MUSIC REVIEW

Deep Purple taps the spirit of true rock

By John Young

"“Some would call it suicide; I would call it paradise."

Deep Purple's Palumbo Center performance last night never really approached either of the extremes mentioned in their song “Rosa's Cantina." To the Purps' collective credit, though, their show leaned squarely toward the latter.

Playing for 1,987 fans, the band delivered a set sure to please Deep Purple purists. The first song played from the Machine Head album wasn't “Highway Star" or “Space Truckin'," but the far less overworked “Pictures of Home." And when te group did finally dust off their most fiery anthem, it came with a sly introduction from singer Ian Gillan.

“This is a piece of filler we wrote for `Machine Head."' is how he introduced “Smoke On The Water."

Deep Purple could surely phone in their performances by now, but the band members still appear to legitimately enjoy themselves on stage. Gillan, his black hair flying in all directions, shook hands with fans and added thumping conga work to the songs' frequent instrumental passages. Meanwhile, guitarist Steve Morse (sorry Ritchie Blackmore devotees) and keyboardist Jon Lord smilingly traded licks.

But The band's most superlative tandem remains drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover. The pair set a blistering performance for many of the night's songs, effortlessly segueing well-known tunes with material from the new album “Purpendicular." Glover's few short solos were flashy enough to put the work of most six string players to shame.

Opening act Wild T and the Spirit also specialized “chop rock.." But you'll more likely read about this band in the pages of Guitar Player or Musician than hear them on the radio. A wanna-be Hendrix, Mr. T needs to add some original lyrical ideas or melodic hooks to his trio's material if he's to earn a bigger following.

Deep Purple unleashed the spirit of great rock, playing distinctive songs with skill - and heart.

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