The Deep Purple Story

When you think of Deep Purple, singer Ian Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore usually come to mind immediately, but over the years, numerous members have passed through the group's ranks. So many, in fact, that a compilation of tracks recorded by Deep Purple alumni, Deep Purple Story, has been assembled. In addition to Gillan and Blackmore, Deep Purple has served as a home for some of rock's most renowned and/or talented musicians, including drummer Ian Paice, singer David Coverdale, plus guitarists Tommy Bolin and Steve Morse, most of which are spotlighted here. Deep Purple guitarist Morse is spotlighted with an instrumental tune by his original band, the Dixie Dregs, "Take It Off the Top," which sounds quite Joe Satriani-like, years before he began racking up the accolades, as well as solo cuts by Gillan, Coverdale, and others. Strangely, no tracks are included of the great Bolin (who was Blackmore's replacement from 1975-1976) -- any given track from his output with either the James Gang or as a solo artist would have been a welcome addition. That one small complaint aside, if you're curious to see what Deep Purple members have done outside of the band, Deep Purple Story is a fine taster. ~ Greg Prato|