Overview: Released on Eagle Rock Entertainment, 'Gary Moore - Live at Montreux 2010' is the very last live performance in the life of acclaimed guitarist/singer/songwriter Gary Moore. recorded at the infamous 44th Montreux Jazz Festival (somewhere between July 2nd to the17th in 2010), it is a return to rock form for the guitar great.

Blu ray Verdict: Indeed, and sadly, 'Gary Moore - Live at Montreux 2010' was to be the very last live performance in the life of the acclaimed guitarist/singer/songwriter. And luckily, for the most part, 'Live At Montreux 2010' brings us a major return-to-rock for the musician who spent (too many) years exploring the blues.

Indeed, it's been suggested that in the last days of his life, Moore, who died on February 6th of this year, was working on a new rock album. Which would explain the wondrous inclusion of three never-before-released songs that he debuted for the Montreux audience.

Anyway, as Gary Moore quietly takes up residence stage right you instantly notice his weight gain. Not just what is (obviously) residing underneath his leather jacket (as, well, there is a LOT more of Moore under there at this stage), but moreover in his face. With guitar soon slung over his shoulder, a flowery silk rich purple shirt underneath, atop trademark blue jeans, he thanks the huge applause the audience gives him with a nod and a wave. Asking them "Are you ready?", we're then straight into the rock opera, and one of my personal favorites, 'Over The Hills And Far Away.' What I LOVE about this live Montreux show is that it captures Moore's rock tracks live. Barely any blues licks and curves to be found, it is pure Moore, pure rock, pure brilliance.

Now, admittedly, even as HUGE a Gary Moore fan as I am, his vocals on this recording are not the best. His guitar work is out of control, spot on, never faltering, but even so, some words are dropped, lyrics are overshadowed by guitars, and some vocals sound cracked. To the extent that when he knows he cannot make the note like he used to, be noticeably jerks his head back away from the mic. Normally this would leave a trailing echo of the vocal, but here it just cuts all vocals out instantly! Anyway, moving on and we next get 'Thunder Rising' (a song NOT included on the CD of this recording) and then 'Military Man,' a song that literally pounds out the speakers!

On 'Days of Heroes,' one of those aforementioned new never-before-released songs, after introducing it Moore rips another guitar-perfect track for them. Another new cut, 'Where Are You Now' is next, and coupled with an opening guitar sway reminiscent of 'Parisienne Walkways,' the slow song is not bad. Not overly good, as he gets drowned out by the guitars, but not that bad. Close-ups of his face should have been banned by now though as he just looks so, well, in truth, overly fat. Continuing the strong, yet subtle guitar-orchestrated operas, we then get a 12 minute 'So Far Away'/'Empty Rooms' blend that gets everyone back into their Moore comfort zone.

Then comes the last of the three new tracks, 'Oh Wild One,' which actually sounds more like an old Thin Lizzy outtake! Which makes sense as Moore was in and out of Lizzy back in the day like a yoyo! And, quite unlike any of the other songs sung tonight he looks like he is smiling his way through it! The truly great 'Blood of Emeralds' is next with the heavy-on-1980s rock show continuing on with the brilliant 'Out In The Fields.'

With a stage line-up featuring Moore on Vocals and Guitar, Neil Carter on Keyboards and Guitars, Jonathan Noyce on Bass, and Darrin Mooney on Drums, the guys then give us anothr not-included-on-the CD cut, 'Still Got The Blues.' Moore then asks the crowd if they are ready to sing tonight before delivering the barnstorming, and easily the best song on this live album, 'Walking By Myself.' An impressive 'Johnny Boy' (a song that first appeared on Wild Frontier) is next, before the CD wraps with a stunning, glorious, lush 'Parisienne Walkways.' Bathed in purple light, save for the bright red spot that beems brightly behind him, he prowls the stage delivering the known chords; facially grimacing each and every note out as if his soul depended on it.

A true performer that will be so missed, the Blu rays comes with the Bonus Tracks (recorded in 1997) of: 'One Good Reason,' 'Oh Pretty Woman,' 'Still Got The Blues,' and 'Walking By Myself.' This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.66:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.