Artists | Issues | CD Reviews | Interviews | Concert Reviews | DVD/Video Reviews | Book Reviews | Who We Are | Staff | Home
 
Deep Purple
www.deep-purple.com
CD Reviews
= 1
Review by Gary Hill
Deep Purple have been putting out consistently strong stuff for a while now. This new release continues that trend.

More...
Burn 30th Anniversary Remaster
Review by Bruce Stringer
With the departure of vocalist Ian Gillan and bass player Roger Glover, the remaining members of Deep Purple enlisted the talents of Trapeze vocalist/ bassist Glenn Hughes to fill part of the void, however the role of vocalist continued to elude them.
More...
Deep Purple
Review by Larry Toering
Deep Purple's third album, simply titled “Deep Purple,” was arguably the strongest of the first three, and most of this Eagle re-issue is of digitally remastered quality, done in 2000.

More...
Graz 1975
Review by Gary Hill
If you like this version of Deep Purple (guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, frontman David Coverdale, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, keyboard player Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice) you must own this.

More...
In Concert 1970 – 1972
Review by Larry Toering
One of several live and studio re-issues to come from Eagle this summer, is this two-disc set that was originally released in 1980, and a couple of times since.

More...
In the Beginning
Review by Gary Hill
This is a strange set. For one thing, it screams "unauthorized." The opening tracks are almost certainly bootleg recordings.

More...
Infinite
Review by Larry Toering
Deep Purple and producer Bob Ezrin return with what could be (and most believe will be) their swan song offering.

More...
Live at Montreux 1996
Review by Gary Hill
Deep Purple has always had a special place in my heart. When I first started getting into hard rock a friend turned me onto the In Rock album and I was amazed.
More...
Live At Montreux 2011
Review by Larry Toering
As a major fan of Deep Purple, I am approaching this with a more informative angle, to not only shed any overly biased factors, but explain a few things from within the Purple frame of mind.

More...
Live at NEC 1993
Review by Gary Hill
Deep Purple has a lot of jam band built into the musical picture.

More...
Live in California 74
Review by Gary Hill
I’ve always been a big fan of the Burn album.

More...
Live in Concert
Review by Gary Hill
This is an unusual, but interesting release. Each CD is from a different concert, and actually a different era of the band.

More...
Live In London
Review by Greg Olma
There has been much said about the different lineups of Deep Purple but for my money, the Mk 3 lineup stands up as their best. 

More...
Live in Stuttgart 1993
Review by Gary Hill
I can’t recommend this live recording enough.

More...
MK III The Final Concert
Review by Greg Olma
Eagle Records is certainly making Christmas come early this year. 

More...
Now What?!
Review by Gary Hill
I definitely would not put every Deep Purple album in progressive rock. This one, though, certainly qualifies.

More...
Now What?! (Special Edition CD+DVD)
Review by Larry Toering
To make it back after seven years culminating into eight for a studio album at this stage in the Deep Purple legacy was a big risk, but one I find to be smaller than the last time the name went eight years in existence without an album, which was 1976 to 1984.

More...
Purpendicular
Review by Larry Toering
After Deep Purple found themselves without a guitarist once again when Joe Satriani left, they quickly settled on Steve Morse and he's been there ever since.

More...
Purpendicular (Reissue)
Review by Gary Hill
This new reissue of Purpendicular includes two bonus tracks.

More...
Rapture Of The Deep (Special Edition 2CD)
Review by Greg Olma
Deep Purple never seems to get the respect that they deserve. Everyone talks about Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as the creators of the hard rock sound.
More...
Scandinavian Nights
Review by Larry Toering
Recorded live in Stockholm 1970, this Eagle re-issue is of a historic show that was bootlegged several times over before it was finally released in the late eighties.

More...
Shades of Deep Purple
Review by Larry Toering
The Deep Purple mkI albums are as important as any other in the history of the band. 

More...
The Book Of Taliesyn
Review by Larry Toering
Deep Purple's second album was often the least critically acclaimed of the first three, perhaps rightfully so, perhaps not.



More...
The Early Years
Review by Bruce Stringer
At just under 78 minutes, EMI's first CD compilation of the much-underrated Mark I line-up sees a bold collection taken from Deep Purple's first 3 LPs remastered with astounding clarity and a song collection that confirms the pioneering integrity of the fore fathers of British heavy metal.
More...
Total Abandon: Australia '99
Review by Gary Hill
This live album from Deep Purple finds the band in a killer performance.

More...
Turning to Crime
Review by Gary Hill
This is a very unusual Deep Purple album, yet there is no mistaking it as Deep Purple. It's also a lot of fun.

More...
DVD Reviews
Deep Purple - + Orchestra Live At Montreux 2011 – BluRay
Review by Larry Toering
You have to respect Eagle for all they do concerning their artists’ current work and re-issues, as they have been on a serious roll lately in particular. 

More...
Deep Purple - Around the World Live DVD Set
Review by Gary Hill
This is an amazing set and well worth the price of admission. You get four DVD’s (three full concerts and a documentary) all encased in a classy box.
More...
Deep Purple - From Here to inFinite BluRay
Review by Larry Toering
This is an upgrade to the movie that came with Deep Purple's latest album, for which they just released a Gold Edition.

More...
Deep Purple - History, Hits and Highlights ’68-’76 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
So, you are a Deep Purple fan? Have you been looking for some quality DVD and wanting it all in one place?
More...
Deep Purple - In Concert With The London Symphony Orchestra DVD
Review by Gary Hill
The whole nearly clichéd concept of doing a concert with a symphony orchestra is, thankfully, starting to fall out of style. Just you don’t misunderstand, there are some instances where it works really well, but more often than not it comes across as a gimmicky concept that falls pretty flat.
More...
Deep Purple - Live at Montreux 1996 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
Sometimes it's all about the impression. I saw Deep Purple once quite a few years back, and frankly, I found them to be boring.

