Memorial to Jon Lord
On July 16th,
Jon Lord passed
away at 71 years of age. The former founding member of Deep Purple had been seeking treatment for pancreatic cancer passed
away due to a pulmonary embolism.
Jon Lord’s
heavy style of incorporating classical music with hard rock began with Deep
Purple in 1968. His Hammond B3 signature tones and musical overtures were a
powerful display of his immense talent and will live on indefinitely.
Jon appeared
on 16 studio recordings with Deep Purple.
Jon’s imminent sound is often copied. Songs such as: “Child in Time” with its classically inspired keyboard tickling of
the keys, the fierceness of “Space
Truckin’” and the intro to “Hush”
come to mind as Jon’s testament to the traditional sound of Deep Purple and the
sounds of the Hammond B3.
After the
split up of the Mk III version of Deep Purple, Jon formed a group with Ian
Paice and Tony Ashton aptly named- Paice,
Ashton and Lord. The band lasted a
year and produced one album entitled: Malice in Wonderland.
Jon also
recorded with Nazareth, Cozy Powell (RIP) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd).
Jon eventually
teamed up with Ian Paice to join David Coverdale’s band- Whitesnake. Jon was a member of Whitesnake (1978-1982)
until the Mk II version of Deep Purple reformed in 1984 to record Perfect Strangers followed by a world
tour.
Once again Jon’s writing and heavy keyboard
sound would take the forefront to songs such as the intro of “Perfect Strangers” and the rhythm
throughout “Knockin’ at your Backdoor”.
I had the
privilege of watching Jon once in 1985 at The Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland,
Ohio. Witnessing him tilt the B3 forward and backwards as he was performing was
magnificent!
I also saw
the Mk IV version with Steve Morse in Las Vegas on the heels of the Abandon release in 1998. The mature Jon
Lord was inspiring to watch as he traded keyboard, vocal and guitar riffs with Ian Gillan and Steve
Morse; much like Jon did with Gillian and Blackmore did years ago. The solo
passages were moving and classically inspired, while the chordal dexterity and fluent phrasing was
effective and simply stunning!
After retiring
from Deep Purple in 2002, Jon briefly recorded two records with vocalist, Jimmy
Barnes in Jon Lord and The Hoochie
Coochie Men in Australia.
Jon Lord’s
main focus after retiring from Deep Purple was focused on composing, recording
and performing classical music solo or with various symphonies and orchestras
in Europe.
Just prior
to his passing, Jon was involved working with the supergroup- WhoCares
featuring Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Nick McBrain(Iron Maiden), Jason Newsted
(Metallica) and Mikko Lindstrom (HIM).
Earlier in
July, Jon was forced to cancel a concert featuring his “Durham Concerto” in
Germany.
There was
even talk of reforming Deep Purple MK III by David Coverdale and Glen Hughes
for a benefit concert. It would have been interesting to see who would have
replaced deceased guitarist Tommy Bolin (Steve Morse?).
For several
days after his passing, I was amazed at how many of his former musical partners
displayed a landing page for a memorial view in Jon’s honor. Deep Purple, Glen Hughes and Whitesnake shut down access to all
of their other website pages to focus on a memorial page for Jon. Respect at
its deepest meaning.
Even the
website of Uriah Heep displayed Jon’s passing as a headline above other Heep
information and Jon wasn’t even in
the band.
Meanwhile
Ritchie Blackmore was busy-well- being Ritchie!
Jon Lord was
a legend, master musician and a true gentleman.
I am happy
you are not suffering and although we never met, my life is richer for hearing
your musical voice of the Hammond B3.
RIP Jon!
ASIA
 |
| Asia photo used courtesy of: Mathew Becker. |
Asia began thirty years ago
when four of progressive rock’s most accomplished musicians came together to
create the super group. The band features John Wetton (lead vocals
and bass), Carl Palmer (drums), Steve Howe (guitar) and Geoff Downes
(keyboards). The band members had previously been members of ELP, Yes, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.
Now, Asia has a new CD out and the reviews are exceptional. The new CD is fittingly
titled- XXX.
You may
order a copy of the deluxe edition with accompanied DVD here.
Neal Morse
After his
faith led him to a solo career, he collided to form the supergroup- Transatlantic. Transatlantic featured Mike Portnoy
(ex-Dream Theater on drums) along with bassist- Pete Trewavas (Marillion),
Roine Stoit (The Flower Kings) on guitar and Neal Morse. Transatlantic is one
of the most prolific supergroup in progressive rock history.
Since then,
Neal has released and been involved with many side projects with Mike
Portnoy and bassist Randy George (most notably on Testimony I and 2).
His solo
release entitled One and
the astounding writing and musicianship was a progressive rocker’s dream come
true. Besides Portnoy, George, and Morse; One featured Phil Keaggy.
Most recently,
Neal is involved in another supergroup- Flying Colors which features Morse, Portnoy, Dave
Larue (Dixie Dreggs) on bass, vocalist Casey McPherson, and Steve Morse (Deep
Purple) on guitar released their debut CD
earlier this year. Flying Colors are planning a tour beginning in September.
Phew! Are
you still with me?
On September
11th, Neal Morse is
releasing a monumental CD of and it is an epic entitled- Momentum. The video of the title song blew me away. Here is the edited version.
Momentum features Portnoy, George, Morse,
Paul Gilbert on guitar, and a bevy of additional musicians.
Neal also
held “open” auditions for many of the positions within the touring version of
his band through his website and Facebook (although Randy George will appear at
all dates and Mike Portnoy a few) on the upcoming tour in October.
I guarantee
you- Neal will leave you wanting more!
Uriah Heep in Ohio?
Uriah Heep
have scheduled a short tour of the US in November. Mick Box and company have
not performed in Cleveland, Ohio since the days of the old Cleveland Agora on
East 24th street in the 1980’s.
| . |
It would be
fantastic if the House of Blues or some club could book the band.
Throughout 40+ years of existence of Uriah Heep, I’ve seen the band 17 times in Ohio. I
would like to see them again, a little closer to home.
Thank you.
Souvenir Anyone?
 |
| Souvenir |
I am looking
forward to attending a private party soon.
The Cleveland based band Souvenir hosts
a reunion show every couple of years. Souvenir was one of the regular house
bands scheduled at the old Cleveland
Agora in the late 1970’s on Friday or Saturday evenings.
Several of the former members Souvenir went on to work with other professional artists such as Joan Jett, Michael Stanley, Glen Burtnik, Blondie, and Lana Lane.
Souvenir was once considered the finest club band in the State of Ohio.
Look for photos and information of the gig featured in the next Rock Lines regarding this very special talented band!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
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only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos
used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way
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