Deep Purple fans unaware of the turn Richie Blackmore's career took might be expecting Heavy Metal, but it's more like electrified medieval folk, played in period costume at a Medieval Fair in Germany. Several favorite Blackmore's Night songs are done very well here: Soldier of Fortune, Ghost of Rose, Once in a Million Years. The arrangements and musicianship are very tight, with Richie Blackmore showing off his amazing skill with a variety of stringed instruments, and the other musicians playing a mix of period instruments (recorders esp.) and more modern ones (drums, keyboards) with great flair. Blackmore's wife Candice Night has a tremendous voice and sings the lead vocals beautifully, although her stage patter is a distraction. Talk about shut up and sing...
The setting is gorgeous: an authentic German castle town famous for its annual Medieval Fairs and many of the audience are in period costume as well, giving the whole concert an irresistible festival air. The camera keeps moving to highlight all of the performers, but the editing has a nice seamless look that calls little attention to itself. The concert makes for an enjoyable evening for anybody who likes this kind of music, and the disc is well produced and looks good.
The setting is gorgeous: an authentic German castle town famous for its annual Medieval Fairs and many of the audience are in period costume as well, giving the whole concert an irresistible festival air. The camera keeps moving to highlight all of the performers, but the editing has a nice seamless look that calls little attention to itself. The concert makes for an enjoyable evening for anybody who likes this kind of music, and the disc is well produced and looks good.