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Rating: Bootleg by Deep Purple is very interesting not only because it captures one of Jon Lord's last live appearances with the Purples, but also because quite unexpectedly, Bernie Marsden delivers an outstanding performance.
The sound quality is not exceptional, but overall acceptable. The bootleg starts off a bit quietly, with a somewhat weak "Fireball" and a "Woman From Tokyo" that's certainly not unforgettable (probably the only Purple song Steve Morse hasn't been able to interpret convincingly; for some reason, every time I've heard him play it, it hasn't thrilled me).
The first real jolt comes with "Lazy," which, after a brief organ intro, starts like a bomb: Morse's Music Man comes in like a missile, delivering a stunning impact. Undoubtedly a very different version from what all Purple fans are used to, as the guitar in "Lazy" usually enters very gently and then explodes in all its power. Nonetheless, the piece sounds fantastic, and the whole band is perfectly comfortable.
Unfortunately, Ian Gillan no longer has the power he once did, but he still manages to convey all his charisma, and on some occasions, he even hits notes that remain a dream for most singers currently in circulation. Steve Morse, however, remains the absolute protagonist of the evening, with a chilling rendition of "The Well Dressed Guitar," a very classical instrumental piece that certainly doesn't leave you indifferent (the first time I heard it, at the Santa Lucia di Piave concert in 2001, I was blown away, a piece that shoots off rapidly and is very engaging).
"When A Blind Man Cries" (one of the most beautiful and decadent pieces by the Purples) doesn't convince me, strangely because it's usually one of the most intense moments of the Mk10 shows. But we come to the real highlight of the concert: Steve Morse launches into a delirious solo of alternate picking, and then, when it seems like it won't end, the riff of "Space Truckin'" kicks in: spine-tingling! One of the simplest and most predictable riffs in rock history manages to convey an incredible emotion, and when the piece takes off, it's impossible not to have a big smile plastered on your face (I'm not kidding, it might sound silly, but it's true!).
After Don Airey's solo, which references a bit of everything from classical music to the Star Wars march, "Perfect Strangers" kicks in, but this time it's Jon Lord playing. Needless to say, the audience goes wild and the music is truly of the highest level. "Speed King" is also very beautiful, with an interlude featuring Jerry Lee Lewis and an improbable version (in English?!?!) of "O Sole Mio."
When Bernie Marsden, the historic Whitesnake guitarist, takes the stage and starts jamming with Steve Morse, the atmosphere is electric: the underlying riff is borrowed straight from Whitesnake, but after a lot of notes, Morse's guitar explodes into "Smoke On The Water." Marsden follows closely, and then the rest of the band joins in. After a short break, the Purples return to the stage and start again with "Hush" (every time I hear it, it seems more beautiful), "Black Night" (beautiful to hear the crowd singing along as soon as they are led by Paice's drums and Roger Glover's bass), and then "Highway Star."
This time the concert is really over, everyone goes home. Tired but satisfied, no doubt about it.
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