Recently I got the chance to attend a concert of a musician who's responsible for my musical heritage. Of course I didn't want to miss it, so I went to a concert of Blackmore's Night featuring the majestic guitar sounds of Ritchie Blackmore (ex- Deep Purple, ex- Rainbow). As the icing on the cake I was asked to do an interview with both Ritchie and his wife Candice Night.

Ritchie Blackmore

Unfortunately a few hours before the show we got the message that the interview was cancelled. However, I still had the chance to see the master play. Just as in previous shows and DVDs I was looking forward to the moment that the man in black would be handed over a white Stratocaster since that would make my evening complete, but that didn't happen either, so what did I get?

Well, I got a smooth and easy evening! It's been a long time that Blackmore's Night gave a show in The Netherlands and because of that the set list was spontaneously adapted for this special occasion. The musicians were not only focussing on the latest album Autumn Sky (2010). After the opening song Locked Within The Crystal Ball we were treated to a cross-section of songs from all recorded albums. Fires At Midnight, Renaissance Fair and Dandelion Wine were all played with great enthusiasm. The band didn't have any problems with playing covers. This was proved by

Candice Night

super versions of Deep Purple's Soldier Of Fortune, Joan Baez' Diamonds And Rust and Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon. Like I said before, the electric guitar didn't show up this evening, but instead Blackmore played a fine long solo on the acoustic guitar during Durch Den Wald Zum Bach Haus.

The version of Greensleeves caused goosebumps since Candice Night's voice sounded clearly and perfectly. Moreover she was a great host to the audience who, especially in the first rows, were dressed in the old-fashioned renaissance way. The people in the audience reacted enthusiastically; they clapped and sang along with all the familiar songs. When Candice told them that it's alright to dance, many people stepped forward to the stage to participate with joy. Humour on stage is always a nice thing, but when the keyboard player did an impression of Lady Gaga, I had my doubts. I think that a high quality band like Blackmore's Night can do without, but that's just my opinion. The audience found it hilarious, so it must be me.

The atmosphere on stage and in the venue was excellent, but in my opinion it was a routine job for the band. Mr. Blackmore put up with a secondary role. I had hoped to see him shine on his electric guitar. However, during an evening with Blackmore's Night you can forget about your sorrows leaving your troubles behind. You step into a happy world of renaissance fairs and minstrels. At the end of the show Blackmore even started a kind of a family dance, but then he immediately left the stage taking Candice with him thus ending a sunny and happy event.

Pedro Bekkers (edited by Peter Willemsen)