Customer Reviews

Pictured Within

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I thought readers may find it interesting to have a review from someone with a background in classical music. Being familiar with most of Jon Lord's previous quasi-classical works, I was of course interested to hear how this, his first new album in 15 years, sounded. I must say, it is certainly his most beautiful and listenable work to date. There are twelve tracks, divided into four 'sections'. Instrumentation is sparse yet varied and the scoring is often quite diverse from one track to the next, showing well the versatility of this gifted composer. (Jon's ability to compose modern 'classical' music is certainly not second rate.) Indeed, "Pictured Within" has only one weak point: as it was not intended as a 'rock/ classical' fusion project, the use of Sam Brown is more than a little out of place. Yes, shock horror, many of you may disagree with this but the fact remains that her voice is completely unsuited to this type of music. She fails to control her timbre in places and her style is far too 'poppy', in contrast to both the sombre mood of the album and the text to which she is singing. Miller Anderson's voice on the other hand, suits the mood of the album far better, although I personally feel that the use of classical singers would have been of greater benefit to an otherwise perfect album.

Frankly, I'm speechless. It amazes me that a man can go from being the epitomy of a hard rock keyboardist to producing one the most beautiful orchestral pieces you're ever likely to hear. His range is immeasurable.

The composition is reflection of Jon Lord's humanity and the best analogy I can think of is the story behind 'Braveheart'. It's about truth, and honor, and family. The music is an epic - not just a collection of songs. Do yourself a favor, order this CD. When it arrives, buy a great bottle of Bordeaux, dim the lights, and get lost in this recording.

Then go out and buy every recording Jon Lord has ever made.

This is a must have album for ANY person who loves Jon Lord and his brand of classical music. An original that is both gut wrenching (listen to the words on Pictured Within) and inspirational at the same time. I was stunned beyond words by the beauty and insight Mr. Lord puts into this album.

I have been a fan of Mr Lord since Deep Purple's 2nd work, The Book of Taliesin (1969). Throughout all of Deep Purple's long musical history, there was a thread, or a hint, of something magnificent surrounding the loud & the proud. The 1999 performance of the Concerto for Group & Orchestra DVD fulfilled the promise, made so long ago, for me, but it also included a couple of opening pieces that were both of "Deep Purple", but somehow also transcendent. I followed up on those tantalizing musical clues, and I have since discovered that they were both originally from this incredible work.

Pictured Within is not merely a collection of "crossical classover" pieces, so well crafted and inspired, but is also an epic journey across the dark abyss of grief, a voyage we must take if we are to become something more than what we are, somewhat wiser, and able to create for ourselves a more peaceful state of being. Through this music, Jon Lord is showing us how to get to the next place, how to cope with and how to exist with the unanswerable.

This work, so magnificently rendered by the musicians and vocalists (especially Sam Brown, who's angelic and poetic lead vocal is perfect, absolutely perfect, for this material), goes beyond anything I could have imagined, even considering my long held, high expectations. My favorite music includes Respeghi & ELP, Stravinsky & Beatles, Mozart & Yes. Of all of that, this work rises to the top of my large musical collection.

I have spent this much for a CD only twice in my life, once for myself, and once as a gift for some wonderful friends; in both cases the music was for Jon Lord's Masterpiece: Pictured Within.

thanks Mr Lord, for your lovely semi classical music. I love his work on pictured within with Miller Anderson on voice, wait a while is pretty nice with Sam Brown on voice. the whole set is a must for Deep Purple fans. John Lord loves the classical stuffs alots and it is no wonder that Deep purple integrated their hard rock sound with the classical elements what Mr Lord played. Thanks for Mr Lordy! he is a great master of rock and classical keyboard man.

Picture within . A perfect name for a near to perfection album. Very Warm , very intimate and very melodic, this album is Jon Lord at his best. With the excellent voice of Sam Brown in many of the tracks,you can feel Mr. Lord is giving to the world the vision of his intimate thoughts and memories . This is a very interesting point if you consider that Jon Lord is almost 60 year old... The music is very soft , very beautifull and very deep. Nothing to with what Deep Purple is doing now (thanks God!), as a matter of fact, is sad to listen how many of the excellent musical skills of Jon Lord cannot be heard in the new D.P. albums. In short : A nice album, beautifull as his name, and very good to think and remember.

Hi,

my dad, my uncle, mi cousin and me we all love the CD.
But we are wondering maybe somebody of you guys has an idea we
are interesstet in the wall Poster from that Cd did someone where to get it or were to look for it.
we would pay for it.
thanks so much for all of you help

I'm a long term rock and roll fan. I picked this up because it was composed by the keyboard player of Deep Purple after I'd seen the band play with the RPO in London. This music is just the most beautiful and captivating I've heard. I love it and everyone I know who has heard it comments on how great the music is and go out and buy it.

This album resonates at a very visceral level. From a listener who never really knew who Deep Purple was, this album literally blew me away in its' very emotional musical connectivity. I dare anyone to listen to "Evening Song" without saying "wow" at the end! The seemingly effortless blend of classicism and universality hits you at a very basic, human level that is hard to imagine anyone could ignore. We anxiously await a follow-up.

Jon Lord, the 59 year old musical majesty, captures the essence of his aged soul, and, through his music, drowns the listeners' sorrows and happinesses, reflecting his own human endeavor and experience note by note. Sitting, awed, I am drenched within his tears and paddling through the hidden tunnels and high cascades of the genius composer's tranquil creation of personal reflection manifested into timeless, beautious bliss. Forever pictured within, forever preserved, the stamp of individual human character is eternally sealed in the angelic, soul-caressing compositions of Jon Lord.