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“We’ve got a chance now to do a few things that we don’t normally get to do…the chance to do a few things that have never been done before, and also a few rare ones that we haven’t done for a long time, both from my catalogue and Deep Purple stuff.”..and he wasn’t kidding. Alongside Purple staples like ‘Strange Kind Of Woman’, ‘Smoke On The Water’, ‘Hush’ and ‘Black Night’, there are nuggets like ‘Razzle Dazzle’ from Purple’s 2003 album ‘Bananas’ (“We haven’t done that for a long time, ever in fact!”), ‘Anya’ from the aptly named Purple album ‘The Battle Rages On’, as well as solo tracks like ‘Hang Me Out To Dry’ from the ‘Toolbox’ album and the magical ‘A Day Late ‘N’ A Dollar Short’ from 1997’s ‘Dreamcatcher’ album. Gillan is having a blast as he dusts off the cobwebs from these deeper cuts, as well as a few choice covers. The rendition of the traditional prison work song ‘Ain’t No More Can On The Brazos’ is spine chilling. The roots of the track can be traced back to the ‘50’s, and is sometimes attributed to Leadbelly. Gillan covered it for his 1990 ’Naked Thunder’ solo album, here, in all it’s near-eight minute glory, it’s a memorable moment in time. Prior to this, Gillan calls up his daughter (and backing vocalist) Grace Gillan for an all-too brief run through of the blues gem ‘You’re Gonna Ruin Me Baby’. It’s not just the unassuming Ian Gillan though, the tour also featured The Don Airey Band alongside Gillan, as well as a local orchestra each night. First things first, the band are amazing. Airey has filled the vital role of wingman in many bands for decades now, and plays a key role within, the still-thriving, Deep Purple. The band that he has assembled is top-notch; Simon McBride on guitar, Laurence Cottle on bass, drummer Jon Finnigan (who is on the end of some good natured ribbing from Gillan about the football results!), and three incredible backing vocalists in (the afore-mentioned) Grace Gillan, Jaques Verhaeren and none other than Avantasia/Exit Eden/Kiske-Somerville vocal powerhouse – Amanda Somerville. McBride is a revelation, it must be difficult performing some of the most famous guitar riffs ever, without actually overplaying them. It’s a sublime performance with heaps of restraint. Special mention should also go to Stephen Bentley-Klein who conducts the orchestra(s) each night with great aplomb. ‘Strange Kind Of Woman’ shouldn’t work with a brass section, but it certainly does here, how about ‘Perfect Strangers’ with an orchestra? Yes please, and thank you very much. You can always count on earMUSIC for a lovingly created memento, and this is no exception. Some incredible examples of a seasoned, legendary performer thinking outside the box and giving his fans something other than the bog standard classics. Available now through earMUSIC, more information here. REview – Dave]]>
