For many many years I've been a fan of Blackmore, and although I've thought the Blackmore's Night CDs have been getting progressively more average I was looking forward to the live experience.

So this set not only provided an insight, but many high points are countered by the former Deep Purple and Rainbow man's current angle.

This live set covers Blackmore's Night material new and old, and opens with the tuneful 'Past Time With Good Company'. Piano, bass and drums all come over well in this well received Paris gig.

Star of the show is singer Candice Night, who smiles constantly, sings well and dances like a prima donna. And it soon becomes obvious this is her project, her vehicle. The Man In Black seems happy to be out of the limelight. Great his guitar is, but he is far from being stretched. The term ‘coasting' does come into mind.

'Play Minstrel Play', 'World Of Stone', 'Under A Violet Moon' and tracks from the more recent 'Village Lantern' all follow, and 'Soldier Of Fortune' is a nice touch too.

The piano solo is very classical sounding, and a couple of more electric tracks (Including 'Ariel') show Blackmore doing what he's best at, the latent talent shining through, for the acoustic work does strum far too much.

Highlight of the show ' the segment of 'Difficult To Cure' ' the fond memories come back.

Also, this is not renaissance music as they probably like to claim. Good folk rock with some renaissance touches, the man in black now wearing tights.

If you're a real fan or want to experiment it's well worth checking out, there is some fantastic music here, but rock fans will probably be as disappointed with the direction as the lack of fire.

***

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly