DEEP PURPLE IN CONCERT

Deep Purple - Deep Purple in Concert (1980) * (recorded in 1970 & 1972)

First of all, I'm reviewing the original 1980 double vinyl which has quite some differences from the later 2cd release. Mainly the jams are a bit shorter and Meybe I'm a Leo isn't printed on the vinyl.

Deep Purple is British hard-rock band that with it's guts and brilliant musicianship entered progressive rock territories by accident. The band's improvisational skills on stage are unmatched even today and the solo performances of some of the band-members are really experimental. The song-writing is that of an almost too intelligent rock'n roll band, that stayed loyal to it's rockin' principles.

This double album features two concerts of perhaps the most fertile period of the band. The second line-up of Blackmore, Gillan, Lord, Paice and Glover is perceived by many as 'the classic' Deep Purple line-up. I can't deny I'm one of those. Furthermore, it's nice to read that Simon Robinson (who wrote a story for the back of the record) called Deep Purple "one of the top progressive rock groups in the country", referring to Deep Purple '70 - '72. Well, no- one can disturb are party now!

On the first record we get to listen to a gig, recorded February 1970 at the BBC studios. The band's in the mood of 'In Rock' its explicit guitar experimentation, heavy sound and legendary energy. Speed King has a nice psychedelic intro and is played with much energy. Ritchie Blackmore, a guitarist which I rate as one of the highest of rock-history, does a brilliant job and vocalist Ian Gillan is as rough as on the album. His vocal performances, with the recognizable high pitched screams that remind us of how serious, theatrical an affair hard rock can be. I'm overjoyed by finally having a good live version of the instrumental 'Wring that Neck', a great hard rock'roll track that shows how great these musicians were. The long solo section on the end with some interesting progressive solo performances of Jon Lord on (distorted) organ and Blackmore on the great sounding stratocaster guitar. The version of Child in Time is great, but less essential due it's already great registration for the Made in Japan live album. Mandrake Root is a great hard rock tune, well played. My only complaint is that the song-writing/composition of this last song of the set is not as original as that of the other tracks.

On the second record we take a leap of time towards March 1972 at the Paris Theater London. This set has more in common with before mentioned Made In Japan record. Only Never Before (a good rocker) and Lucille (originally written by Little Richard) are new songs. Other tracks like Highway Star, Lazy and Space Truckin' are played very well and Strange Kind of Woman even has a vocal-guitar battle in it. A great gig by one of the best live acts ever, but not as refreshing as that of the BBC studios.

Conclusion. This is indeed an excellent addition to any rock, prog or whatever-you-have collection. Deep Purple is a great live-band and it's rough experimental mood makes this an attractive record for collectors of progressive music. This live-album has much in common with Made in Japan, but the first record has great recordings of 'In Rock'-era Deep Purple that I would want to miss! Furthermore, the band doesn't just play it's songs - the versions of the songs are recognizably different from that of MIJ. Four very bright stars!