I think it is a good thing Gary went back to the Rock music scene. He isn't cut out for the blues. While he has the chops, he has precious little else. He has an absolutely ridiculous habit of ending every blues song like it is a rock anthem, running back up to the mic during the finale to repeat the chorus line.

I'm sure his intentions were good at the time, but as for Gary Moore, thanks, but I'll pass.