Blackmore's Night: Castles & Dreams (2005 Video) User Reviews

Castles & Dreams

[a_baron · 10/10 · 14 April 2015]

In 1999, Blackmore's Night recorded a song called "Castles & Dreams"; that does not appear on this live DVD, but there is more than enough material here for discerning fans. Kicking off with that typical mystical instrumental introduction, Candice appears and launches into "Cartouche" which sets the tone for the rest of the evening, a good time to be had by all, audience participation included.

A couple of songs will be familiar to Deep Purple fans: "Soldier Of Fortune" probably less so than "Black Knight" and "Child In Time", the latter two from the Mark II line up of the band.

Excluding the bonus material, the concert itself was recorded in the grounds of a castle. Where else would the Black Knight and his Fairie Queen perform?

Magnificent stuff, family friendly entertainment like only Ritchie, Candice and their band of minstrels can deliver, a far cry from most of the (admittedly magnificent) rock concerts of the 70s and 80s.

Not heavy metal

[dave13-1 · 8/10 · 13 April 2012]

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.