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No, you can't just describe him as the keyboard substitude for Jon Lord in Deep Purple. This wouldn't be fair, and it's not quite right either. Because this, meanwhile 61 year young musician can look back on 69 albums where he contributed his stuff, including 2 solo recordings. You find names like Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, just to name a few, with whom Don Airey has worked with. However, the reason for this solo tour is the release of his second solo album 'A Light In The Sky'. And the space inbetween the tight Deep Purple schedule is used to introduce Don's new CD live on stage to the public. And he is truly surrounded by some awsome musicians accompaning him on this tour. It's Clive Bunker (Original Drummer of Jethro Tull), Singer Carl Sentance (Persian Risk/Krokus), Bassist Laurence Cottle (Sabbath/Eric Clapton) and guitarist Rob Harris (Jamiroquai). And it could be so perfect... - could be.... The problem is, that the average consumer
doesn't know all these names of the guys. And even Don Airey's
reputation stays within rockfan circles. And don't forget the fact, that
there are too many events happening in this town, and not many can
afford 3 tickets every week. So therefore the resonance for this show is
rather small, counting around 100 freaks at the Metropolis, where they
want to experience Don Airey's talent within an intimate event.
Let's put it that way, 2 solo records ain't enough to do a full show. And mean not the figure of the songs, but more or less the recognition of well known melodies. Because let's be honest, how many of you know Don Airey songs straight away and can whistle along with, as the tunes are purely instrumental tracks. So the boss mixes old and new together. And the result is a colourful flower bunch, consisting of his own music and smashhits of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Gary Moore and other's. Simply music, where Don contributed and even co wrote them. This again is flavored with some excellent soli, who show their talents as well. And despite the small audiance, you can feel their pleasure to play live. It's a shame, that such excellent playing ain't more appreciated by the people.
I personally must admit, that I prefer
such an intimate club gig to these mega events in arenas and stadions,
where you don't see the musicians, if you don't stay in the front, and
the sound is often bad.
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