Jesse Moore is a local icon, if I may be permitted to use that overused term. Whether he is performing with a band, a duet (as he did recently with guitarist Chip Wilson), or solo, you know you are going to get your money’s worth of great music. On this CD he is performing solo, with the one exception of “You’re Not My Baby” that he did with Wilson sitting in during one of the two dates last summer when these tracks were recorded. Until recently, Moore held down the Sunday afternoon slot at the Old Point in Algiers and wile there he gathered up a loyal following. All but three of the 14 tracks on this CD are originals with, in most cases, deep, profound lyrics that describe complicated relationships and other introspective musings. “You Won’t Be There” and “Better Off Alone” are two of the best examples of this. Apparently recovered from a painful condition that affected one of his hands, Moore has returned to playing his guitar in addition to singing along in a crisp, confident style with full range of both notes and emotions. There is a nice version of the Arlo Guthrie classic “City of New Orleans” here, and the closer, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition” is a rousing sing-along that puts the musical performance business into its proper perspective. Moore is currently taking a hiatus from performing to focus on his acting and writing, but more than likely, he’ll be back. Let’s hope so.
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Jesse Moore is a poet troubadour with the voice of a nightingale .  In "Live at the Old Point" he brings
us into the joy of a singing crowd and into the magic of completely loving a woman.  But there is more.  In this authentic work  he shows that the time will come when ..."You Won't Be There"...and that we might not want to let it..."Slip Away"...at this stage of his career Jesse Moore not only entertains, he inspires.
Do yourself a favor and listen to "Live at The Old Point several times before you believe you can take it's measure.
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Two of Jesse Moore’s four albums have been rated Top 10 CDs of the Year by New Orleans Times-Picayune. His fourth release, Live at the Old Point, suggests another addition. The 14-track album showcases his powerful live show, complete with quirky onstage banter and audience participation. Often, the best way to determine an artist’s talent is to see him perform live and Live at the Old Point proves this to be true in Moore’s case. 
The soulful New Orleans-based singer/songwriter begins his unplugged performance with eased strumming on acoustic guitar before his southern styled vocals enter. With a slight rasp, he belts the lyrics and in doing so, grabs the listener’s attention right away. His powerful voice commands the stage and the audience is no doubt impressed, as can be heard from their thunderous applause at the track’s close.
“Daddy Did It” follows suit with Moore’s captivating vocals and equally aggressive guitar parts. It is here that he further showcases his versatility as he alternates from deep vocals to a higher register. A darker number, the song details a family’s history with alcohol abuse. As Moore’s voice picks up, so does his guitar playing, further accentuating every lyric sung.
A refreshing change, beautiful ballads “Slip Away,” “Fall in Love” and “You Won’t Be There” slow down the LP. With delicate plucks of the guitar and his steady vocals, Moore aptly lulls the listener into a trance. The steady guitar beat throughout “Fall in Love” blends well with Moore’s wavering vocals while his constant questioning strikes a chord on “You Won’t Be There.” It is on this track that heartache can be heard in his measured singing style.
The fast-paced “Forever” picks things right back up. His aching is masked by the light guitar parts; however it is his familiar vocals and strained singing that convince the listener otherwise. “I don’t believe in forever/I thought that we’d be together forever,” he sings passionately. 
Lucky for Moore, his fate soon changes on “More Than Life Itself.” As a result of his new outlook on love, the track embodies distinct roots fused Southern rock. Unfortunately, he soon realizes he’s better alone, on the appropriate titled “Better Off Alone.” With delicate guitar and descriptive lyrics, Moore’s sorrow is evident. 
While songs like “Top of the Stairs” and “Stranger in the Band” epitomize classic country it comes as no surprise that Moore has a song about the road. Or, as he aptly introduces on “The Road Ain’t Easy,” he says, “Every musician must have a song about the road.”  With rustic vocals he further explains life on the road, all the while he allows the listener to be there with him. 
Afterward, he brings up friend and fellow musician Chip Wilson. Their critically acclaimed collaboration, Wilson and Moore: Side by Side garnered the duo a short list spot for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk album. With a dog barking in the background, the live feel is further transformed on the LP. 
“Alright ladies and gentleman, its blues time,” Moore tells the audience before they break into the soulful “You’re Not My Baby.” With soaring vocals and a Memphis-blues style, the standout number begs for more. Blues and country fans are in luck because the next track only further showcases Moore’s charismatic stage presence. 
“You’ve got to scream out some things for me,” he tells the crowd before he starts the country-infused “Family Tradition.” The twangy Hank Williams Jr. cover has the audience energetically participating while Moore’s wavering vocals transport the listener to a Nashville honky-tonk. 
While Moore’s talent is undeniable on the entirety of Live at the Old Point, it is his faster, upbeat tracks that leave the greatest impact. Whether he’s singing an original or covering a country classic, it is here that he strikes a chord. With a release this strong, there is no doubt that Moore will enter the Top Ten CD list of the year once again.
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