By: William Clark
Blues For Jimi has the late Gary Moore channeling Jimi Hendrix in a powerful set of some of Jimi’s greatest tunes. The masterful Moore embraced the Hendrix aura on October 25, 2007, when he stepped on stage at London’s Hippodrome to honor the grand master of the electric guitar.
And doesn’t it make sense that Gary Moore would take the job on, given his rock guitar talents formed from the bedrock of the blues? His dynamic and unrivaled guitar playing has been called a major influence on such respected guitar axe-masters as or such Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, and Randy Rhoads. And Moore gained respect from many quarters when he stood side-by-side with other world-class musicians, ranging from George Harrison to Ozzy Osbourne; from Thin Lizzy to B.B. King.
The show kicked off with the 1967 track, “Purple Haze”, and after Gary manhandles the first few opening riffs, his voice charges out and echoes over the crowd as he does his best to match Jimi’s tempestuous vocal style; and he does a formidable job.
After he shreds his way through a flawless tribute set including “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Red House”, two of the surviving members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell, march onstage. The two Hendrix side-kicks join Gary through the last three songs, making this performance a poignant nod to the days when the Hendrix ruled the the world of guitar.
Eagle Rock Entertainment did a very noteworthy job with respect to this high quality release. The CD edition showcases crisp, clean audio, and the DVD version will make you feel as though you’re planted on stage with members of the band.
Overall, between the exceptional performance by the Gary Moore band and the surprise appearance from two of the original members of Jimi’s groups [Experience and Band of Gypsys], I have to honestly say that Blues For Jimi is a spot on tribute to the man who changed the way the world defined the guitar.
Format: Audio CD
Original Release Date: September 25, 2012
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Tracks:
1) Purple Haze
2) Manic Depression
3) Foxy Lady
4) The Wind Cries Mary
5) I Don’t Live Today
6) My Angel
7) Angel
8) Fire
9) Red House
10) Stone Free
11) Hey Joe
12) Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
