Deep Purple - Concerto for Group and Orchestra (In Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)
Overshadowed in rock history by the Moody Blues'Days of Future Passedand the symphonic rock of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, Deep Purple'sConcerto for Group and Orchestrais an event that shouldn't be forgotten. Composed by keyboardist Jon Lord, this three-movement concerto begins as an antagonistic contest between Deep Purple and the 80-piece Royal Philharmonic, under the mediating baton of conductor Malcolm Arnold. The second movement finds group and orchestra coming to terms with each other, while the third unites them into an integrated whole. Everybody's evidently mystified when guitarist Richie Blackmore hijacks the first movement with an amazing but unexpectedly extended solo, and it's obvious that some of the tuxedoed players aren't too keen about sharing Royal Albert Hall with long-haired rockers. Still, this remains one of the most remarkable efforts to meld "the best of both worlds," and Lord's jovial commentary track guides the viewer/listener through all the musical hazards and highlights. Originally recorded for British television and superbly remastered for DVD (in Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby 5.1-channel Surround, or DTS Surround), this premier performance is a must-have for Deep Purple fans, and the casually curious will also be richly rewarded.--Jeff Shannon