Ian Gillan is being highly acclaimed here by your own very own. While his personality and sense of humour would be a subject of a critical debate (as well as his attitude to leading the current pale shade of Deep Purple) - his vocal abilities and a talent to compose great songs are indisputable.
With no doubt the golden years of his solo stint were during the NWOBHM in the early 1980's when he was working with the almighty composer and keyboardist Colin Towns. The two is responsible for creating the most impressive tracks for Gillan's vehicle - ranging from ravingly speedy punky crunches like "Secret Of The Dance" or "Message In A Bottle" to the epic likes with almost progressive structures like "Fighting Man", "On The Rocks", "Born To Kill" or "Demon Driver". Colin must also be acknowledged for an amazing ability to write climaxive ballads, with "She Tears Me Down", "For Your Dreams" or "Living A Lie", being best examples - just to name a very few. While being kicked out of Purple in the early 1990's Ian has scored another two excellent albums, with "Toolbox" (1991) standing tall in particular as an awesome rock cut with trully metallic edge. Re-estabilished in the Deep Purple from 1993 on, Ian was able to provide only "Dreamcatcher" CD in 1997. A pale collection of disasterously produced compositions. While some of the songs were good itself - the recording was done only with the cooperation of tallented guitarist Steve Morris and extensive use of cheap synthesizers and poor arrangements. In the context of IG's back catalogue - it was a biggest letdown possible. Knowing this one may feel allright with the fact that Purple kept him busy enough from side projects of this low level. Much better idea was to gather friends and music relatives from the business and celebrate 40 years of being a rocker. "Gillan's Inn" gathered attention and positive reception from both the fans and the listeners unaware of a long string of IG's solo efforts. And though the selection of presented material is staggering in terms of Gillan's illustrous career overwiev - the result stays quite enjoyable.
And now were in 2009, being informed about the "One Eye To Morocco" being released right now. The album containing songs and melodies with carefully planned jump off the rock platform. No riffing, no solos. This could be tricky. If the compositions and arrangements are good - the idea will defend itself and win positive reception. If these factors are misled by the lack of inspiration and artistic vision (which was clear on the "Dreamcatcher") - the first portion of premiere material from Gillan in 12 years might easily go under the balance, which would be a big shame. The Deep Purple is already so, but aside of it the man still has the guts to do a good music.
Waiting for my copy so far, hoping to give it a listen during a weekend with music friends in Krakow. Stay tuned, there will be some thinktanking on it for sure!
With no doubt the golden years of his solo stint were during the NWOBHM in the early 1980's when he was working with the almighty composer and keyboardist Colin Towns. The two is responsible for creating the most impressive tracks for Gillan's vehicle - ranging from ravingly speedy punky crunches like "Secret Of The Dance" or "Message In A Bottle" to the epic likes with almost progressive structures like "Fighting Man", "On The Rocks", "Born To Kill" or "Demon Driver". Colin must also be acknowledged for an amazing ability to write climaxive ballads, with "She Tears Me Down", "For Your Dreams" or "Living A Lie", being best examples - just to name a very few. While being kicked out of Purple in the early 1990's Ian has scored another two excellent albums, with "Toolbox" (1991) standing tall in particular as an awesome rock cut with trully metallic edge. Re-estabilished in the Deep Purple from 1993 on, Ian was able to provide only "Dreamcatcher" CD in 1997. A pale collection of disasterously produced compositions. While some of the songs were good itself - the recording was done only with the cooperation of tallented guitarist Steve Morris and extensive use of cheap synthesizers and poor arrangements. In the context of IG's back catalogue - it was a biggest letdown possible. Knowing this one may feel allright with the fact that Purple kept him busy enough from side projects of this low level. Much better idea was to gather friends and music relatives from the business and celebrate 40 years of being a rocker. "Gillan's Inn" gathered attention and positive reception from both the fans and the listeners unaware of a long string of IG's solo efforts. And though the selection of presented material is staggering in terms of Gillan's illustrous career overwiev - the result stays quite enjoyable.
And now were in 2009, being informed about the "One Eye To Morocco" being released right now. The album containing songs and melodies with carefully planned jump off the rock platform. No riffing, no solos. This could be tricky. If the compositions and arrangements are good - the idea will defend itself and win positive reception. If these factors are misled by the lack of inspiration and artistic vision (which was clear on the "Dreamcatcher") - the first portion of premiere material from Gillan in 12 years might easily go under the balance, which would be a big shame. The Deep Purple is already so, but aside of it the man still has the guts to do a good music.
Waiting for my copy so far, hoping to give it a listen during a weekend with music friends in Krakow. Stay tuned, there will be some thinktanking on it for sure!
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