Black Country Communion’s official site has been updated with a promotion video. In the video, all members get to talk about the band and we also get a look into the recording sessions as well as some sound clips of the new songs.

Our long time reader and contributor Brian Currin has pictures (more here) and setlist from the show on June 1 in Cape Town:

1. Highway Star
2. Things I Never Said
3. Strange Kind Of Woman
4. Maybe I’m a Leo
5. Rapture Of The Deep
6. Fireball (including Into The Fire riff at end)
7. Contact Lost
8. Guitar Solo
9. Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
10. The Well Dressed Guitar
11. Mary Long
12. Lazy
13. No One Came
14. Keyboard Solo (including excerpt from Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika)
15. Perfect Strangers
16. Space Truckin’
17. Smoke On The Water
    Encores
18. Hush
19. Bass Solo
20. Black Night

In the spring of 1997 Ioannis was introduced to Roger Glover and Bruce Payne and began working on Abandon. Ioannis recalls:

There was a huge rush to get the art finished approved and off to the printers, It is one of my favorite images, however I regretted the fact that I did not have the time to work on it, as I would have liked. I revisited the image these twelve years later and using the original sources, painstakingly recreated the artwork with more depth, detail and final finish, which is very striking once you view it. I then had a hand in reproducing each print individually of an edition of only 75. Numbering them and hand signing them.

The prints can be purchased through Dangerous Age.

What can be said that has not been said already about Jon Lord and his music, his performing and his dedication to his work and to the people he teams up with?

Jon Lord & the Lord Chamber Orchestra with guests

Having seen his two previous concerts in Trondheim’s great Nidarosdomen Cathedral (in 2003 and 2007) I certainly had expectations to the evening’s show, and to the pre-announced group of musicians that were to participate, and subsequently to what the program would contain.

But the concert with an audience of 1200 (sold out) was a triumph, a thrill of enjoyment, a magical experience, an once-in-a-lifetime experience that I clearly think exceeded almost everybody’s expectations this evening.

Spine-shiverings and goose-bumps came, went and came back again throughout the concert, and words are easily best used for only giving the facts really.

One thing is Jon’s music and presence in every bit throughout his performance from start to finish, as we all know of course, another major factor that must be accounted for, is his unique ability to get musicians from quite different musical landscapes and backgrounds together in a setting like this, and then clearly inspire them and work with them so each and one performs outstandingly as professionals and as human beings, so that their contributions in the same way is felt as a deeply involved presence in what they are doing and where they are. True magic!

Program:
1. To notice such things, part 1 through 6 (from ‘To notice such things’. Jon briefly explained the background and how it is put together)
2. Evening song – Nathalie Lorichs (from ‘Pictured within’)
3. Pictured within – Steve Balsamo (from ‘Pictured within’)
4. Wait a while – Nathalie Lorichs (from ‘Pictured within’)
5. Bouree (from ‘Sarabande’)
6. For example (from ‘To notice such things’- dedicated to the Trondheim soloists)
7. The Telemann experiment (from ‘Beyond the notes’)
8. Gigue (from ‘Sarabande’ – Martin the drummer from Opeth got a standing ovation here!)
9. Soldier of fortune – Steve Balsamo & Nathalie Lorichs
10. Child in time – Steve Balsamo
11. The sun will shine again – Nathalie Lorichs (from ‘Beyond the notes’, dedicated to Ronnie James Dio)

The concert lasted 2hours 30 minutes, and the time just flew by.

As already said, the highlights were there all the way, but special mentioning nonetheless to his new piece ‘To notice such things’ – warm, melodic, and with great passages of drama and dynamics in between, the exceptional fine version of ‘Soldier of fortune’, and an almost UNBELIEVINGLY spine-tingling ‘Child in time’ by Steve Balsamo.

Also the program itself was a highlight, with a very good put together mixture of music from a wide range of Jon’s work.

And every single artist on the stage stood out through their various pieces – the orchestra with members from the Trondheim Soloists and the Trondheim Symphonic orchestra under their conductor for the evening Mr Torodd Wigum, Nathalie Lorichs and Steve Balsamo both magnificent on vocals, Martin the drummer from ‘Opeth’, Martin the bass player from ‘Opeth’, Magnus on keyboard, the wonderfully played flute during ‘To notice such things’ and the childrens choir from Nidarosdomen. Fantastic.

Well done!

Hans Peter Jenssen, Trondheim

See more photos and video on JonLord.org

It looks like Black Country Communion, or BC Communion, is the new name for the band featuring Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherenian.

