LIVE AT BUDOKAN

This is an interesting one, following his departure from the mighty Purple, uncle Gillan decided to get away from the harder edged rock, and try his luck with the more sophisticated "jazzy" approach. Most Gillan & Purple fans were cut a'bit off-guard with his venture into the fusion territory. After releasing "Child in Time" (1976); "Clear Air Turbulence" (1977) & "Scarabus" (1977). It was time to return to the famous venue and record a few shows. The latest incarnation of this release (2007) sports a total of 10 tracks. It features the full setlist including "My Baby Loves Me", which had been omitted from the previous releases.

As far as the performance is concerned, it is great! The recording quality, not so much. Even the re-issued version sounds a little muddy, but all in all worth a listen. Some of the most memorable moments for me personally are the somewhat longer, and shall we say "jazzier" versions of: "Money Lender", "Child In Time" but especially the Purple classic "Smoke On The Water" which clocks just under 10 minutes!