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DPAS LIVE REVIEW
Throughout the set, first night nerves and changes by Ritchie gave an
edge of uncertainty to the evening. After the first song Candice asked
Ritchie what was next, this went on for the entire set! Even to the
point were Candice duly announced the next song, only for Ritchie to
change his mind after he had tuned up and then decided to play something
else. 'Fires at Midnight' generated the right atmosphere and Remember' all night to see if they expanded the classic Blackmore sliding riff that is almost lost on the album. They didn't. The song was shorter and the riff only played once.
The band came back on and did a quick rendition of 'Gone With The Wind'. After this Candice and Ritchie came to the front to shake hands. They came back on again and did 'Wish You Were Here', which slid straight into 'Ocean Gypsy'. Why they joined these two I do not know, it added nothing to either. The final song was 'Now and Then'. On record it seems a bit of a throwaway song, but live the vocals worked well and were sung with feeling. At the end the audience waited for silence and then cheered. A great moment for everyone one. Ritchie's playing was effortless throughout. Only a couple of solos didn't work, and when they didn't, it was quite clearly written all over his face. Candice has a good stage presence and was not afraid to change the vocal lines here and there. She also played a couple of instruments (wind type) without mistakes. She must be congratulated for her singing. The rest of the band were passable. At the end of the night I still had mixed feelings. He is obviously doing what he enjoys but I miss the energy and sensitivity of his rock music. review,Stephen Clare |
The
band walked on to a really warm welcome from the full house. The
first five songs were played slightly slower than on the album. It should
go without saying that all the solos were altered and usually extended.
'C16 Greensleeves' was based on the Rainbow song, a simple backing was
used, over which the vocals worked very well. Ritchie played an extended
single solo. I thought the song would not work, but I have to say it
did. The same could not be said for 'Soldier of Fortune'. The song never
seemed to get any real emotion going from anyone, despite a good solo
from Ritchie.
was
altered to include a long violin solo followed by a great slide solo
from Ritchie with a guitar-synth helping out. The remaining songs from
the main set all worked fine. I had been looking forward to 'I Still