Customer Reviews

Sarabande

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Warning: this album contains haunting and addictive melodies you'll want to listen to repeatedly. Lord describes this as his most accessible album, although he doesn't think it his best. Many of his fans disagree. Sarabande is an intriguing mix of classical, jazz and rock music from the pen of a talented and sometimes under-rated composer. While not as experimental or as audacious as earlier works such as Concerto and Gemini Suite, it contains a wider snapshot of Lord's ecclectic musical tastes (gained, he says, from his father). Expressive and heartfelt keyboards complemented by fine guitar, bass and drum work. Well worth $US12, even for those of us labouring under faltering currencies.

I found Deep Purple in 1974 at the Lewisham Odeon in London. It was a moment that changed my musical outlook. I saw Jon Lord with Tony Ashton doing the big band thing and when "Windows" came out I readily snapped it up. 30+ years later, it still confuses me.

When "Sarabande" came out, it fair knocked me over. This is a brilliantly realised interpretation of a baroque dance suite, from the genteel "Aria" to the almost dervish-like "Gigue."

For me, everything about this album is understated and that is its strength. It is simple; it is accessible and you don't have to know a darned thing about baroque. It jazzes, it swings, it rocks. It is as far removed from Purple as day is from night and I still listen to it with the same awe and wonder as I did then.

Jon Lord has said that it is his best work. Or he hasn't, depending on what you read. I also keep seeing the word "masterpiece" in other reviews. I can speak for neither of these but I will say that "Sarabande" is among the greatest albums I have. It is a work that reaches true heights; it is a work that endures and I think that that's because, freed from the distractions of Deep Purple, he got it right this time.

"Sarabande" is impeccable.

Oh, and for you music lovers, somewhere around 1977 I saw the "Sarabande" gig at the Albert Hall, complete with deliberate bum notes and Pete York sight-reading a drum solo, supporting David Bedford's "The Odyssey" which featured a very shy and reclusive musical genius by the name of Mike Oldfield on guitar.

After trying and mostly failing with the nevertheless entertaining "Concerto for Group & Orchestra" and "Gemini Suite", Lord finally succeeds in fusing rock band and orchestra. This is a very good album. The songs are well written and well played. (I dare say this album contains Andy Summers' finest guitar work.) In places it is reminiscent of early King Crimson, but with more melodic sense. It may also remind you of Rick Wakeman's similar efforts in the early 70's, but "Sarabande" is much more tasteful. Highly recommended for Deep Purple fans and for the curious. The open-minded will not be disappointed.

I have had this album, yes the hard vynl thing, since 1981. Now we can get these great works of art right on our pcs. My favorite as always been Bouree. I think this is one of the neatest pieces ever written. I love the images it invokes. Strap those head phones on and be transported into the romance of dancers in veils and moonlit desert nights.

Mr John Lord is 60 today, this album was recorded in Münich west Germany, when he did in 1975 along with the classical german conductor Mr. Eberhard Schoener. The musical style was influenced by the Baroque suite dance of the 16th century. The Inspiration of Johann Sebastian Bach Jon Lord had used in this suite orchestra, was amazing.
Jon Lord shows the music fans (but not only for deep purple fans) that his love for classical music convinced the fans of his strong piano or keyboard playing capability. The result is fantastic!

I've been Purple fan since its Concherto album and Jon has always been my favorite group's member. This album is Jon's masterpeice as a craftsmen musician. I alwayas felt that Jon has had difficulties coming up his own original material but has been unsurpassed in developing whatever material he's got to work with. I'm convinced that it is his collaboration with Ritchie Blackmore, who had no problems coming up with catchy riffs but neither skills nor patience to develop them into memorable compositions, created the phenom of Deep Purple. What makes Sarabande so good is that its "core tunes" are very reminisent of some popular tunes. For example, you cannot help thinking of "Take five" by Dave Brubeck when listening to Jon's Sarabande, or "Love theme from ..." when listening to Aria, to name a few. I gave it three stars for the reason to be objective to its real musical value, although in my book it's a five star album. If you are a hard rock fan who likes classic music, jazz or any noise that can touch your soul, this album is a must. Enjoy.

I bought the LP for the first time 30 years ago. A wonderful masterpiece if you like classical music with a "rock touch". I really don't know if Jon Lord wrote some other pieces, but I really love this one!

Do you like classic music ? or just only Rock ? In the childhood, i like sounds of rain,wind,something natuer note.
Now I think it's rythm!! Someone say, Music start from rythm, and Someone say it start from melody. Both feeling is right, i think. This Sarabande , i search for 20 yaers. At young days, i know from a some percussionist. She was a good musician. (Also She play the acoustic bass and recorder) In the Dream at night , i have heared manytime this tune. It's nostalgy, bare, and primitive (= pure ), passion. All of i want are in this Saraband.