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Something for every rock fan

The most obvious thing that strikes you when you check out the two-sided 'Gillan's Inn' disc is the all-star cast of musicians, everyone from Ronnie James Dio to Joe Satriani, etcetera. And, most certainly, the music does not disappoint. But, the extraordinary thing about this dual-disc - and I'm sure time will prove it - is that it is a collector's item with historical value. Historic not only in that the audio and behind-the-scenes video document so many rock-'n'-roll icons working together on a single project, but historic in the technological aspects of the disc itself. To be able to pull up so many different sound snippets in various formats is wonderful. And to take the viewer into the recording studios to see on video how such a rare album/DVD was made by the musicians, step by step, is groundbreaking.

'Gillan's Inn' is a hard-rock/blues, in-your-face album. One can really appreciate how crisp Ian Gillan's vocals are on the screamers, such as 'Unchain Your Brain', 'Bluesy Blue Sea' and 'No Laughing In Heaven', all terrific songs from Ian's past solo career. He more than does them justice on this album, adding slight twists from the original recorded versions. One reason this project is so important as a retrospective is that much of Gillan's solo career went unnoticed in America, due to a lack of proper promotion, even though he had great solo success in Europe and elsewhere. Many in the U.S. will be hearing some of these songs for the very first time.

Joe Satriani absolutely burns on 'Gillan's Inn', on songs like 'Hang Me Out to Dry' and 'Speed King'. But I was most impressed with Jeff Healey, a blind man who plays one of the best guitars you'll ever hear while sitting down. One high-tech feature on the disc allows you to choose which guitar solo among several you want to hear over the base track for 'Smoke on the Water'. Jeff Healey's version was blistering, as was Steve Morse's. Healey and Jon Lord (organ) were fabulous on the re-make of the old Deep Purple tune, 'When a Blind Man Cries'.

There's not enough time in a short review to chronicle every marvelous thing about 'Gillan's Inn', but suffice it to say, it's got something on it for every rock fan to cherish. A fabulous moment captured in time.

James Gemmell
Grand Rapids, Michigan / USA

Last update: April 17, 2006