More...
Deep Purple - Live at the NEC DVD
Review by Gary Hill
This comes from the 2002 tour. Jon Lord had announced his retirement from Deep Purple. Don Airey was the new keyboardist. 

More...
Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers Live DVD
Review by Gary Hill
I can still remember when the Perfect Strangers album was released.

More...
Deep Purple - Phoenix Rising Blu-Ray
Review by Gary Hill
One part concert film, one part documentary, Phoenix Rising looks at the Mark IV lineup of Deep Purple (David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Tommy Bolin, Ian Pace and Jon Lord).

More...
Deep Purple - They All Came Down To Montreux – Live at Montreux 2006 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
When it comes time to figure out a list of the best videos of the year, this one will be very close to the top. While I enjoyed the DVD of Purple’s earlier Montreux appearances, this one is heads above that one.
More...
Deep Purple - with Orchestra - Live in Verona DVD
Review by Gary Hill
I know there are those who disagree with me, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider Deep Purple to be a progressive rock band.

More...
Concert Reviews
Deep Purple - Live in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 2017
Review by Larry Toering
Maybe it was overkill, but I haven’t found any evidence in my recall of this concert to back that.

More...
Deep Purple - Live in Portland, Oregon, September 2019
Review by Larry Toering
Of all the Deep Purple tours of America in the past 15 years, this is only the second actual headlining tour I can think of, as I’ve attended all of them myself.
More...
Deep Purple - Live in Rockford, IL, 2005
Review by Mike Korn
Deep Purple don't play all that many dates in the U.S. anymore, preferring to concentrate on the more lucrative foreign markets, so it was quite a surprise to see they got a gig here in Rockford. This is a band that got its start the same year that Led Zeppelin did and they have been prolific since that long ago year of 1968.
More...
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.
More...
Deep Purple - Live in Ventura, California, August, 2007
Review by Rick Damigella
Deep Purple stormed through Southern California in August as part of their current world tour, playing three shows from San Diego to Ventura over five days. I took in two of the gigs, the first being in Costa Mesa at the long underutilized Pacific Amphitheater and then the very next night at the Ventura Theater.
More...
Related Articles
Glenn Hughes
Review by Rick Damigella
Interview with Glenn Hughes
More...
Steve Morse
Review by MSJ Admin
Interview With Steve Morse from 2002



More...
Steve Morse
Review by Gary Hill
Interview with Steve Morse from 2010
Audio of this interview is available in our members' area. Log in on the main page or sign up today - memberships start at just six bucks.

More...
Black Country Communion
Review by Mark Johnson

Interview with Glenn Hughes of Black Country Communion from 2010


More...
Brian Tarquin - & Heavy Friends – Guitars for Wounded Warriors
Review by G. W. Hill

This album is designed to raise money for the Wounded Warriors project.


More...
Rick Wakeman - & Tony Ashton Present GasTank
Review by G. W. Hill
Perhaps this three CD should go under "various artists" instead of "Rick Wakeman." Still, I think Wakeman plays on almost everything here.

More...
Various Artists - 108 Rock Star Guitars written by Lisa S. Johnson
Review by G. W. Hill

This is the quintessential coffee table book. That’s particularly true for those who love guitars.


More...
Blackmore's Night - A Knight In York – DVD
Review by Larry Toering
This DVD comes in a few formats, the other two being CD and DVD Audio (which contains both the CD and BluRay versions).
More...
Brazen Abbot - A Decade of Brazen Abbot DVD
Review by Mike Korn
The name of Brazen Abbot is not all that well known in America but if you were to judge the band by this combined concert/documentary DVD, you'd think they were one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Well, even if you are not, act like you are and maybe success will follow.
More...
Various Artists - A Hart Life – The Life Story of Deep Purple and Rainbow's Tour Manager written by Colin Hart and Dick Allix
Review by Larry Toering

This is the first book to be written by one of Deep Purple and Rainbow's entourage, and a most interesting story it is, told by Colin Hart, their long running tour manager. 


More...
Nektar - A Spoonful of Time
Review by G. W. Hill

The whole “do an album of covers” concept is a popular approach these days.


More...
Nektar - A Spoonful of Time
Review by G. W. Hill

The whole “do an album of covers” concept is a popular approach these days.


More...
Various Artists - A Tribute To Les Paul: Live From Universal Studios Hollywood DVD
Review by Gary Hill

Come for the performances, stay for the documentary type stuff. A big chunk of this is all about some incredible live performances with musicians ranging from Joe Satriani to Buddy Guy to Slash, Neal Schon and Steve Lukather and more.


More...
Glenn Hughes - Addiction: Remastered and Expanded
Review by Gary Hill
This is part of a series of new Glenn Hughes reissues. I have to say that this is one of my favorites.

More...
Black Country Communion - Afterglow
Review by Larry Toering

First of all, this has been a band I’ve supported heavily over the last three years or so.


More...
Blackmore's Night - All Our Yesterdays
Review by G. W. Hill

I have never heard a Blackmore’s Night album I didn’t like.


More...
Don Airey - All Out
Review by Larry Toering

Following up his last release seemed to be a fairly swift effort, but it was a good idea for Don Airey, as this one is a little more up my alley.


More...
Roger Glover - And The Guilty Party – If Life Was Easy
Review by Larry Toering

After eight long years The Guilty Party return with an even more widely varied collection of well written and played tunes that just about anyone can enjoy.


More...
Roger Glover - And The Guilty Party – Snapshot
Review by Larry Toering

Roger Glover assembled some fine musicians in the shape of Warren Haynes and daughter Gillian, and called them “The Guilty Party.”


