DEEP PURPLE IN CONCERT

My first Deep Purple review..dedicated to Gminer, the ultimate Blackmore fanatic, who got me to look past Machine Head and see that early Deep Purple was quite progressive several years ago. I had pulled this out earlier and was curious to see how it had been reviewed Wow! Surprised this hadn't been added yet considered I'm at best a casual Deep Purple fan. Anyway.. it's added ...and what a complement to Made in Japan this album is.

The album is a double CD set of over 2 hours of Deep Purple mk 2 in concert from BBC radio broadcasts in 1970 four months before their 'breakthrough' album 'In Rock' . The second album was also a BBC broadcast, now of course Deep Purple were one of rock biggest acts. Both as you expect of radio broadcasts are of very high quality.

The first show recorded early in the life of Mk. 2 when the set list still consisted of Mk. 1 warhorses is the real gem here. The Hammond and guitar duels between Lord and Blackmore are worth the price of the whole set alone, and a view into the prog nature of the group during the period of the late 60's before Lord was usurped as primary musical leader by Blackmore. My favorite of the two disks for the shear progressive nature of the music.

The second show is a nice companion of sorts to all of us who, like the good rock fans that wer are, all have a copy of Made in Japan. The performances are less frantic yet more tight. This album is noteworthy for having live versions of two Machine Head songs which were done only for this one show's occasion live. Maybe I'm a Leo and Never Before. As the first disk sound qualty is excellent ...the performances incredible yet different in subtle ways from the well known Made in Japan album. A fabulous show from a group on top of the world and playing before a home crowd in London's Paris Theater. Having taken a break from a headlining U.S. tour. Highly highly recommended.

As far as rating these.. one of the easier ones I've rated. 5 stars for me.. some GREAT instrumental interplay and fabulous solos..

for the site... 4 stars as well since there seems to be a school of thought that Deep Purple is not prog . This album may help those ...see the error of their ways...

Michael (aka micky)