IAN GILLAN, GILLAN'S INN CD REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

In the history of hard rock/heavy metal there are few vocalists who can lay claim to being one of the founders of the archetypical metal vocal style. One of them undeniably is Deep Purple's Ian Gillan, whose screams and soaring vocal excursions first evidenced in the early 70's inspired countless others afterward up until the present day. One can hear his influence on Halford, Dickinson, Tate..you name them, and they've got an obvious debt to be paid. On his new release, 'Gillan's Inn.' the venerable frontman takes a trip through his back catalog, with the help of such famous guests such as Joe Satriani, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Joe Elliott, Maiden's Janick Gers(who got his start in Gillan), Uli Jon Roth and Jeff Healey, as well as present and past Purple mates, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Jon Lord. The results of which are for the most part impressive, and serve to show what great material Gillan's been responsible for throughout the years.

The album rocks hard right out of the gate with the bruising classic "Unchain Your Brain", with a ripping guitar solo from Satriani, then is followed by a rousing version of "Bluesy Blue Sea", both of which just reek of sheer rock power. Make no mistake about it, while Gillan's voice may not be at times the powerhouse it once was, on these two tracks at least, you'll be amazed at how well he pulls it off, sounding like the Ian of old. Impressive indeed."Day Late And A Dollar Short" features guest spots from the German guitar virtuoso Uli Jon Roth and Ronnie James Dio, and while Dio is hardly noticed, it's still yet another strong performance. "Hung Me Out To Dry" originally from '91's 'Toolbox,' adds a bluesy touch to the proceedings with Satriani providing a trademark guitar solo putting it over the top. "Men Of War" originally from the 'Double Trouble' sessions is next, and features an amazing performance from Gillan, which is a highlight of the album. Although, why Johnny Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls is along for the ride is a mystery. Kind of like "which one thing doesn't belong with all the others?" type of thing. Well, Ian's allowed to have anyone he wants on his album, and it's non obtrusive, so it all works out well in the end! Next up, we're treated to an incredible version of the first Purple track to be covered here, in the form of "When A Blind Man Cries". Featuring, in a bit of irony, the blind Canadian guitarist Jeff Healey, who delivers an impassioned performance that takes this song to the next level. Simply amazing, and one which compares favorably to the original from the 'Machine Head' sessions. Adding ex Purple keyboard legend Jon Lord was a stroke of genius as well, and adds to the overall "authentic" nature. "Sugar Plum" from the 'Dreamcatcher' album, features the Purple rhythm section of Roger Glover and Ian Paice, and kicks accordingly. Then raising the ampage we get a wonderful re recording of "Trashed" from Sabbath's 'Born Again' album, which fittingly features Tony Iommi on guitar, with once again Glover and Paice driving the track behind them. "No Worries" the album's sole new composition, changes the pace in comparison, showcasing the more grooving side of Gillan, and thus is a fine change of pace. Then, there's "Smoke On The Water". What can be said about this song that hasn't been said before? As one of the finest proponents of the huge rock riff in all of recorded history,(And the scourge of many a guitar shop throughout the years) this is a song that no matter how hard one tries, you really can't top the original. But, it still is a good version, and with 4/5 of the original recorded lineup(minus the man in black, but supplemented by once again, Johnny Rzenik-where'd he come from?) it still rocks in a convincing fashion. Continuing with the Gillan classic "No Laughing In Heaven" which is close to the original, only heavier. we get treated to yet another Purple classic from the 'In Rock' album in the form of "Speed King" with Satriani convincingly replicating Blackmore's original solos while at the same time adding his own touch, and you have yet another highlight. Rounding off the album in fine style is the beautiful ballad from '90's 'Naked Thunder' album and a bonus track, a reworking of Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," which features some fine harmony vocals with Def Leppard's Joe Elliott joining Gillan to finish the album on a high note.

This is one of finest examples of the still emerging Dualdisc format to be found thus far. Not only do you get the album itself, but added on the Dualdisc side, we're treated to the entire album mixed in 5.1 surround sound and stereo, "The Bootleg Basement," a duo of amateur bootleg videos from '94 featuring Joe Satriani, in the studio footage of the making of the album, hand written lyrics and audio commentary courtesy of Gillan himself, a photo gallery and discography. Not to mention a very cool feature where one can choose their own mix of "Smoke On The Water" between guitarists Satriani, Morse or Healey, each providing their own take on this bona fide heavy rock classic. Add in a bonus track, another Purple war horse "Demon's Eye," and you have a disc that chock full to the brim. What value for the money this is! In this day and age when artists gouge their fans with little or no value for their hard earned cash, it's refreshing to see one of rock's true legends giving more than probably is necessary. True class all the way, and many bands and artists would do well to emulate Gillan's example. Far from a disappointment, this is a stunning return to form for the most part from one of heavy rock's most enduring legends, and as such is one that should be treasured by any fan of classy metal and hard rock. This one shouldn't be missed. 4/5 www.gillansinn.com