Who would have predicted in the early 70s, right after Deep Purple’s Machine Head came out, that the composer of “Smoke on the Water” would eventually live a quiet and domestic life and become part of a Renaissance/Minstrel band? I wouldn’t have laid money down either, but that’s what happened to good ol’ Ritchie Blackmore, who sounds completely at home her at this York concert from 2011 with a merry band of Candice Night/voc-woodwinds, Squire Malcom of Lumley/dr, Bard David of Larchmont/key, Gypsy Rose/violin, Earl Grey of Chimay/b and Minstrel Albert/bagpipes.
The band is able to produce rollicking and mirthful dances like “Locked Within the Crystal Ball” and “The Circle” which has some infectious melodies along with Night’s penetrating vocals. More gentle pieces for the daily picnic by the river are delivered on “The Peasant’s Promise” which has some exquisite finger picking by the man of the Highway Star. A festive “Toast To Tomorrow” will get you to raise your ale, while “Journeyman” has an almost epic feel to it, causing you to wait for Errol Flynn to come riding by any minute. A bountifully good time with exciting music and a festive atmosphere. Space Truckin’, indeed!
UDR