More...
Steve Morse and Sarah Spencer - Angelfire
Review by Gary Hill
This collaboration is an interesting disc. It tends towards mellower, acoustic driven music.

More...
John Wetton - Anthology Volume 1: Studio Recordings
Review by G. W. Hill

This anthology of songs from John Wetton is quite strong. It’s not all progressive rock, and for the most par even when it lands there, it’s more in the AOR end of the spectrum.


More...
Blackmore's Night - Autumn Sky
Review by Larry Toering

This review is from the import which comes with a nice package to help the value along. 


More...
Various Artists - Back Against the Wall
Review by Gary Hill
There are few people who haven't at least heard of Pink Floyd's The Wall. I would hazard to say that those who have never heard the album are in the minority as well.
More...
Ian Gillan - Band – Clear Air Turbulence
Review by Larry Toering

This record takes a few words to describe what’s really going on with it, and being a fan of Ian Gillan it’s appropriate to explain a few things in the process of reviewing this with as much of an unbiased approach as possible. 


More...
Ian Gillan - Band – Live at The Rainbow 1977 DVD
Review by Ron Fuchs
During Ian Gillan’s hiatus from the band Deep Purple, he did many things musically including his brief stint with Black Sabbath.
More...
Steve Morse - Band – Live in Baden – Baden Germany March 1990 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
This is a reissue of the classic Steve Morse Band performance from 1990.
More...
Steve Morse - Band – Outstanding in Their Field
Review by Gary Hill
The latest disc from Steve Morse and his band, this is exactly what you’d expect.
More...
Band of Brothers - Band of Brothers
Review by Gary Hill
Brian Tarquin is one of the three guys who are listed as making up Band of Brothers. The other two are Phil Naro and Reggie Pryor.

More...
Jon Lord - Before I Forget
Review by G. W. Hill
This solo album from Jon Lord has been reissued with some bonus tracks. It's an intriguing album.

More...
Steve Hunter - Before the Lights Go Out
Review by Gary Hill

Steve Hunter's music always seems to create a middle ground between blues rock, fusion and progressive rock. This disc is no exception.


More...
Jon Lord - Beyond The Notes
Review by Larry Toering

By the time of his previous solo album, Jon Lord had not broken away from Deep Purple yet.


More...
Black Country Communion - Black Country Communion
Review by Mark Johnson

Kevin Shirley’s inspiration to bring together Glenn Hughes, vocals and bass, and Joe Bonamassa, lead guitar and vocals has provided one of the best rock/blues bands and albums of the year.


More...
Black Country Communion - Black Country Communion 2
Review by Larry Toering

After nine months, the modern day super group returns with its second release.


More...
Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
Review by Larry Toering

After teaming up with his friends in Chickenfoot, just like after he left Deep Purple, Joe Satriani shows a thicker side of himself once again on this multi-flavored release.


More...
Black Sabbath - Born Again - Deluxe Expanded Edition
Review by Larry Toering

Born Again gets the deluxe treatment, and a proper effort was made to improve it as a product.


More...
Rainbow - Boston 1981
Review by G. W. Hill

This might well be my favorite Rainbow live recording. This show was purely on fire.


More...
Brian Tarquin - Brian Tarquin Project - Vegas Blue
Review by Gary Hill

You can always count on Brian Tarquin to put together some strong projects, This is no exception.


More...
Glenn Hughes - Building the Machine 2CD Edition
Review by Gary Hill

This is one in a series of new Glenn Hughes reissues. The first CD is a studio album (with one bonus track).


More...
Dixie Dregs - California Screamin'
Review by Larry Toering

If I were to be asked if I thought this were among the best Dixie Dregs to be released over the years, I would have to reach for my soapbox and say “no,” for several reasons.


More...
Captain Beyond - Captain Beyond
Review by Gary Hill
This 1972 release was the first of three albums by Captain Beyond, who was at the time Rod Evans (formerly of Deep Purple), Bobby Caldwell (who had played with Johnny Winter, among others), Rhino (Larry Rhinehart from Iron Butterfly), and Lee Dorman (also from Iron Butterfly) with several backing musicians. This one almost qualifies as progressive rock.

More...
Whitesnake - Chicago, IL July 2005
Review by Greg Olma
Whitesnake is one of my guilty pleasures. I'm not a hair metal fan and unfortunately, Whitesnake gets lumped into that genre.
More...
Billy Sherwood - Citizen
Review by G. W. Hill

A contender for best of the year, this is arguably Sherwood’s best solo album ever.


More...
Ian Gillan - Classic Rock Legends DVD
Review by Greg Olma
Ian Gillan is thought of as the voice of Deep Purple, but he has had quite an extensive career that consists of albums under his own name and the band Gillan. 

More...
Various Artists - Come On Feel The Noize: The Story Of How Rock Became Metal DVD
Review by Gary Hill
I want to start this review by framing it with the following statement: I really enjoyed watching this. I found it very entertaining and captivating. I recommend it pretty highly to fans of rock and metal.
More...
Ryo Okumoto - Coming Through
Review by Lorraine Kay
One of the most sought-after musicians in the prog-rock scene and then some, keyboardist Ryo Okumoto has earned a global reputation performing with some of the biggest names in music, including Kitaro, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, and Roberta Flack.
More...
Jon Lord - Concerto for Group & Orchestra
Review by G. W. Hill

The music here is, by definition, a marriage of classical and rock sounds in three extensive pieces.
More...
Jon Lord - Concerto For Group And Orchestra – Mediabook Edition
Review by Larry Toering

Just weeks before Jon Lord's passing in 2012, he finished work on what he took pride in being his ultimate achievement in the studio. 


More...
Jon Lord - Concerto For Group And Orchestra – Mediabook Edition
Review by Larry Toering

Just weeks before Jon Lord's passing in 2012, he finished work on what he took pride in being his ultimate achievement in the studio. 


