🎸 Gary Moore – Blues for Greeny (1995)
Released in 1995, Blues for Greeny is a tribute blues album by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore, dedicated to Peter Green, the legendary founder of Fleetwood Mac and one of Moore’s key influences.
This album stands out in Moore’s catalog as a pure blues-rock project, featuring reinterpretations of Peter Green classics and showcasing Moore’s emotive guitar phrasing, tone, and deep respect for traditional blues.
📀 Album Credits
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Artist: Gary Moore
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Title: Blues for Greeny
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Type: Studio album
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Released: 1995
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Label: Charisma / Virgin Records
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Producer: Gary Moore
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Recorded at: Olympic Studios, London
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Genre: Blues rock, electric blues
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Length: 54:00
Personnel:
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Gary Moore: guitars, lead vocals
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Nicky Hopkins: keyboards
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Mo Foster: bass
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Graham Walker: drums
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Albert Collins: guest guitar and vocals on select tracks
The album is a faithful yet personal reinterpretation of Peter Green’s music, emphasizing expressive guitar work and classic blues feel.
🎶 Tracklist
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The Supernatural – 3:50
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Albatross – 3:40
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Man of the World – 4:35
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Before the Beginning – 3:20
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The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown) – 5:20
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Stop Messin’ Round – 3:45
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Rattlesnake Shake – 4:50
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Oh Well (Part 1) – 4:25
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Oh Well (Part 2) – 3:50
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Need Your Love So Bad – 5:05
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Albatross (Reprise) – 3:45
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Man of the World (Live Bonus Track) – 5:35
The album includes instrumental and vocal interpretations of Peter Green classics, blending Moore’s style with Green’s original sensibility.
🎸 Notable Songs
🔥 “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown)”
One of Peter Green’s darkest compositions, Moore’s version features sustained, wailing guitar tones, emphasizing emotional intensity and blues-rock power.
🎶 “Albatross”
A melodic instrumental originally by Fleetwood Mac, Moore reinterprets it with lush guitar phrasing and reverent tone, maintaining the song’s dreamy atmosphere.
🎵 “Man of the World”
Moore delivers a heartfelt vocal performance, coupled with soulful, expressive solos, capturing the melancholy of Green’s original.
💖 “Oh Well”
Split into two parts, Moore’s version blends blues-rock riffs with improvisational solos, highlighting his technical skill while staying true to Green’s vision.
🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia
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🎸 Tribute Album: The album was recorded as a personal homage to Peter Green, who inspired Moore’s early guitar style.
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🔊 Guitar Tone: Moore used a 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Greeny” guitar, formerly owned by Peter Green, to capture authentic tone and feel.
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📀 Guest Musicians: Nicky Hopkins (keyboards) and Mo Foster (bass) contributed to creating a rich, full blues-rock sound.
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🎵 Emotional Authenticity: Moore carefully studied Green’s phrasing, bends, and vibrato, making this both a technical and heartfelt tribute.
💡 Did You Know?
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The album’s title, Blues for Greeny, is a direct nod to Peter Green’s nickname “Greeny” and his iconic Les Paul guitar.
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“The Green Manalishi” had previously been performed by Moore live in tribute concerts before the album’s recording.
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Moore considered this album a musical thank-you to Green, acknowledging his influence on Moore’s early blues-rock style.
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The album inspired a new generation of blues guitarists to study and reinterpret Peter Green’s work.
📊 Legacy & Impact
Blues for Greeny is widely regarded as one of Gary Moore’s purest blues albums, bridging his hard rock background with authentic blues reverence. The album is celebrated for:
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Moore’s masterful guitar tone and phrasing
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Faithful yet personal interpretations of Peter Green classics
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A focus on emotion and musicality over commercial appeal
For fans of blues guitar, this album is a must-listen, demonstrating Moore’s deep connection to his musical roots and his ability to honor the legacy of one of the greatest British blues guitarists.
