CONCERTO FOR GROUP AND ORCHESTRA

By 1969, no rock band could play at the Royal Albert Hall. Deep Purple was the hand opening the door. Furthermore, many members of the orchestra were not into "non-classic music". Malcolm Arnold was an open-minded influence to all.

Ok, but, what about the concert itself? I will be quick and direct: in this album, you may see the 2 entities: the group and the orchestra. They play together and separate, as a duel. It's very interesting, because you won't see those things in any other orchestrated rock album! This is an unique experience. I know some people will hate it this aspect, but I think it is different and unique.

But the best in here is the guitar solo in the first movement! OH MY GOD!!!!!!! To me, this is the best guitar solo ever!!!! You are not supposed to agree with me, but that's my oppinion! The sound they made... a funky swing, with amazing powerful drums and a marked bass-line set the fire on the stage! Beyond that, we find an amazing drum solo from Paice!

Downsides: Gillan sings in only 2 short parts... he seems a special guest instead a group's frontman! A shame! Lord had lost the opportunity to make an even brighter work!

4 stars because it's unique, different; because of that funky part in which there's the greatest guitar solo I've ever heard and because of the Lord's audacity! What a great composer he was (there's no much rock-players capable of write those things nowadays)! This album is a gem!

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