Jon Lord - Sarabande 1976

Format: APE (image + .cue + log)

Genre: Symphonic Rock

Release Date: 1983

Label: Line Records

Notes

Recorded between 3rd and 6th September 1975 at the Stadt Halle
Oererckenschwick near Dusseldorf with the Dieter Dierks Mobile Recording Studio
using AGFA P.E.M. 408 master tape.
Engineered by Martin Birch (The WASP).
Remixed by Martin Birch at Musicland Studios (Munich), assisted by Hans Menzel.
Mastered at Kendun Recorders in Burbank CA.
Produced by Jon Lord and Martin Birch.

Jon Lord - keyboards

Paul Karass - bass

Mark Nauseef - percussion

Andy Sommers - guitar

Pete York - drums

and the Philharmonia Hungarica conducted by EBERHARD SCHOENER

Review from purplerecords

Founder member of Deep Purple, keyboard player Jon Lord needs little introduction to rock audiences. Yet classical music had been a huge part of his musical education, and echoes of his love for the genre imbued the early Deep Purple albums. His interest was then channeled into a series of classical/rock experiments which lasted throughout the seventies.

Jon Lord based his material on a set of dance suites, interpreted with a string orchestra and modern rock instrumentation. His own keyboard playing was stunning, ranging from gentle piano work to heavy Hammond organ riffs. The guitar was played by Andy Summers, just prior to his joining The Police.

A crash of orchestra and cymbals opens this huge work. The title piece is strong, with a cool bass line and Lord's infectious synth, built up with masses of horns, strings, and percussion shifting from Latin moves and sweeping winds to jazzy and romantic encounters. This is *orchestral* rock more than it is *symphonic*, and the record is bold even for 1976.

In the 11-minute 'Guige' we hear remnants of Dave Brubeck's proto-fusion and even Bo Hansson's distant impact, as instruments talk to each other in spirited conversation. The second half grooves smoothly into hip street rhythms, Arabian sand storms, Eastern treasure and T.E. Lawrence. 'Caprice' is first-rate syn-phonic rock sewn into a fascinating quilt of opera, pomp and circumstance and is benefitted by Eberhard Schoener's firm conducting.

Unfortunately, at the time it was released, the album went mostly unnoticed in the storm of Deep Purple's 1976 tour and their split.

Conception - Parallel Minds 1993

Format: ape + cue + log

Genre:Melodic Metal

Release Date: 1993

Label: Noise Records

Roy S. Khantatat - vocals

Tore Ostby - Guitar

Arve Heimdal - Drums

Ingar Amlien - Bass

Hans Cristian Gjestvang - Keboards

Review - The Metal Observer:
Label-wise released roundabout two months BEFORE the real debut, "Parallel Minds" shows us matured CONCEPTION, the compositions are rounder and more compact, as you can hear in the opening up-tempo-track "Water Confines".

Musically they have stayed true to their sound, slightly progressive Melodic Metal, which mainly lives off Tore Шstby's guitar-wizardry and Khan's brilliant vocals, but both elements are always used for the good of the song, no solo-escapades ruining the flow of the songs or one part growing too dominant. Just as on the debut the production is more than convincing either, each instrument has its clear sound, everything is coming over very powerful.

More classics are "Roll The Fire", more mid-paced, very direct, very intense, great atmosphere, the great ballad "Silent Crying", "The Promiser" with its excellent lyrics and the almost nine-minute "Soliloquy", which covers almost all facets of Melodic/Progressive Metal…

Even though I miss the flamenco-parts of "The Last Sunset", still a great album by a great band, both thumbs up!

Graham Bonnet - Here Comes The Night (1991)

Format: ape + cue + log

Genre:Rock

Release Date: 1991

Label: President

Graham Bonnet's illustrious singing career includes hit singles "Night Games" and "Since You've Been Gone" with Rainbow. Apart from working with Richie Blackmore and Michael Schenker, he can be credited with having helped the careers of Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and Chris Impelliteri all of whom played in bands with him. On this set he covers classic pop songs alongside quality original material. Truly outstanding.