Now, here’s a merchandise idea and a half… 😉

Hot on the heels of the Deep Purple Zinfandel, the Heavy Seas Brewery down in Maryland is releasing in June an Imperial Smoked Porter very appropriately called Smoke On The Water:

This first time release boasts complex roasted malt flavors with a hint of smoke. Available in 22oz bottles and limited draft. Approx 8% ABV. Pair this porter with anything cooked on the grill and smoked gouda.

The “smoked beer” takes it’s taste from the malt which is roasted using open flame, as opposed to kilns (which is the prevalent modern method). Slow roasting on open flames impart smokiness in the malt, which transfers to the final product. It’s a technique still widely used in Scottish Isles for whisky malt and in Bamberg, Germany, for making the Rauchbier. The taste can range from the very subtly smokey Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier to the full blown “liquified smoked salmon” Unibroue Titanic (the latter sadly seems to be discontinued).

Cheers!

Thanks to Adam from beernews.org for the info.

Back in January when the Singapore show was announced I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that Deep Purple would also stop here in Bangkok. This place is simply not on the major concert circuit. Most acts hit Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo during their Asian tours, but Bangkok is usually completely off the radar.

So to my great surprise after having purchased my concert ticket, air tix, etcetera for the Singapore show, about a month later it was announced that the Purple would in fact be coming to Bangkok!!! Being the fanatic I am, I surely could not pass up the chance to see my all-time favourite band in my home town. So out I rushed to the box office and got some great seats for my wife and self right up front and centre, just one row back from the stage.

On hand for the event at the Bangkok Thunderdome last Friday night were as I expected, lots of British expats, and once again lots of young fans in their teens and early twenties. I never realized though just how many Thai rockers there are – they made up easily half to two thirds of the crowd. Again this is a testament to the wide appeal of Deep Purple – people of all ages and cultures love this band. Looking around the venue I estimated about 4000 people were in attendance.

The band started out with another dramatic intro to Highway Star but to my distress everybody remained firmly planted in their chairs. What on earth was going on I thought? And I wondered what the band was making of this – was this just polite Thai reserve? Well I didn’t have to fret long as into about the second verse fans from the back reaches of the arena surged forward to the stage, and then like in Singapore the place was just absolutely hopping.

The band went through essentially the same setlist as in Singapore, but in Purple`s inimitable style they made each song unique with different fills and solos. That`s what makes any live experience with this band so rewarding for a fan – the music lives and breathes and never becomes stale – no rote versions here.

More strong performances and smiles all around by Big Ian and company. Even at 64 years old, Ian G. puts in a very energetic performance – he moves all about the stage and can still jump to the music like people half his age.

The sound in the Thunderdome was not as good as in Singapore`s Indoor Stadium, but no one seemed to mind – a good time was held by all – a great response from the crowd through the entire show.

Highlights on this night were Steve`s incredible work on No One Came, the crowd-pleasing Perfect Strangers, the ever-classic Smoke on the Water, and dazzling displays by both Roger and Steve on the encore performance of Black Night.

After a one hour and 45 minute set it was all over. Led by Paicey, the gents came forward and bowed to the audience with the traditional Thai wai.

I had the good fortune of receiving one of the band`s setlists which had been taped to the stage floor. For the encore portion I note that Speed King was listed, however the band did not play it on this night, nor did they in Singapore. No complaints from me though, what Purple did give us all on both nights was 100% full on rock with passion and conviction.

Long May Purple Reign!

In 1972 whilst in Japan for the ‘Made In Japan’ concert series , Purple also spent time at the local TV station NHK in Tokyo filming a 2 hour spot for the “Young Music Show”. Unfortunately it appears that the tapes have been lost, but we are being promised that the search will continue.
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I have been an ardent fan of Deep Purple since the spring of 1973 when a friend lent me a 45 rpm record of Smoke on the Water (studio version on one side, live edited version from Made in Japan on the other). From that point onward I was completely hooked on all things Purple and have followed with keen interest the band in all its incarnations for over 37 years now.

To say that I have always been a huge Ritchie Blackmore fan would be a gross understatement and I must admit that back in 1975/76 I was unable to adapt to the then Tommy Bolin brand of Purple. Yet with the benefit of intervening years during which time I developed a wider musical palate, I rediscovered Bolin`s version of the band and now hold some of his guitar work in as high regard as Blackmore`s. Likewise I must admit that I have not always been able to completely appreciate Steve Morse`s guitar style in Purple in spite of his 15 plus years with the band. I can now say that has all changed after the concert I witnessed him play a couple of nights ago in Singapore. The man is obviously a key driving force in the band`s enduring legacy and from what I saw and heard, had moments on the fretboard which out-shined even the venerable Blackmore.