More...
Blackmore's Night - Dancer and the Moon
Review by G. W. Hill

I have followed Blackmore’s Night a little over the years.


More...
The Prog Collective - Dark Encounters
Review by Gary Hill
This new set from the ever-changing group of musicians recording under the name "The Prog Collective" does feel a little darker than some of the rest of their music.

More...
Niacin - Deep
Review by Gary Hill
This album captures a nice retro and jazzy sort of prog texture. It does this, almost completely, without the addition of guitar and vocals.
More...
Delta Deep - Delta Deep
Review by G. W. Hill

So, you’ve never heard of Delta Deep? There’s a really good chance you’ve heard of some of the people involved in the group.


More...
Joe Satriani - Dreaming #11
Review by Josh Turner
When the topic of guitar shredders comes up the same names are usually mentioned. In the early years of progressive music, there was Robert Fripp.
More...
Dixie Dregs - Dregs Of The Earth
Review by Larry Toering

In 1980 this music was not an abundant commodity, and that is why it remains one of my favorite prog albums of all time.


More...
Various Artists - Encores, Legends and Paradoxes
Review by Gary Hill
With a cast of players that reads like a prog "who`s who", this ELP tribute takes the classics and makes them fresh and new again. The result is an incredibly listenable piece of music that really entertains.

More...
The Prog Collective - Epilogue
Review by G. W. Hill

This is quite a cool set. The main man behind this is Billy Sherwood, and I always like the stuff he does.


More...
Glenn Hughes - Feel (2 CD Edition)
Review by Gary Hill
This Glenn Hughes solo album from 1995 is getting a deluxe reissue in a two-CD form. The first disc is the original album with one bonus track.

More...
Flying Colors - Flying Colors
Review by Larry Toering

Flying Colors, for once in a long time prove that rock music can still be everything it's supposed to be in a landscape that constantly attempts to limit it.


More...
Graham Bonnet - Flying...Not Falling 1991-1999
Review by Gary Hill
This new three-disc set from Graham Bonnet is pretty darned good. I've included it under metal because two of the three discs here fit there.
More...
Iommi - Fused
Review by Gary Hill
Tony Iommi is probably best known as the lead guitarist of Black Sabbath. Arguably along with the other three members of that group Iommi invented heavy metal.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Ghost Of A Rose
Review by Larry Toering

Looking back on Blackmore’s Night’s catalog, this happens to remain at the top of their best releases, and it is surely a fan favorite.


More...
Ian Gillan - Gillan’s Inn
Review by Rick Damigella
Setting convention and professionalism aside for one moment… I am a card carrying Ian Gillan fan. I have seen him live numerous times, have listened to countless hours of his singing from throughout his storied career, from the Javelins through multiple incarnations fronting Deep Purple to his stint as Jesus.
More...
Various Artists - Guitar Masters Collection
Review by Gary Hill

This various artists collection was assembled by Brian Tarquin. He's a guitar player who really seems to have a reverence for great guitar playing in all its various forms.


More...
Carmine Appice - Guitar Zeus
Review by Gary Hill

This set has some killer music. It might not be quite metal, but it might be.


More...
Heaven & Earth - Heaven & Earth - Featuring Stuart Smith
Review by Larry Toering

This is a review of the Japanese import version of Heaven & Earth which features a lot of musicians that Stuart Smith assembled for this great band.


More...
Steve Morse - High Tension Wires
Review by Larry Toering

This is Steve Morse's first real solo outing, and it is still considered one of his very best albums.


More...
Michael Lee Jackson - In A Heartbeat
Review by Larry Toering

Michael Lee Jackson's debut album has been out for some time, perhaps flying beneath your radar, but not mine. 


More...
Erik Norlander - Into the Sunset
Review by Gary Hill
This solo release from Rocket Scientist Erik Norlander is a very strong CD. He enlists the aid of quite a few of his friends to pull the disc together, and the result a very solid prog CD with some metallic elements.
More...
Joe Satriani - Joe Satriani
Review by Larry Toering

This is the album Joe Satriani owed the record company while he was with Deep Purple, and one of the reasons given for not continuing with them.  No matter how you call it, he definitely upped his game after being on the road with that group, and this album is the result of a much more confident player. At the time it was only acknowledged by those who witnessed those changes, but looking back it can all be sorted out by anyone interested enough in his career. This is a great album with Glyn Johns producing and helping him nail a more classic rock vibe, along with the smoother, more jazzy numbers to be found here. It's an excellent album that deserves more credit to him, but with this kind of music, things can tend to mush for the average listener, and this is one of his first attempts to grab the attention of such listeners.


More...
Guy King - Joy is Coming
Review by Gary Hill
I was under the impression that Guy King was a blues guitarist. That is one part of his picture. He's also a jazz musician, though.

More...
Glenn Hughes - Justified Man: Studio Albums 1995-2003
Review by Gary Hill

This is a brand-new six-CD box set that gathers up the studio releases from Glenn Hughes released between 1995 and 2003, but I bet you got that from the title, right?


More...
Various Artists - Legends Play The Beatles
Review by Gary Hill
This new album showcases a lot of cool Beatles covers from a number of artists. It's actually compiled of tracks previously released on a number of albums.

More...
Various Artists - Legends: Get it On (Limited Edition Hybrid SACD version)
Review by G. W. Hill

This album was originally released as a Time Life Series disc.


More...
Various Artists - Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute To the Doors
Review by G. W. Hill

I’ve always been a big fan of the Doors.


More...
Whitesnake - Live At Donington 1990 DVD
Review by Greg Olma

This DVD has been a long time coming.   


