DEEP PURPLE: Live At Montreux 1996

Cover	Release	Style
	2006-05-01	classic hard rock
	Label
	Eagle Records
	Website
	Deep Purple
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	74:20	EAGCD 323
	Review by / Translated by	Rating
	Edwin	8,5/10
nederlands	Review
I’ve lost count on just how many live albums Deep Purple have released. I own about 20 of them, but I’ve long since given up on collecting them all. “Live At Montreux 1996” is the latest in the long line. This cd was recorded at the Montreux Jazz festival in 1996; the bonus track are from the same festival in 2000. As every Purple fans know, Montreux has been quite special for the band. This is where – during the recording of “Machine Head” - “some stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground” – an event which was immortalized in the “Smoke On The Water” lyrics. Incidentally, the Montreux Jazz festival was founded by Claude Nobs – who was actually the “Funky Claude”, who was “running in and out – pulling kids out the ground”. The main part of the cd is from 1996. “Purpendicular” was just out and both the album and the tour showed a rejuvenated band, after the numerous conflicts with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and the eventual departure of the Man In Black. In his place came Steve Morse, Friendly Face and guitarist extraordinaire, and his influence is evident. This short set shows an enthusiastic band, eager to please the fans again. Sure, “Black Night”, “Speed King” and “Woman From Tokyo” are already available on several live albums. And I’m sure very few people will actually be waiting for yet another version of “Smoke On The Water”. But no one will deny these songs sound very energetic here. There are also great versions of “Fireball”, “Pictures Of Home” and “When A Blind Man Cries”, songs which they hadn’t played for a long time. Off “Purpendicular”, “Hey Cisko” and the magnificent “Ted The Mechanic” were played. The bonus tracks are from the 2000 Montreux show: the new classic “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming”, and “Fools” (originally from the “Fireball” album). The latter song in particular makes this album a definite must-have for fans. This is a stellar performance of this rarely played, progressive masterpiece. Just brilliant… A very solid performance from the band, and I’m sure any fan will be happy to add this to his or her collection. But even for casual listeners this wouldn’t be a bad choice.
Musicians
Ian Gillan: Vocals Roger Glover: Bass Jon Lord: Keyboards Steve Morse: Guitars Ian Paice: Drums
Tracklist
Fireball Ted The Mechanic Pictures Of Home Black Night Woman From Tokyo No One Came When A Blind Man Cries Hey Cisko Speed King Smoke On The Water Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming (bonus) Fools (bonus)


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