Deep Purple = 1 (Ear Music)

 

Deep Purple returns with its first post pandemic studio album, and a new guitar player.  Simon McBride replaces Steve Morse, and adds more of a heavier edge to Purple’s music.  At first glance, the album’s title and the cover offer no mysticism Deep Purple were known for in the past.  Luckily, the music speaks volumes, and there is plenty to be attracted to inside.

Forty years ago, Deep Purple, reformed and released, Perfect Strangers, one of the finest reunion albums of all times.  So how does = 1 mirror against a monster that was Perfect Strangers?  It’s a good album, it will not set the world on fire, but it will please band’s long-time fans, and there are many.  What’s really cool is that Deep Purple is still willing to be creative and record new music.  They have enough great material to have a live setlist stretching at least for four hours, and they only play for about 90-100 minutes on average.  Many of their contemporaries threw in the towel, and stick to being only a live attraction.

The artistry of the band is still very evident, the new songs are creative and somewhat adventurous.  There are some reminders the sounds and the melodies of the past.  One such  example would be Portable Door and Pictures of Home, but that’s what you get when you develop a definite style.  There is also that gentler side of Deep Purple that’s been evolving over the last few decades.  It seems like Gillan and Glover’s Accidentally on Purpose is as much of a template as let’s say Machine Head.  It’s a fair mix, and definitely a pleasant listen.  Now You’re Talkin’ even has Gillan reaching out for his higher register which he no longer uses on regular basis.

Guitar and keyboards were always two primal sounds in Deep Purple.  Don Airey definitely drives things here.  His performance is actually superb throughout the entire album.  He is definitely understanding the roots of Deep Purple, and Jon Lord’s approach to music in general.  Simon McBride is truly a powerful player, has a style of his own, but there are moments where he gets close to Steve Morse or even Ritchie Blackmore.  McBride occasionally comes across being able to build up that Blackmore feel without having that definite Blackmore touch.  His playing is convincing and sincere.  He makes Deep Purple a band again, and sometimes that in itself is the name of success.

= 1 is really a fun album, and it gets better with each listen, there are a lot of hidden melodies.   It’s a very grown-up sounding record, and reflects the ages of all involved.  Also, it proves that you can create this sort of magic regardless of your age.  Having grown up alongside the music, this writer understands the process perfectly and appreciates the effort.  Will this be the last statement from Deep Purple?  Time will show, and at this point of the game time is the only currency that counts.  So, how to answer the question asked three paragraphs ago?  Perfect Strangers was definitely a shot in the dark, whereas = 1 is a walk in the park. 

Mark Kadzielawa

Renaissance – Tuscany (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Tuscany marked a big return for Renaissance in 2001.  Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford, and Terence Sullivan came back together and created this wonderful album.  Mickey Simmonds of Fish fame was featured on keyboards.  There were also guest appearances from John Tout, and the legendary Roy Wood.

All was good in the Renaissance camp.  The album was strong, and the response to it was rather favorable.  It was a little bit of an underground affair, but the long-time fans were certainly pleased with the outcome.  In 2001, it was a bit difficult to sell symphonic rock, but as the years went by, the band was able to attract many new fans. 

Renaissance was always a very unique group, it was an acquired taste, but once you understood what this band was all about, it was difficult not to enjoy what they do.  Tuscany is a very carefully put together record.  The attention to detail here is simply incredible.  Annie Haslam still sang beautifully, and Michael Dunford wrote great material.  It’s definitely an album that connects Renaissance with their best moments from the 1970s. 

In addition to Tuscany, this box includes a live album titled In the Land of the Rising Sun-Live in Japan 2001.  It’s a live recording from the Tuscany tour during s small Japanese venture, after which the group once again disbanded.  The live album documents a moment in time, as this reunion was great, but short lived.  Also, Land of the Rising Sun went out of print, and is no longer available. 

The idea of this box is a great one.  It sums up the Tuscany project and subsequent tour in one location.  Of course, there is an illustrated booklet that goes into details about the time in which this music was created and recorded.  If you missed out on either release, this is the time to get up to date.  This is beautifully done, and goes well with other Renaissance releases from Esoteric Recordings.

Mark Kadzielawa

Stackridge – The Forbidden City – Live (Esoteric Recordings)

 

This is a live recording of 2007 concert recorded in Bath, England.  Originally released as a DVD, now upgraded to a 2CD/DVD set.  It is indeed a very special reunion by a band that made some great music, never quite reached the superstardom, but left a lasting impression with the fans.  If you are new to Stackrigde, their sound can be described as progressive rock with some folky and burlesque elements.  A very intriguing group indeed.

This concert celebrates all Stackridge had accomplished during their original run from 1969 to 1976, and their second orbit that began in 1999.  Their songs often require orchestration, and such instruments are featured here to give the tracks a full glow.  The songs are still charming, and have a certain personality.  Sometimes they are being sung in a character that requires a special voice, and that makes them stand apart.

At times, the use of violin gives Stackridge that American country edge, but it does sound very tasty, and adds character to the songs.  What’s really cool about this concert is the variety of material performed.  At times, it’s hard to believe one band did all of this, but they did, and we can only enjoy the results.  Stackridge definitely come from an interesting time in rock music.

The Forbidden City can be enjoyed through your ears and eyes.  The DVD reflects exactly what’s on the cds, but there is a cool interview feature with the band members.  All of this is very nicely packaged in a CD sized box.  There is also a very nice booklet with photos, and liner notes.  If you are a Stackridge aficionado, this is a treasure trove, if you’re don’t know the band but are intrigued by what you read, it could be a great starting point.

Mark Kadzielawa

Peter Baumann – Phase by Phase -The Virgin Albums (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Peter Baumann came to fame as one of the members of Tangerine Dream.  He was definitely present during most creative phase of the band, which would be the 1970s.  This box however focuses on his solo output.  Namely the three solo albums he wrote and recorded for Virgin Records.  The box includes Romance 76, Trans Harmonic Nights, and Repeat Repeat.  It covers the years from 1977 to 1981.  It is worth noting that Peter Baumann left Tangerine Dream back in 1977, and this set pretty much covers what he did next. 

From the first listen it is easy to tell that Baumann was a huge part of Tangerine Dream.  He has his specific sound that is very evident here.  What changes here is the overall structure and feel.  While Romance 76 and Trans Harmonic Nights relate more to what Baumann was known for, Repeat Repeat is a departure.  Let’s keep in mind that album was released in 1981, and the musical climate was changing drastically, especially in how keyboards and electronic instruments were being applied.  Repeat Repeat has that new wave feel, and what you can see here is an artist discovering a new territory, and wanting to experiment.  Some may find it limiting, and disappointing, but after all wasn’t Tangerine Dream all about experimenting and moving forward?

When you listen to each CD in a row, you feel certain build up that may or may not be obvious when listening on individual disc basis.  In some ways, there is a balance in what Baumann did, and how he viewed the music.  If you grew up with him during his Tangerine Dream years, this set completed the circle, and you witness a natural progression, or observe a brand-new path developing. 

Phase by Phase is beautifully packaged, and it is done with a collector in mind.  There is nothing to dislike or complain about here.  A music to challenge your mind to, served with class and splendor.

Mark Kadzielawa