Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Deep Purple - In Concert With the London Symphony Orchestra CD (album) cover

IN CONCERT WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Deep Purple

 

Proto-Prog

3.27 | 83 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars I quite frankly do not like these combinations of classic orchestra with a rock band. The Purple did this already thirty years ago (hence this record to "celebrate" the anniversary).

A that time, the original release consisted of only three movements written by Jon. These were pure classic moments interupted with a solo of either Ritchie, Jon or Ian (Paice). Fortunately, it has been expanded with a second CD with pure Purple songs recorded on the same evening (see my review for "Concerto For Group & Orchestra" for more detailed info if you want ).

I would divide this album into three sections :

First one is similar to its counterpart from 1969, and I am only interested in "Movement 3" which features a nice guitar and drum solo.

The second section is a classic rendition of some Purple and non-Purple tracks. The orchestra is in the front line while some special guests make their appearance. Poor. All the way through.

The only section I can stand is what I would call a Purple concert with a background orchestra. Two tracks from "Perpendicular" : "Ted The Mechanic" and "Sometimes I feel like screaming" One from "Abandon" : "Watching The Sky".

The best song on this album is IMO their extended rendition for "Pictures Of Home" from "Machine Head". Although the Orchestra's intro is almost unhearable and useless for about 1'50", when the real song starts, it is a great moment. This song is my second fave on the original album (together with "Highway Star" and it is not too bad a mix this time). Jon plays a good key solo and Ian is hitting his drum like crazy. The guitar finale is a bit jammy but OK.

The closing number is "Smoke On The Water". Special guests coming back on stage to perform a good version of this emblematic song. Not too bad as one could have imagined. Almost the original format : no too much "smoooooooke..." from the audience (thanks) !

I guess it was the best way to close this performance.

Rating this effort is quite difficult for me. Since I do not like classic music. Fortunately, there is what I call the third section. Still, only two little stars.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this DEEP PURPLE review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.