Jon Lord - With Pictures
(Edel/Ear Music - 2011)

An insight into what Jon Lord has got up to outside and after the realms of his famous life as the Hammond Organ player of Deep Purple.

This is a 2 hour plus intriguing documentary intercut with interviews with the man himself as well as footage of him putting his concertos together such as the original one for group and orchestra back in '69 and later on the D.H. Lawrence inspired 'Boom and Tingling Strings' for piano and orchestra. It goes into detail about leaving Deep Purple and shows him working out his concerto, not to mention bluesing it up with The Hoochie Coochie men down under in Australia after damaging his hand by banging it so he couldn't play piano- a band that features Bob Daisley on Bass. It really does make a change to see Jon as the focal point of the occasion and not just a member of a famous rock band or ex-member in this case. Love the bit where he is onstage with Deep Purple alongside Don Airey on his last night with the band.

Also included is an updated documetary showing what he got up to next that includes performing alongside Frida of ABBA at Litchfield Cathedral and talks about other things he wants to do in his career. Not to mention an intimate radio interview on ABC that took place on 5th Feb. 2003 where he talks about his orchestral side and even gives his own view on Paul McCartney's classical pieces. Playing poolside with the Hoochie Coochie Men with guest vocalist, Jimmy Barnes is amazing especially when you analyse the difference between his interpretation of the song 'When A Blind Man Cries' as opposed to that of Ian Gillan.

Another major highlight is the Talking Culture Interview that was recorded in January 2003 before he appeared at the Sydney Opera House where fans get to ask him all kinds of stuff about his career with Deep Purple but mainly concerning his orchestral moments - Love the joke in there about Ian Gillan - hahaha. Hey it even comes with a miniature 2011 Tour book - now it don't get better than that does it?

Overall this is an excellent DVD that's plenty of hours long and well worth the money!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan