GARY MOORE – Gary Moore Live – From Baloise Session

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/gary-moore

Often imitated but never surpassed, the sadly missed Gary Moore was one of a kind and his music will continue to inspire and thrill us for many decades to come. Recorded towards the end of 2008 a mere three years before his untimely death at the age of 58, this beautiful live set sees the maestro and his fellow (and immensely talented) band mates tear it up on stage and deliver a robust eight-song set that harbors grit, warmth, and immediacy. 

While not the masterclass in light and shade that the phenomenal Live from London output released posthumously in 2020 is, nor quite as explosive and emotionally charged for that matter, the Baloise Session is nevertheless an impassioned affair that conjures up plenty of exhilarating moments that perfectly display why Moore was the consummate pro who lived and breathed the blues. With Thin Lizzy’s Brian Downey manning the drum stool and adding his deft touch and unique feel to the material, there is an extra dimension to this disc that many other live offerings by Moore are lacking. Just to lose oneself in the heartfelt and reflective rendition of Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” or the emotive version of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” is pure bliss – two obvious standout moments on the album. The cheeky and rather groovy take on Chuck Berry’s “Thirty Days (to Come Back Home)” is a humorous and charming little gem that fits right in too. The CD/LP is what you need, but at least the video counterpart is professionally filmed and captures the vibe of the performance quite nicely.   

It may not contain the edge-of-your-seat excitement that the aforementioned Live from London did, but Baloise Session is undoubtedly a fine and noteworthy addition to the legend’s discography and one that shows that he was still at his fiery best towards the end of his career and as devoted to his craft as ever. There will never be another one like him.