SHADES OF DEEP PURPLE

It's always been a joy listening to vintage rock music especially those that came out before early 70s. This album by Deep Purple is by no exception. With Rod Evans on lead vocal this was the embryonic phase of a band that later would be called as the loudest band in the world. The opening track "Hey Joe" (Jimi Hendrix) contains symphonic elements through the organ work beautifully delivered by Jon Lord. The sound quality was still quite raw because at that time recording technology relied heavily only with analog equipment. However, the band has successfully composed and arranged the music in such a way that makes the listeners enjoy it very much. I especially love the way Jon plays his organ in eastern style.

"Help" intro falls into the same style with the intro of "Hey Joe". This cover of The Beatles has been made richer than the original version with more symphonic touch demonstrating soaring organ work, powerful drumming and atmospheric vocal. The chorus line has been made different and it's really nice. The music interlude showing Jon Lord organ solo is also stunning. Ritchie provides his guitar in its raw format and makes it pleasurable for listeners. By simple definition these two opening tracks are prog.

"Hush" brings the music into uplifting mood with upbeat music in relatively fast tempo. The organ solo exploration in "And The Address" of the track is excellent. Nick Simpler's bass guitar lines are quite dynamics and tight. Ritchie provides his solo nicely. "One More Rainy Day" brings The Beatles style of Deep Purple even though the organ work is different than any of The Beatles style. Again, I notice Nick Simpler bass guitar work is excellent. "Mandrake Root" is a good track with powerful riffs, dynamics drums and relatively fast tempo. Ritchie had not shown his powerful guitar solo yet. The music interlude in the middle of the track filled with Jon Lord's stunning organ work augmented by powerful drumwork by Ian Paice.

Overall, talking about Deep Purple album I think this one has reasonable number of prog elements in the music especially through the work of Jon Lord and dynamic bass guitar lines by Nick Simpler. It's an interesting album in the band's early days. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW