Blues Rocker Gary Moore & Colome Estate Malbec

Tonight I’d like to introduce you to a not-so-well-known blues rock guitarist, namely Gary Moore. Moore grew up in east Belfast and started performing at a young age, having picked up an acoustic at the age of eight. Moore learned to play a right-handed instrument in the standard way despite being left-handed. His early musical influences were Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, all of whom shaped his own characteristic blues-rock style.

While somewhat less known in the US, Moore's work has had substantial success and acclaim in many other parts of the world, most notably Europe. Many well known guitarists have acknowledged his influence on their playing including Joe Bonamassa, Randy Rhoads, and Kirk Hammett. He’s collaborated with a wide range of artists that include George Harrison, Albert Collins, Trilok Gurtu, Jim Capaldi, the Beach Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce. He first came to my attention when I heard him play with Bruce. He’s got a varied style, but through it all he’s a rocking blues man. Hope you enjoy him!

Still got the blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuAVHHRlxLg&feature=fvst

Whiskey in the jar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgJnqAx5N9Y&feature=fvst

The boys are back in town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97DM-xFBj48&feature=channel

Parisienne walkaway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrz00Rs7mbA&feature=channel 

Red House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXYjEMTQRm0

The Loner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3-TgDjcBL0

The Stumble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0nKJFVVoYM&feature=related

Hurricane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJP4tdlImI&feature=related

Military man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_WpP6SQINE&feature=related

After the war: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdZ2Iz1CuMc&feature=related

Ready for love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKILtIiTMW4&feature=related

Crying in the shadows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7duAoNQrCc&feature=related

The sky is crying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls4XhI8zmsU&feature=related

And to accompany Gary, I recommend a 2008 Colome Estate Malbec from Argentina, number 66 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2010 ($20.00). This is a rich wine with a deep, dark magenta color, notes of blackberries, plum, and pepper on the nose followed by flavors of dark berries, cassis and spice. Subtle French oak and toast flavors compliment the fruit with a long round finish. Great for drinking on a cold winter night…or any night and beautifully augments the music of Gary Moore. Enjoy!

Cheers!