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Deep Purple

Live in Roseburg, Oregon August 2014

Review by Larry Toering

Deep Purple came out on stage with a vengeance and blew the crowd off their feet by the end of the opening number. They went on to assault us all the more as the set wore on. The energy was unrelenting, especially during “Hard Lovin’ Man,” a classic they’ve been performing for some time now. 
By the time they got through “Strange Kind of Woman,” the crowd were completely won over, and there was no letting up until the last note. Just when this band seems to be losing steam (at least to those not catching them live), they are still in fantastic shape and playing as well as ever since Steve Morse joined the band. Whatever adjustments it takes, they have a maverick ability to withstand time’s ultimate test of performing stamina. There isn’t a lot to be said to put them in any negative light what so ever, and I have been following them closely enough all these years, to feel honestly great about saying that.

Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
This wasn’t just some run through the classics, as the new material from their latest hit album (which topped four national Billboards), gelled better with their older material than any of the last four albums. In-fact, I felt it re-invigorated their classics like never before. That might just be because I’m a huge fan of the album, but in paying close attention, that is just how it went from where I was standing. Tracks like “Vincent Price” and “Uncommon Man,” were performed more like a band on its way up in the world, than on the downside. It’s some kind of magical youth ride from beginning to end that way. There was only one thing I’d change about the set, and that is the omission of “The Mule,” which of course means we were not treated to the extended drum solo, complete with lighted sticks. However, it did not reduce the set time, so we were in-turn treated to more improvisation in the encores. I’m not necessarily disappointed by that. And that is a first I’ve heard of them re-arranging numbers by adding and subtracting some along the way. This band simply never cease to amaze, and I can see them carrying on for some more good years to come. Hats off to the whole healthy approach, it does wonders for their sound and overall delivery. At least on this night it did, and perhaps that is why I’ve heard little to no complaints about any of the shows, since this early one on the tour. Once again, the Purple have restored my faith in them, and the industry itself, after such a hot release and successful touring - Deep Purple, forever and a day.

Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
 
Larry Toering
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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