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Stellar musicianship
Deep Purple at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, September 4, 2024; photo: Claude Sawyer.
The Aquarian reviews the September 1 show at the Jones Beach Theater in New York City:
The set included five songs from Deep Purple’s 23rd and most recent studio album, =1. The collection, released just six weeks earlier on July 19, is the first to feature the current cast. Perhaps because these five songs originated from the present team, they sounded as rich and forceful as the four vintage songs from 1972’s Machine Head and the three classic songs from 1970’s Deep Purple in Rock.
Ironically, “Smoke on the Water” was one of the least impressive songs of the set. Some 50 years later, Deep Purple is so much more than that very familiar riff. Now in its seventh decade, Deep Purple is far from over the hill.
Radio station Q105.7 from upstate New York has a short review of the Saratoga Springs show on September 4, dedicating just a paragraph to each of the artists:
Two absolutely legendary Rock and Roll bands shared the stage on Wednesday night in Saratoga. Deep Purple and Yes were both formed in 1968. Both have had considerable personnel changes throughout the past 56 years. The Deep Purple that headlined on Wednesday night was a variation of the “Mark II” version of the band. This version was the most commercially successful incarnation of the band. Original drummer Ian Paice was joined by longtime bass player Roger Glover as the rhythm section. Singer Ian Gillan’s voice hasn’t aged a day. Keyboard player Don Airey impressed with not one, but two keyboard solos. The most recent addition to the Deep Purple family is Irish guitarist Simon McBride. Following after the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Joe Satriani and Steve Morse might seem like a daunting task, but McBride more than fills the shoes of those who came before him. His blistering solos were the highlight of the night.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
“Arnold from Liverpool” – introducing George Harrison Downunder 1984.
“Jon Lord’s organ has suffered a lot of abuse on the road lately …” – Ian showing empathy for Jon’s health in the latter days of Mk VII.
September 6th, 2024 at 00:51” Singer Ian Gillan’s voice hasn’t aged a day. ”
Reading the whole interview I think the writer in general wasnt joking but these kinda remarks always make me think…..
What were you on dude?
I do recognise the enthusiasm of the moment , which I already had in the 80 s seeing reunionshows, and putting a blanket of love over the indeniable decline that had occurred in front of my own eyes and ears.
September 6th, 2024 at 21:19That’s fine …
Rain or shine …
We all …
Decline.
September 11th, 2024 at 16:25