More...
Ian Gillan - Live in Anaheim
Review by Rick Damigella
Just two days shy of exactly two years to the day of this writing, I had sat down to write my twin reviews of Ian Gillan’s solo tour stops in Los Angeles and Anaheim, California.
More...
Ian Gillan - Live in Anaheim DVD
Review by Rick Damigella
If you were lucky enough to catch Ian Gillan on his solo Gillan’s Inn tour of 06, you would likely agree with me when I say that you were witness to a rocking good show.
More...
Whitesnake - Live in Chicago, July 2009
Review by Greg Olma
It has been a while since David Coverdale and his band graced a stage in Chicago.  In fact, it has been almost four years and that is really way too long a wait for us Whitesnake fans. 
More...
Flying Colors - Live In Europe DVD
Review by Greg Olma

Flying Colors is a prog super group that has been around for quite a few years now.


More...
Rainbow - Live In Germany 1976
Review by G. W. Hill

I never got the chance to see Rainbow live. I really regret that fact.


More...
Ian Gillan - Live in L. A., September 2006
Review by Rick Damigella
What does Ian Gillan do on a brief summer vacation from Deep Purple’s current world tour? Go on tour of course!
More...
Rainbow - Live In Munich 1977
Review by Greg Olma
A Rainbow show from the Dio-era is always a welcome addition to any collection. There have been a couple of live albums put out, On Stage and Live in Europe, but this one is the first with the Daisley/Stone line-up.
More...
Rainbow - Live in Munich 1977 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
In my opinion the quintessential Rainbow album is Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll. Well, this DVD opens with “Kill the King” from that album and we also get the title track.
More...
Joe Satriani - Live In Paris: I Just Wanna Rock DVD
Review by Larry Toering

While in waiting for the current live DVD release of Joe Satriani, this is a look back on one of two others I've been enjoying over the years.


More...
Flying Colors - Live in St Charles, Illinois, October 2014
Review by Greg Olma

Flying Colors, for those of you who don’t know, is a prog super group that has been around for a few years now.  


More...
Captain Beyond - Live In Texas - October 6, 1973
Review by G. W. Hill
Captain Beyond is a legendary band. They released only three albums and they are incredibly well received amongst those who have heard them.
More...
Whitesnake - Live in the Still of the Night DVD
Review by Greg Olma
If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be reviewing a new Whitesnake DVD, I would have laughed in your face. Back in 1996, Whitesnake wasn't the flavor of the month.
More...
Black Country Communion - Live Over Europe BluRay
Review by Larry Toering

Since Black Country Communion arrived on the scene, still less than a year ago, they have managed two studio CD releases, and to top it off they have produced what is an absolute state of the art video, and it's tailor made for the Blu-ray experience.


More...
Rainbow - Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll
Review by Gary Hill
I remember this was the first disc I ever heard by Rainbow and it purely blew me away.
More...
Captain Beyond - Lost & Found 1972-1973
Review by Gary Hill
Fans of Captain Beyond (like myself) have had to live with the fact there were only three albums released.

More...
Various Artists - Magna Carta Guitar Greats – Volume I
Review by Grant Hill
These Magna Carta sampler discs serve as a great way for people to sample a number of their releases without having to shell out the cash for each and every one of them. I'd have to say that as these things go, this is one of the better ones – and they are all quite good.
More...
Steve Morse - Major Impacts
Review by Gary Hill
Steve Morse has come up with a very intriguing concept for an album in this release. The disc is an all instrumental excursion through his varied influences.
More...
Steve Morse - Major Impacts 2
Review by Steve Alspach
I suppose it makes sense that if Steve Morse can't really be pegged to any one style, it's because his influences can't be pegged either. On Major Impacts 2 Morse continues to pay respect to the musicians who caught his ear.


More...
Roger Glover - Mask
Review by G. W. Hill

Mask has just gotten reissued.


More...
Trapeze - Medusa (3 CD Edition)
Review by Gary Hill
This is a classy set. I used to own the Medusa album on vinyl many years ago. I don't remember being all that impressed with it.

More...
Rainbow - Memories in Rock - Live in Germany DVD/CD
Review by G. W. Hill
In 2016, Ritchie Blackmore pleased his more rock oriented fans by assembling a new version of Rainbow and making his return to hard rock music.

More...
Rainbow - Memories in Rock II
Review by Gary Hill

This new live album from Rainbow is so strong. The band really captures the sound and magic of the classic songs - both Rainbow and Deep Purple.


More...
Trapeze - Midnight Flyers: Complete Recordings Volume Two 1974-1981
Review by Gary Hill
In the past I've always put Trapeze under progressive rock, in part because people generally land them there, and in part because the music often fit. 

More...
Arthur Brown - Monster’s Ball
Review by Gary Hill
I really wish I'd gotten this CD a month or so earlier. It would have been a perfect fit in our October issue because it definitely has a spooky angle to it.

More...
Rainbow - Monsters of Rock Live at Donington 1980 DVD
Review by G. W. Hill

This new DVD with bonus CD is good, but not great.


More...
Glenn Hughes - Music For The Divine
Review by Gary Hill
I have to say that it seems any more that bonus tracks are becoming a bad idea. Had the last two bonus tracks been left off of this disc, it would have been a pretty perfect album.
More...
Brazen Abbot - My Resurrection
Review by Greg Olma
This is my first experience with Brazen Abbot. I knew of them because I have always been a Joe Lynn Turner fan but I never heard them.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Nature's Light
Review by Gary Hill
You really can't go wrong with Blackmore's Night. I have a tendency to think that they just keep getting better with each successive release.

More...
Dixie Dregs - Night Of The Living Dregs
Review by Larry Toering

This is a half studio, half live recording, and one of the best Dixie Dregs outings from which to choose.


