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Deep Purple - Live At The California Jam 1974


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Legendary
Review date: 2008-04-21 Rating: 10 out of 10

First of all I should point out that MKIII is my favourite Purple line-up. It's almost proto-Rainbow, lyrical and bluesy, but still retaining the hard-edged riffery of the previous line-up.

What more can be said about this legendary gig? The backstage tension is evident throughout the performance: Blackmore (in his day clothes - he doesn't change into his stage gear till Space Truckin') scowling viciously at all and sundry, Glenn Hughes gingerly keeping away from the guitarist's side of the stage. David Coverdale is outstanding here. This was his first ever trip to the US, so imagine how nervous he must have been up on that stage in front of such a huge audience. Some of his introductions are quite shy and retiring - he clearly can't believe he's actually there - but when he lets that mighty voice loose... I've always thought it a pity that Blackmore and Coverdale didn't get on better. The missed opportunity of a long-term writing partnership between them just seems such a waste.

This gig is famous, of course, for Blackmore's stunningly violent conclusion to the show (if you don't know how it ends, get the disc, I'm not going to spoil it for you). Apparently he had to be helicoptered away from the Ontario Speedway with the sheriff and the fire marshals on his (stacked) heels. And rumour has it that ELP, who rounded off the night, considered suing Purple, having been put in the almost impossible position of having to follow them.

So that's the show. Picture quality is not brilliant - NTSC sucks big-time - but it's perfectly watchable and the audio is very good. I never had the BBC release, but I do have the mid-90's CD (which lacks Lay Down, Stay Down) and the sound quality on this DVD knocks that release into a cocked hat. Booklet, commentary, alternative camera angles and the quaint In Concert intro make up the package, and it's a very good one. If you love good rock'n'roll this disc is essential.

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Reviews


The BBC video was better
Review date: 2007-03-08 Rating: 6 out of 10

Back in the 1980s the BBC released this concert on laserdics and then on video,using an in-house process that the first time allowed an acceptable transfer of NTSC images to PAL. The picture was not terrific - Never Twice the Same Colour never is - but technically it was a real achievement.
Unfortunately, the image on this DVD appears to have been lifted straight from the original NTSC videotape and it looks absolutely awful - washed out, underlit and grainy.
It would have been much better if the BBC transfer had been used. Then we would have had a great concert and picture.

Deep Purple California Jam '74
Review date: 2006-08-02 Rating: 8 out of 10

This is one of the moments where the TV cameras (all but one!)captured Deep Purple at their peak. Purple of course rejuvenated by a recent personnel change prior to the release of the Burn LP.
After the well documented clash of egos with promoters behind the scenes, Purple open the set with the afore-mentioned title track where Blackmore (like the VHS version) is well down in the mix. The volume does gradually creep up over the next couple of numbers, Might just take your life and Lay down stay down, both of which again from the Burn album and feature dual vocals from Coverdale and Hughes (check out Coverdale's nervous introduction!)
As Purple power through the numbers, it is clear to see Blackmore has fine tuned his technique to complement the band's new members, particulally, Mistreated where Blackmore embellishes Coverdales vocals with machine-gun picking and bluesy bends.
You fool no one is a centre piece for solos from messrs Lord,Blackmore and Paice. Jon Lord's solo revolves around the Lazy riff, check out his intro though- could that be Perfect Strangers in the making? Paice & Blackmore solos equally breathtaking.
Space Trucking has been tweaked slightly to accomadate Glenn Hughes vocal/bass wah wah solo spot and generally feels a little more dynamic than previous offerings. Blackmore more or less closes the show on his own with a visual climax demolition job of his equipment (well most of it his!)
It's good to have this gig on DVD,having said that the picture does seem to be a little bit more 'grainy' than the Vhs version.
There are a few more subtle camera angles too, which are welcome, however, Blackmores scary-stare at the camera during the 2nd number has been cut short to my disappointment!

Finally released
Review date: 2005-11-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

Deep Purple at California Jam 1974 is finally released. This is great news. This concert features legendary MKIII with David Coverdale looking pretty shy that days. But his singing is absolutely brilliant, just like Glenn Hughes´. The band is playing at their peak. I´ve been watching the VHS for years and it´s great to have Lay Down Stay Down as addition on DVD. The setlist is usual for DP in 1974. Opening with Burn, in my opinion one of the five best riffs ever, and long and fine improvisations in You Fool No One and Space Truckin´ this DVD is an absolute must have for anyone who likes DP and just Rock`N´Roll (like David calls it). Who´s been mistreated?

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Deep Purple

Creators:
Deep Purple (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: EMI
Manufacturer: EMI
EAN: 0094634467797
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-11-21
Universal product code (UPC): 094634467797
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Exempt
Running time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1974
Language: English (Original Language)

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