British guitarist analyses B.B. King's 'root note' expression live with Gary Moore!

Tonight we're taking a look at a powerhouse double act of Gary Moore and B.B. KIng live in 1992!

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[ianjohnson]

Yesterday I made kind of an off-hand comment that you rule (which you do). I wanted to expand on that a bit: this channel has introduced me to a number of talented musicians who I never would have otherwise listened to. Your easy-going personality, technical knowledge, and patient explanations really make these videos a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[MrDeengels]

FOUND IT!!! This is one of my favorite versions of this song. TWO legends having a conversation with their guitars. So much respect shown to each other it’s amazing to watch two professionals playing with each other and not AT each other. Every note meant something to Gary.

[billyray]

Outstanding!! Two incredible guitar players having a lot of fun!!

[debbeborders]

Loved this performance. They sound great together.

[sandrahammond]

A classic, soul-filled back and forth..love it!

[diannaloveshenry]

Thanks for showing the world this jam! I have no words to express my gratitude !

[gmb]

This is one of my favorite videos; one that I’ve watched many times just to enjoy the groove and to watch the dynamics between two great guitar players. Everything starts out “normal;” B.B. King comes out and begins to do his thing. Gary plays the theme underneath B.B.’s singing solo. Then as they begin their duet all seems calm until B.B. hits his first “ping.” Gary comes right back at him with the same ping! B.B turns to the audience with an expression of “what’s this?” The game is on from there.


It dawns on B.B. that Gary is laying out a competing version of the melody that is resolving with B.B. At first B.B. is put off by it and then he finds Gary’s groove and they take off together. Appreciating where Gary is coming from, B.B. begins to “talk back” in harmony with Gary’s counterpoint. A meeting of the minds takes place resulting in a unique and delicious “back and forth” that is totally spontaneous.


As you said Fil, Gary brings the “weight” of all that is intricate in the melody while B.B. counters with his superb minimalism. Both Gary and B.B. find the key to “tell the story” and take liberties to be playful to increase the joyfulness of the song. Underneath the good nature of the duel, B.B. is keenly aware that Gary is about to play him off the stage by dominating B.B.’s subtlety with Gary’s power.

Time and necessity prevented you from showing the end of the video. B.B. is gracious and cordial with Gary then takes his leave off stage. The camera catches an expression on B.B.’s face as he looks back that can only mean “what the <blank> just happened?” Clearly, he hadn’t expected a guitar duel or one that brought out not only the best in each player, but elevated the song to a much higher plane.

It was around 1992 when Eric Clapton came away from a B.B. King concert and said, “I thought I knew how to play, but after watching B.B. I realize I have so much to learn to become a mature guitar player.” EC was referring to that tone and sound of simple vibrato resolving as you spoke about in B.B.’s phrasing at C4.


Of course, you could listen to any Clapton song in 1992 and quickly identify that “oh, Eric’s playing that.” Fast forward to 2008, a distinct difference is evident on Clapton’s take of “Double Trouble” to a 1986 version of the same song, or in contrast to a song like “Tearing Us Apart.” The maturity and depth have a very strong reference to B.B. King.


Why such a radical change? It is from one younger guitar player learning from a master that phrasing and resolution create the story, allows the guitar to extend the vocal solo to expand the emotions of the words. In the blues, great guitarists are able to make the dang thing squeal and howl, cry and scream its pain and misery. B.B. King emoted the same story but in a more solemn and decorous manner. The pain was there but B.B. invited the listener to apply it to their own lives in the midst of the music.

It’s tragic that Gary Moore didn’t receive the earned recognition and commercial popularity that many of his contemporaries did. This video more than showed that Gary “had the chops” to create brilliant harmonies with rugged resolutions. His playing lent more to distorting his resolutions. My opinion is that Gary “overdid” some of his runs into complex spaces that his audience didn’t always follow. Of course, I plead guilty that my preference is for the clean lines of B.B. King, but that may be a function of my own gray hair.

As always Fil, a tremendous analysis in your excellent series.

[lynndow]

ahhh, can't wait. You have made me such a big Gary Moore fan and with B.B. King!!! (But, I am waiting through the adverts...on principle.) Sublime, it was sublime. Thanks!

[Mycroftsbrother]

One of my favorite vids of all time. RIP gentlemen.

[SKB]

Like they are having a conversation and I’m privileged to be listening in!
Thanks for another spot on analysis! 🎸🔥

[capt.ricksparrow]

Gary Moore is on my top 5 list. For whatever reason his playing reached me more so than anyone else’s. It was so beautiful.

[jeaniechowdury]

Oh this was You always help us appreciate and love our favorite musics more!! Thank you!!

[oldmankell]

Two of the greatest giving us something to remember them by!

[woody]

2 giants pushing each other.
This is badass

[sharonmuzik]

What a great clip! I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Fil!

[TomasWildViking]

I don't know how often I've watched this performance but it always puts a smile on my face and in my heart. Such a dynamic musical conversation between the two masters.

Gary had such a diverse style and, usually, a rather fast technique. But here there was no need for fireworks, only having a friendly fireside chat with one of his all time favourite musicians. BB of course played his classic style with singular note dynamics and you never felt that he overdid it. And his facial expressions made this all the more entertaining to watch.

A couple of incredible musicians having a good time. What a treat. Big thumbs up Fil

[PKPK]

Thanks, Fil! I've not seen that video before. Love the call and response here--fantastic! And your insights are a pleasure as well.

[loisenochs]

Fil. Thank you for your work and knowledge. Love watching you . ROCK

[KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Thank you, Fil. This was a joy to watch and hear.

[pamnichols]

Two double shots of a royal flush just in time to hear these two guitars singing and dancing together. Love this Fil! It’s ok to slow it all down. ❤️