More...
Nikolo Kotzev - Nostradamus
Review by Gary Hill
There was a time in the '70s when rock operas were all the rage. Since then they have been pretty scarce, and many times with good reason.
More...
Robby Steinhardt - Not In Kansas Anymore: A Prog Opera
Review by Gary Hill
Robby Steinhardt was probably best known as the violinist for the band Kansas. He was certainly a unique individual in the prog rock scene of the day playing that instrument.

More...
Lee Kerslake - Not On The Heep: The Heavy Metal Saga Of Lee Kerslake DVD
Review by Gary Hill
Lee Kerslake was an important figure in hard rock and heavy metal, even if he wasn't a household name.

More...
Ian Gillan - One Eye to Morocco
Review by Rick Damigella
One Eye to Morocco is Ian Gillan’s first new album of original solo material in a decade and, once again, The Voice has outdone himself.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Paris Moon DVD
Review by Greg Olma
I have to admit that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to wishing that Ritchie Blackmore would grab onto a Stratocaster and let rip. But like all things musical, we have to accept where the artist is going and what they are trying to say to us.


More...
Blackmore's Night - Past Times With Good Company
Review by Gary Hill
Ritchie Blackmore is certainly best known for his work in hard rocking bands Deep Purple and Rainbow. He has been showing a different face with his new band Blackmore's Night.
More...
Phenomena - Phenomena
Review by Gary Hill

This is a reissue of an album that was originally released in 1984.


More...
Phenomena - Phenomena II - Dream Runner
Review by Gary Hill

Given the scope of musicians on this set, I'm shocked I've never heard of these guys before. This is a reissue of an album released in 1987.


More...
Jon Lord - Pictured Within
Review by Larry Toering

Jon Lord released this long awaited solo album after much hesitation.


More...
Glenn Hughes - Play Me Out - 2CD Edition
Review by Gary Hill
This new reissue finds Glenn Hughes well into his funk period on the first disc, and in disco-land on the second. Personally, I think the main album is more effective.

More...
Kansas - Power
Review by Larry Toering

This is the first Kansas album to feature Steve Morse, and it holds up very well.


More...
Steve Morse - Prime Cuts
Review by Gary Hill
Joining Magna Carta's Prime Cuts series is this release of music by Steve Morse. The majority of the material comes from three solo albums of his, Split Decision, Major Impacts 1, and Major Impacts 2.
More...
Billy Sheehan - Prime Cuts
Review by Steve Alspach
Ever play a bass guitar? "Strings" are a misnomer - they use great big, fat, wires. You have to work up some muscle in your fingers to aptly play a bass.
More...
Various Artists - Prog Box
Review by Gary Hill

I've been looking to do a retro review of this box set for a while. I finally had the opportunity this time around.


More...
Quatermass - Quatermass
Review by Larry Toering

This progressive rock trio took its name from a fictional science-fiction BBC TV character named “Professor Bernard Quatermass.”


More...
John Wetton - Raised in Captivity
Review by Gary Hill

The latest solo release from John Wetton finds him with a lot of great guest appearances. 


More...
Various Artists - Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple's Machine Head
Review by G. W. Hill

I’m a big fan of Deep Purple, particularly the classic stuff.


More...
Various Artists - Reimagining The Court Of The Crimson King
Review by Gary Hill
It's hard, in retrospect, to understand the importance of King Crimson's debut album. It really did set a new standard for what would be known as progressive rock.

More...
Whitesnake - Restless Heart
Review by Greg Olma
Looking back, I can't believe it was 7 years between Whitesnake albums. 1990 saw the release of Slip of the Tongue , undoubtedly Whitesnake's most "metal" long player. Seven years later, we were treated to an all together different Whitesnake.
More...
Glenn Hughes - Return of Crystal Karma (2 CD Edition)
Review by Gary Hill

This is part of a series of reissues of Glenn Hughes solo albums. It's one of the stronger releases in the set, too.


More...
Jordan Rudess - Rhythm of Time
Review by Josh Turner
Jordan Rudess is a virtual virtuoso. His must be an android based on the way that he plays.
More...
Various Artists - Riding the Rock Machine - British Seventies Classic Rock
Review by Gary Hill
I have heard arguments that say that the 1970s were the decade with the best music. Like any decade, they had a lot of garbage music

More...
Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow: Black Masquerade DVD
Review by Greg Olma

This release has been on the bootleg market since 1995. I remember seeing it on video tape and being blown away at how good this version of Rainbow was in a live setting.


More...
Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow - Live in Birmingham 2016
Review by Gary Hill
This live album from the new incarnation of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow is a solid set. It's also the companion to the video I reviewed in the last issue of Music Street Journal.

More...
Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow - Stranger In Us All
Review by Gary Hill
Once upon a time Ritchie Blackmore was known as the guitarist for Deep Purple. Eventually he left that band and formed Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. 

More...
Roger Glover - Roger Glover and Friends - The Butterfly Ball and The Grasshopper's Feast
Review by Gary Hill

After Roger Glover had left Deep Purple, he was looking for a new project and came upon about titled "The Butterfly Ball." He decided to create an album based on the book.


More...
Jon Lord - Sarabande
Review by Larry Toering

At the moment there is much to be said on behalf of  Jon Lord, who recently earned an honorary degree, has been very busy recording and playing live since leaving Deep Purple at the turn of the century. 


More...
Joe Lynn Turner - Second Hand Life
Review by Greg Olma
Joe Lynn Turner has been a solo artist for more than 20 years now. Since Rescue You, his first, he has been coming out with his own releases, guesting on other people’s records, and even hooking up for a pair of great albums with Glenn Hughes.
More...
Flying Colors - Second Nature
Review by Larry Toering

This band has succeeded the sophomore curse by not trying to defeat it, but succumbing to all of the cliches and eclectic efforts to do so.


