In his lifetime, Gary Moore fans tended to split between those who grew up on his rockier material in the 1980s and those who after 1990 followed his bluesman career as he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Albert King and BB King.

What emerges from this first posthumous compilation is the picture of a very fine guitar player and songwriter who could - chameleon like - turn his hand to any genre and pretty much make it work.

If there are no surprises here, it is a welcome reminder of the artist and first half highlights include Moore's rendition of Free's 'Wishing Well', 'Hold On To Love', the exquisite 'Separate Ways' and the instrumental powerhouse 'The Loner'.

The inclusion of the rare single 'Beast Of Burden' is welcome, but overall this is a trawl of the low hanging-fruit in a period from 1992-1997 whilst Moore was contracted to Virgin/EMI. Some tracks are single edits.

The second CD highlights some of his better-known rock material including 'Over The Hills And Far Away' and 'Wild Frontier' but 'Dark Days In Paradise' reminds us of one of his less successful experiments with electronic beats. Although not documented in the liner notes, most live tracks appear to be from the 'Live In Japan' released in 1986. A live version of 'Parisienne Walkways', recorded in 1993, rounds things out.

Of course, we do need a comprehensive boxed set that sweeps up Gary Moore's band work and the inevitable outtakes and sessions. But until then 'Legacy' is still a fine memorial.

****

Review by David Randall

David presents 'Assume The Position' on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT