IN CONCERT WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

It needs to be said up front that much the better way to experience this event is through the DVD. The visual aspects of the performance in London's' Royal Albert Hall do much to enhance the overall impact of this unique event. That said, this still a worthwhile investment.

The centrepiece is a new and updated rendition of Jon Lord's "Concerto for group and orchestra". This 50 minute opus is rooted in classical music, the band playing a supporting role for much of the time. Anyone looking for the heavy rock of the band will find little to detain them here. In terms of classical music, it is hard to see this sitting alongside the great composers. While it is competently composed, and flawlessly executed, it is dull and lacking in focus.

Prior to the "Concerto" we are treated to fine vocal performances by Miller Anderson and Sam Brown. In both cases, the songs they sing are reflective, with sympathetic orchestration. Only Lord from the band is present at this point, the others joining in at various points. Ian Paice's jazz band interpretation of "Wring that neck" seems out of place, and rather at odds with the evolving atmosphere.

The later part of the performance consist of a more rock selection. The orchestra play second fiddle on more recent numbers such as "Ted the mechanic" and "Watching the sky". Steve Morse's riff and Ian Gillan's fine vocal performance on the superb "Sometimes I feel like screaming" distinguish this recent song as a future classic DP song.

Inevitably we close with an orchestrated "Smoke on the water", with everyone, including there audience, trying to show that they do, honestly know how to rock out.

It is more than a little ironic that the "Concerto" section is in fact the weakest part of this memorable gig. Fans of the band should be aware when considering this album that it is not by any means a typical Deep Purple release. With that in mind, it is nonetheless worthy of investigation.

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