More...
Blackmore's Night - Secret Voyage
Review by Gary Hill
Blackmore’s Night might not be on the radar in terms of pop culture, but they’ve certainly built a well-deserved following of those “in the know.”
More...
Steve Morse - Sects, Dregs and Rock N' Roll - BluRay
Review by Larry Toering

This film consists of four long hours of  live material from 1999, 2001 and 2002.


More...
William Shatner - Seeking Major Tom
Review by G. W. Hill

What an interesting ride I’ve had leading into this album.


More...
Black Sabbath - Seventh Star
Review by Greg Olma

This is a weird album in the Black Sabbath catalogue.  Initially meant as a solo record, the label and management “persuaded” Tony Iommi to release it under the banner of Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi.  


More...
Blackmore's Night - Shadow Of The Moon
Review by Larry Toering

This is the first Blackmore's Night release, and when it came out it didn't seem as if the project would go as far as it did.


More...
Various Artists - Sin-Atra
Review by Gary Hill

Featuring hard rocking adaptations of Frank Sinatra songs, this is kind of a mixed bag.


More...
Graham Bonnet - Solo Albums 1974-1992
Review by Gary Hill
Even if all you know from Graham Bonnet is his two best-known bands, Rainbow and Alcatrazz, you have to know that there is a wide range of sounds in his repertoire.

More...
Glenn Hughes - Songs in the Key of Rock 3 CD Edition
Review by Gary Hill
This is a new release in a series of Glenn Hughes reissues. The bulk of the discs in this series are two-CD editions. This one has three.


More...
Various Artists - Songs of the Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp
Review by G. W. Hill

I am a big fan of pretty much anything Billy Sherwood is involved with and I love Supertramp, so when I heard Sherwood was in charge of assembling an all star tribute to Supertramp, I was excited.


More...
The Prog Collective - Songs We Were Taught
Review by Gary Hill
The Prog Collective releases compelling progressive rock album after album.

More...
Vapourspace - Sonic Residue from Vapourspace
Review by Steve Alspach
Here's an interesting concept - take songs from various releases from a progressive rock record label and let the music be transformed by a techno mix until it's nearly unrecognizable from the original source.
More...
Glenn Hughes - Soul Mover
Review by Gary Hill
Glenn Hughes should be a familiar name to fans of hard rock. He started out with the legendary band Trapeze and then worked with Deep Purple.
More...
Hawkestrel - SpaceXmas
Review by Gary Hill
This was released last year, but I got it too late to review it in our December issue. So, I've been holding it until this one.

More...
Steve Morse - Split Decision
Review by Gary Hill
According to the liner notes, this album is named "Split Decision" because Morse had in mind two different albums, one a hard rocking collection and the other a sedate set of pieces.
More...
Various Artists - Stay Tuned – Bernhard Welz - All Stars Charity Album
Review by Larry Toering
Stay Tuned is the third album in a charity series by Bernhard Welz.

More...
Various Artists - Still Wish You Were Here: A Tribute to Pink Floyd
Review by Gary Hill
I generally like things like this where an album is created by taking the track list of a famous album and having different artists reproduce the songs.

More...
Steve Morse - Stressfest
Review by Larry Toering

After Steve Morse found himself in Deep Purple by way of Joe Satriani's rather swift exit due to contractual obligations, or so the story goes, this was one of his opportunities to continue in the fiery direction he was going in on his solo albums with Dave LaRue on bass and Van Romaine on drums.


More...
Various Artists - Tales From Yesterday
Review by Gary Hill
A tribute to the music of Yes, Tales From Yesterday, features some very fine renditions of Yessongs performed by a variety of artists (including several past and present members of Yes). This is a mixed bag. Some of the tracks are quite faithful to the original, while others represent major reworkings.
More...
Iommi - The 1996 DEP Sessions
Review by Greg Olma
I can just picture it now. Tony Iommi and a friend are going through a studio to do some "Spring cleaning". They come across a tape labeled "With Glenn Hughes 1996 DEP Sessions".
More...
The Fusion Syndicate - The Fusion Syndicate
Review by G. W. Hill

What an amazing set this is.


More...
Gillan - The Glory Years DVD
Review by Gary Hill
For fans of Ian Gillan – or fans of hard rock in general, this is a “must have” DVD. Many fans consider the lineup of the band on this video to be the quintessential one and as such this solo concert from Ian Gillan is essential.
More...
Various Artists - The Hammond Organ: An Introduction to the Instrument and the Players Who Made it Famous written by Scott Faragher
Review by G. W. Hill

There are only a few musical instruments that have changed music and defined a sound.


More...
Flying Colors - The Making of Flying Colors DVD
Review by Larry Toering

When this band broke on the scene in mid 2012, the fans were expecting a lot, and a lot is what they got and then some.


More...
Heaven & Earth - The Making Of Heaven & Earth DVD
Review by Larry Toering

Stuart Smith put together this band some time ago and made an album, then later put out this amazing DVD that showcases many of the proceedings in the studio while working on the project.


More...
Glenn Hughes - The Official Bootleg Box Set Volume One
Review by Gary Hill

This new box set from Glenn Hughes compiles a number of bootleg live albums. There are seven CDs here from six different shows.


More...
Glenn Hughes - The Official Bootleg Box Set Volume Three 1995-2010
Review by Gary Hill

The latest in a series of bootleg box sets of Glenn Hughes music, this might be the best of the bunch.


More...
Glenn Hughes - The Official Bootleg Box: Volume Two 1993-2013
Review by Gary Hill

This massive CD box set gathers a batch of Glenn Hughes bootlegs. I'm guessing you could figure that out from the title, though, right?


