Review of Blackmore`s Night: Castles & Dreams

Introduction

If, like me, you like to remember Ritchie Blackmore as the man who performed that blistering solo in Deep Purple`s `Highway Star` then this might come as something of a disappointment.

Music is so incredibly subjective so I may as well come clean at the outset and say that this new incarnation of the man, as a medieval jester of a musician (`Hey Nonny No` ad nauseam) is just not my cup of tea. In truth, I find the medieval costumes and forced period jollity throughout so toe curling that my own shoes almost turned jester-like in sympathy. But that`s just my opinion. And it`s not one shared with the legions of fans (from 9 to 90) that are completely bewitched by Blackmore and his partner Candice Night`s medieval musical project `Blackmore`s Night`.

Candice Night, a stunning looking lady (see those blonde princess ringlets, beautiful period dresses and shiny white teeth), is a very capable `front man` - doing an unremarkable but workmanlike job of the vocals. She met partner Blackmore (who`s looks defy his advancing years) whilst he was still at Rainbow`s helm and they must have concocted the whole medieval thing together.

Blackmore is undoubtedly a gifted classical and folk guitarist, and his playing here is superb, if a little lacklustre. But it`s just not for me. And frankly why should they care a flying broomstick about that?

So onto the DVD. Put simply, from a fan`s point of view, this is simply superb - quite possibly one of the most comprehensive and carefully thought-through musical releases I`ve ever seen.

The packaging is really very nice - a crimson red digi-pack, with a fairly comprehensive booklet, housing two feature packed DVD`s.

Disc 1 is primarily a concert disc, filmed in castle grounds at Burg Neuhaus in 2004. The concert kicks off in daylight, like a Shakespearian play in a courtyard, to a small but appreciative audience. The stage set is lit with burning candles and a great deal of effort has been put into creating a reasonably accurate period feel.

Blackmore`s arrival on stage is a little more discreet - no smile, no hello - just straight into the music. He`s clad in pixie boots, a smock top - and is donning a Clark Gable pencil moustache.

The band are very relaxed, with Candice positively shining as she introduces songs in a very personal and intimate way - much to the appreciation of the audience, many of whom are dressed in medieval garb themselves.

On the second track, `Queen for a day`, we get a good reminder of just how accomplished a guitarist Blackmore is with his absolutely flawless acoustic flourishes.

`Under a Violet Moon` proves to be tremendously popular with the medieval crowd, and is reasonably pleasant - though rock `n roll this aint! All a little bit daytime `Radio 2` - inoffensive, accomplished, curious, but dull.

Darkness creeps in over the crowd and things do actually begin to hot up when Blackmore brandishes a Hurdy Gurdy. And that seems to be a turning point as, moments later, the band go all electric with Blackmore strapping on his trademark white Strat. There`s a nice cross-over moment with the track `Lorely`, followed by the prog-rock `All for One` which bridges into (gasp!) .`Black Night`! This proves to be a plodding and lacklustre run-through of this old Purple crowd-pleaser, though there`s not a modicum of the original magic left in tact.

There are a couple of interesting documentaries on the disc too, with a behind the scenes documentary, which shows the band setting up in the rain at this unusual venue, as well as a feature piece called `Ritchie Blackmore`s Guitar Special` which focus`s on a solo acoustic guitar performance (`Village on the Sand`) by Blackmore with a multi-angle feature letting the viewer decide on the shot they`d most like by pressing a button. I chose the `stop` one. .

The documentary is interesting as it shows the extraordinary effort that goes into making a show as authentic as possible, including side -flats that appear to be old brick walls, and bundles of hay brought in especially as props. There are also interviews with band, crew and manager.

Before moving on to the plentiful delights of Disc 2, it`s worth mentioning the sympathetically designed menu, which allows song by song access.

DISC 2

This disc has either a very straightforward menu, or a fun rollover menu set in an enchanted maze where faerie and knight icons trigger various clips and features.

There are three band videos to choose from , as well as a couple of animations set to their music by Michael Clark. One is very cheesy CGI, and the second is in fuzzy monochrome with `live` footage of Candice intercut.

There are also some cheesy daytime TV appearances which do little for the bands charisma, though do show the extraordinary mix of ages that seem to enjoy the music.

The disc also comes well equipped with interviews, including one where Ritchie and Candice discuss how he, as an older man, managed to woo Candice. They might like it, but this would have been better kept in the family archive!

Perhaps the low spot for me was the piece that shows Candice singing in a castle chamber to a small audience of revellers with just one guitar as accompaniment. She tackles an ambitious Randy Newman number and, sadly, reveals the weakness in her vocal range, sounding frighteningly average on what could have been a poignant rendition. They should have left it off.

Video

It`s difficult to determine what are the extras and what is the main feature as both discs are stuffed to bursting with content. It`s worth mentioning that the disc does come with seven subtitle options. Using the English means that you can quickly turn this disc into a sing-along medieval Karaoke should you wish to do so.

Audio

The concert pieces are fine. Good, multi-camera digi-video that seems to cope well with changing light conditions. As the DVD features so much else the quality varies accordingly and in general, other than some horribly sub-standard animation, is very good.

Features

PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 96/24 options - and all generally very good, particularly in the meticulously recorded concert footage.

Conclusion

Whilst an ex-rock god in pixie boots, Hessian tabard and wizard hat might not be everyone`s cup of tea, if it`s yours then this DVD will prove to be a real treat.
Candice Night might not have the power and emotion of Ian Gillan but she`s much kinder on the eyes and a much better `partner` for Blackmore in his twilight years.

Typically quiet, and almost surly in interviews here, notoriously difficult guitar genius Blackmore has decided to start a new career, rather than coast out his rockin` years playing `Smoke on the Water`. And who can blame him? He`s certainly not just following the pack.

Sadly though the music does little for me, despite some virtuoso performances from Blackmore. But that`s just my view and there are legions of fans that vehemently disagree.

This DVD, generously packed as it is, will be a real treat for them. It`s nicely packaged too, with a well thought through menu and fast-track access to any of the content. If you love the band then you`re going to love this.