I traveled from home in Bangkok down to Singapore to catch the band at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Wednesday May 14th and with no opening act and no lights on a jet black stage the band kicked immediately into overdrive at 8:15 p.m. with the pulsating rhythms and wailing guitar intro of Highway Star. Then with a flash, on came the lights and there was Ian Gillan standing there screaming like it was 1972. Everyone in the place was out of their chairs and on their feet. The sheer energy between the band and the audience was palpable.

Before and during the concert I looked around on what I estimated to be a crowd of between 6000 to 7000 and saw people of all ages and races of this very multi-cultural city. Seated beside me was a young lady of sixteen who told me her dad had introduced her to Deep Purple some years back and her favourite album was Made in Japan. There were hundreds of other young fans like her there to witness a band that has been rocking for almost two generations before them. I challenge anyone to name me another active touring rock group that has been around as long, and which has the cross-cultural / cross-generational appeal that Purple has.

Proceedings continued with Things I Never Said, Strange Kind of Woman, Maybe I`m a Leo, and as Ian Gillan introduced it…..here`s the title track from our latest album – Rapture of the Deep!! I noted how strong Ian was of voice, not only in the lower and mid-ranges, but in the upper register as well, he hit all the notes. And Steve`s guitar renderings on these songs were just superb. As well, from my vantage point I noted how amazingly good the sound was in this venue.

Onward through their catalogue came Fireball, Contact Lost, Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming, Well-Dressed Guitar, and Mary Long on which Ian did a wonderful middle-eastern tinged vocal outro.

Then it was Don Airey`s chance to shine on the intro to Lazy which once the band joined in got the entire place up and boogying. It was clearly obvious that the band is happy to be on stage making music and playing for the people – smiles all around. These fellows are not doing it by the numbers, nor for the money – they all could have retired comfortably years ago on their royalty checks. Instead it is apparent that they are up there for the sheer joy of the music and the interaction with the crowd.

Next up was a very funky version of No One Came with some great jamming guitar and bass interplay. Then it was back to Don Airey for an extended solo (after about 5 minutes or so Ian Paice got up from behind the cabinets and feigned a playful rifle shot at Don) and intro to Perfect Strangers. At that the place jumped to its feet, people gyrating, heads banging to the music, fists pounding the air – it was dare I say almost a religious experience.

The momentum of the band and crowd continued with Space Trucking and a brilliant Steve Morse solo, and then completely erupted when Steve hit in staccato the first three notes of Smoke on the Water. The place was seething and hit its high point on the now familiar sing-along of the chorus. And then it was over – the band said its thank yous and into the front rows were tossed picks, sticks and towels. The appreciative fans cried for more and were rewarded a couple of minutes later with a jazzy jam intro to Hush on which Ian Paice delivered a great swinging solo. From there Roger Glover went into full gear on an absolutely stunning bass guitar solo (I never realized what a master he is of the instrument) which then segued into a raucous Black Night. Steve delivered a great solo with a highly-spirited crowd call and response. And then it was really over, final goodbyes, more sticks and picks, and on came the lights. It was about 10:00 p.m. – about a 1 hour, 45 minute performance.

After the show a few die-hard fans (self included) waited out by the trucks for a final glimpse of the band. First out was Steve Morse who came over to give autographs and chat with the kids. Last out was Ian Gillan who even after a long session of backstage chatting, in his ever gracious manner made it a point to come over and reward the few remaining fans who had been patiently waiting by the security gate, with handshakes and to sign whatever was placed in front of him.

An overall very satisfying concert experience from a band whose following seems only to be growing. I was looking forward to seeing them in Bangkok two nights hence.

It looks like the Deep Purple tour of Italy last December was so successful that the band has been booked to the country again this July. The set of eight dates, all taking place in rather picturesque settings, often by the seaside, have been confirmed by the Italian promoters (but not by Thames Talent, not yet anyway). Tickets for all dates — starting July 21st and ending on the 30th — are already on sale.

And if your schedule will bring you to Italy in June, be sure to catch Don Airey performing with the local bands: June 17th near Venice, 18th near Varese and 19th near Cremona.

Full details, as usual, in our calendar.

Thanks to Francesco from Deep Purple Italia and to Ivano Bosello for the info.