More...
Whitesnake - The Purple Album
Review by Larry Toering
What can be said about Whitesnake (or Deep Purple for that matter) which hasn't already been said?
More...
Ritchie Blackmore - The Ritchie Blackmore Story BluRay
Review by G. W. Hill

A Ritchie Blackmore penned song, “Smoke on the Water” is arguably the most played rock song by guitarists learning to play rock guitar.


More...
Joe Lynn Turner - The Sessions
Review by G. W. Hill
This is essentially a compilation disc of cover tunes from Joe Lynn Turner.

More...
Various Artists - The Show That Never Ends
Review by Gary Hill
This album is a compilation of various progressive rock performances that were presented on the King Biscuit Flower Hour radio show. All of the outings are quite good, and the selection of artists is also. 



More...
Glenn Hughes - The Way It Is (2 CD Edition)
Review by Gary Hill

This is one of the entries in the new series of Glenn Hughes reissues. Like the rest, they add a second CD, this time a concert from 2000.


More...
Kansas - There’s Know Place Like Home DVD
Review by Greg Olma
More...
Various Artists - To Cry You A Song: A Collection of Tull Tales
Review by Gary Hill
One of the first tribute albums ever done by Magna Carta, this one includes some intriguing arrangements of Jethro Tull songs. There are some definite winners here (witness Aqualung, To Cry You a Song, and Locomotive Breath) and no real losers.
More...
Blackmore's Night - To the Moon and Back - 20 Years and Beyond
Review by Gary Hill
This new collection from Blackmore's Night continues their tradition of classy music.

More...
Trapeze - Trapeze (2 CD Expanded Edition)
Review by Gary Hill

This new release is a double CD version of the 1970 self-titled debut by the band Trapeze.


More...
Carmine Appice - Ultimate Guitar Zeus
Review by Gary Hill
An album like this could be a tricky venture. Essentially the concept is a series of songs with the same basic core band.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Under A Violet Moon
Review by Larry Toering

This is the second coming of Ritchie Blackmore's pet project that started off as if it wouldn't last so long, but has proceeded to find no end in sight.


More...
Colosseum II - Wardance
Review by Gary Hill

This is a new reissue of a classic album from the 1970s. The lineup here features Gary Moore on guitars, Don Airey on keyboards along with John Mole on bass and Jon Hiseman on drums.


More...
Various Artists - We Wish You a Metal Christmas And a Headbanging New Year (2010 Edition)
Review by Gary Hill
This is a reissue of a CD I’ve already reviewed – with a few extra cuts.
More...
Various Artists - We Wish You a Metal Xmas...and a Headbanging New Year
Review by Gary Hill

So many times discs like this are really uneven. Well, that’s not the case here.


More...
Dixie Dregs - What If
Review by Steve Alspach
What If was the second album by the Dixie Dregs, released in 1978. The band left Capricorn after one album and signed to Polydor (which may have been a good move - those who had never heard the band would not be blamed if they thought that this band from Miami, signed to Capricorn, would be another southern-fried boogie band).

More...
Tommy Bolin - Whirlwind
Review by G. W. Hill

Tommy Bolin is best known for his work with Deep Purple, James Gang and the Billy Cobham band.


More...
Various Artists - Who Are You - An All-Star Tribute to the Who
Review by G. W. Hill

I like The Who quite a bit. I mean, they aren’t one of my favorite bands, but I do really like them.


More...
Ian Gillan with Tony Iommi and Friends - Who Cares
Review by Larry Toering

This is the first time Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi have done any recording on the same project since 2006 when Iommi guested on Gillan's Inn, a career retrospective dual disc of re-recorded classics of Gillan's.  


More...
Ian Gillan with Tony Iommi and Friends - Who Cares
Review by G. W. Hill

An expanded set based on the concept and charity involved with the original single, this double disc set has some great stuff.


More...
Voodoo Hill - Wild Seed of Mother Earth
Review by Gary Hill
First, I have to state the obvious - outside of a handful of guys, Rob Halford and Geoff Tate come to mind, Glenn Hughes has the best voice in hard rock and metal - the man is incredible! So, anything Hughes sings on gets some points just for his appearance.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols
Review by Rick Damigella
Here is a recipe for a classic holiday album: Add one guitar legend to an angelic voiced alto singer, mix with a backing band of Renaissance musicians, sprinkle with a generous amount of holiday cheer and you will yield a dozen delicious Christmas treats.
More...
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols (2017 Edition)
Review by Gary Hill

Tis the season for holiday music. You can't go wrong with Blackmore's Night. This is a newly remastered version of their classic Winter Carols album.


More...
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols 2021 Edition
Review by Gary Hill
I previously reviewed an edition of this album that came out in 2017. They have released this new version with a few new songs added.

More...
Ian Gillan - with the Don Airey Band and Orchestra - Contractual Obligation BluRay
Review by Larry Toering
Ian Gillan with the Don Airey Band and Orchestra’s Contractual Obligation on BluRay is a special show to go with the three-disc album set which contains other shows.
More...
Various Artists - Words and Music: Excursions in the Art of Rock Fandom written by Michael Anthony
Review by Alison Henderson

Books written by music fans are very far and few between.


More...
Various Artists - Working Man
Review by Gary Hill
One of the early Magna Carta tribute CD's, this one is definitely not one of their finest. It does have some strong points, though, and the main area in which it is lacking is vocals.
More...
Trapeze - You are the Music, We're Just the Band (Deluxe Edition)
Review by Gary Hill

I am putting this under progressive rock for a couple reasons. For one thing, this band often lands there.


More...
Zephyr - Zephyr
Review by G. W. Hill

This is a new release of a 1969 album from Zephyr.


More...
You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.
 
Return to
Artists Directory
 
Google

   Creative Commons License
   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

    © 2024 Music Street Journal                                                                           Site design and programming by Studio Fyra, Inc./Beetcafe.com