Deep Purple -- Akron Ohio, November 30, 1996

     Deep Purple played at the E.J.Thomas theater in Akron, Ohio to a sold out crowd of approximately 2000 people. Deep Purple has been utterly revitalized by the addition of guitarist Steve Morse (formerly of the Dixie Dregs), who replaced Richie Blackmore in 1995. Morse has fully incorporated himself in to the band and played through the old standards with as much confidence and skill as the songs off their new album, Purpendicular. Purple opened up the show with Hush, and played a blazing two-hour set of songs spanning from 1968 to 1996, and astonishingly proved that they are better than ever after all these years. Gillan's voice was incredible as he repeatedly and effortlessly matched screaming guitar notes tossed out by Morse. Gillan even belted out the harmony notes to the Machine Head version of the guitar solo from Highway Star. There was also fascinating interaction between Morse and keyboardist, Jon Lord as the two exchanged riffs at a level most musicians only dream of attaining. The band seems thrilled with Morse, and during several Morse solo spots, the band stood in the wings and appeared to watch in awe and admiration.

     For me, highlights from the show included Ted the Mechanic, The Aviator and Rosa's Cantina (Purpendicular, 1996), Speed King (In Rock, 1970) No One Came (Fireball, 1971), Blind Man Cries (circa 1969), Highway Star (Machine Head, 1972) and My Woman From Tokyo (Who Do We Think We Are, 1973). The band was all smiles and seemed more contiguous as a group than at any time since their 1985 reunion. Deep Purple has not toured the United States since 1988, and the audience was obviously elated to witness this resurrection of one of rock's most influential bands.

     Many people I've spoken to (albeit clueless) seem surprised to hear that Purple still exists at all, let alone with four of the original members from its best lineup and the recent addition of one of the most talented guitarists in the business. Purple has received little or no help of late from trendy corporate United States radio stations, but has nevertheless been cranking out quality records and touring the globe since their 1985 reunion. Purple has a large contingent of profoundly loyal fans spanning all over the world. This band is as fresh and vital as ever, and could easily ascend to the prominence they previously held. They need a little boost, ala Aerosmith/Run DMC, but there is no band in rock and roll who can play as well, with as much authority, history, precision, feeling and umph as Deep Purple.

     I caught the Hartford show, and I'm planning on catching the Pittsburgh show December 6 and any others I can get to. For each show, I'm bringing people who have never seen Purple, and they have been utterly amazed with Purple's performances. Cheers!

Michael Lee Jackson

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