UNDER A VIOLET MOON

I have planned to write reviews only for the albums I think deserve an advise for the non-initiated listener (to recommend or avoid them). This is the case with Ricthie's second effort with his muse. I don't know how this album can be so low-rated. If it was the case of someone disliking Blackmore's Night musical approach, OK. But it doesn't seem to be the case. People who like Blackmore's Night and recommend some of their albums are bashing this one, that is their BEST effort (IMO)! Of couse, the surprise that we had listening to the first notes of 'Shadow of the Moon" are gone, but there are a lot of wonderful original tracks in this album plus an ok cover of "Self portrait" from the first Rainbow album.

These are the highlights of the album:

Under a violet moon- a happy track with that enchanting fake renaissance mood that marks this group. Good guitar and keyboard work.

Past time with good company - a Henry VIII composition that receives a pop-folk version. Good, and in the live album "Past times with good company" you can compare the diference between the (reconstructed) original mood and the group's version.

Gone with the wind - Well, I miss Ritchie's electric guitar solos, and this song gave us a brief example of what he could be doing if he want.

Beyond the sunset - lovely instrumental piece, short and sweet.

Spanish nights (I remember it well) - the best track of the album. Beggining with wanna- be spanish chords, the evolution of the piece leads to an amazing guitar solo. Put this in a rock mood and it will be pure and classic Rainbow! Catherine Howard´s fate - a sad recollection of one of Henry VIII wives. Well-played and well-sung. Candice's best work in this album.

If you're the casual listener and want to know Blackmore's Night, I couldn't recommend this album enough. But beware: this isn't prog rock in any situation. Listen to it as a "rock meets XVth century" thing and you'll get the spirit.

As an album (without considering it prog or not), 5 stars. Progginess - 1. So I give it 3 stars (if I could, 3,5 stars), respecting the main interest that atract us to this site: prog music.