“Trouble” bonus material consists of the very well known “Snakebite” EP, here for the first time officialy on one CD with “Trouble”. There are many great rare photos of the band in the booklet, including one or two great shots of JL.

“Lovehunter” brings four live songs from the “Trouble” era recorded at the Andy Peebles Radio 1 Session on 29 March 1979 (“Belgium Tom’s Hat Trick”, “Love to Keep You Warm”, “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” and “Trouble”). It’s a nice addition though not as interesting musically as I was expecting and sounding rather flat. More great obscure band shots, some of them true gems. The album was however recorded with David Dowle on drums and on all photos we have Ian Paice. It’s not that I miss Dowle, but the beginners may be confused.

“Ready An’ Willing” finally has some worth bonus tracks. “Love For Sale” – previously unreleased bluesy studio outtake is followed by four live recordings from the Reading Festival ’79 (“Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City”, “Mistreated”, “Lovehunter” and “Breakdown”). So far these are the most interesting bonus tracks, especially WS rendition of the Purple classic – “Mistreated”, the always great “Ain’t No Love…” and a powerful version of “Breakdown” (from DC’s solo album). The booklet includes some really interesting behind the scenes photos.

Following the successful Hardin & York reissue programme of 1994, when RPM transferred to CD the duo’s important original albums, and after the interest these generated – particularly in their former stronghold of Germany – it seemed a natural progression to go on and record something new, hence “Still A Few Pages Left…”, that difficult fourth album. JL joined the cast of the reunited Hardin & York band while recording of the album in 1995. JL has been friends with both Hardin and York for years. They have played together on many occasions.

George Harrison

George Harrison died in Nov 2001. However, before that, he had almost managed to complete his final solo album – “Brainwashed” – with the help of many friends, including JL who plays the piano on the title track – the great grand finale of the album. “Brainwashed” was released in Nov 2002, year after Harrison’s death and it soon was called one of his best and most accomplished solo efforts ever. “A Smile When I Shook His Hand” from JL’s “Beyond the Notes” album is a song dedicated to the late George Harrison.

Miller Anderson

JL joined his old friend Miller Anderson on his third solo album comprising not only blues tunes. JL plays Hammond on three tracks. The album was originally released in June 2003 and it’s rather hard to find. Well, at least I haven’t ever seen it on shelf in any music store.

Maria Arredondo

In October 2005, JL helped young Norwegian singer in arranging some of the songs for her Christmas album – “Min Jul” (My Christmas), released in Nov 2005 in Scandinavia. Some sources say he also co-produced the album and maybe even played the piano or one or two songs. If any of the Scandinavian fans have the CD, let us know whether he’s mentioned in the booklet and what’s the album like.

Few days ago rumours surfaced that the Sunflower Jam will be released on DVD as the show was filmed. I contacted people at the charity and they have confirmed that the show was filmed and may be released on DVD sometime in future BUT there are no immediate plans for that, so we shouldn’t get too excited as for the moment.

Click here to view the updates.

The Artwoods were every bit the rivals of such bands as The Animals and The Spencer Davis Group, but never saw the success as a recording act that either of them enjoyed. Rather, their following was confined to the clubs they played, despite releasing a half-dozen singles and an LP during their four years together. Jon Lord’s organ playing was one of the trademarks of the band. No one had such a massive sound at that time. The Artwoods disbanded in 1967 just to surface for a very short stint as St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

“Art Gallery” (Decca, 1966)
The only studio LP by Artwoods in the 60s.

“Jazz in Jeans” (Decca, 1967)
The only EP released by the Artwoods.

“100 Oxford Street” (Edsel, 1983)
The first official compilation.

“Singles A’s & B’s” (Repertoire, 2000)
Singles compilation.

The Artwoods lineups

1963-64 (as The Art Wood Combo)
A. Wood (voc), J. Lord (org), D. Griffith (gtr), M. Poole (bs), R. Dunnage (dr)

1964-67 (as The Artwoods)
A. Wood (voc), J. Lord (org), D. Griffith (gtr), M. Poole (bs), K. Hartley (dr) replaced by C. Martin (in 1967)

1967 (as St. Valentine’s Day Massacre)
A. Wood (voc), J. Lord (org), D. Griffith (gtr), M. Poole (bs), C. Martin (dr)

Sir Malcolm Arnold’s output was prolific, including symphonies, concertos, ballet music and more than a hundred film scores.

But while some regarded him as one of the pre-eminent composers of his generation, others saw him as superficial and flippant.

The youngest of five children from a prosperous Northampton family of shoemakers, Malcolm Arnold was a rebellious teenager who was attracted to the creative freedom of jazz.

After seeing Louis Armstrong play in Bournemouth, he took up the trumpet, and at 17, won a scholarship at the Royal College of Music.

By 1943, he was a principal trumpeter with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and, throughout his life, he retained a love of music for brass.

Malcolm Arnold was given exemption from the armed forces during World War II, but his desire to serve became compelling after the death of his brother in the RAF.

However, he was turned down by the parachute regiment and then by the Navy.
When he was finally put into the infantry, he likened it to being relegated from principal trumpeter at the London Philharmonic to performing in a bus band. He ensured his return to civvy street by shooting himself in the foot.

By 1943, his gifts as a composer became apparent when he wrote the overture Beckus the Dandipratt. He followed it with a horn concerto in 1945, a symphony for strings and, in 1948, a clarinet concerto.

Film scores

He then turned mainly to composing, his first symphony being performed in 1950. Three years later, he wrote a Coronation ballet, Homage to the Queen, which was premiered at Covent Garden.

Malcolm Arnold developed a style of music that had a general appeal without being banal. His growing reputation brought him many commissions including film scores.

Among them were Whistle Down the Wind, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness and the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Arnold’s private life grew turbulent

The latter won him an Oscar for his brilliant counterpoint melody to the Colonel Bogie march.

In the 1960s, following the breakdown of his marriage, Malcolm Arnold moved to Cornwall with his second wife. By the end of the 1970s though, his life degenerated into alcoholism. It ruined his second marriage.

By 1978, he had written eight symphonies, but his Ninth took several years to complete. Indeed, his life might have ended too but for the loving care of a friend, Anthony Day, to whom his Ninth Symphony is dedicated.

He was knighted in 1993.

Sir Malcolm Arnold’s unpretentious music was almost invariably appreciated by performers and audiences alike. He said he wanted to be remembered as an honest composer.

“Trouble” (EMI, Oct 1978)
“Love Hunter” (EMI, Oct 1979)
“Live at Hammersmith” (March 1980, Japan only)

D. Coverdale (voc), B. Marsden (gtr/voc), M. Moody (gtr), N. Murray (bs), D. Dowle (dr), J. Lord (kbds). Produced by Martin Birch.

“Ready An’ Willing” (Liberty, March 1980)
“Live… in the Heart of the City” (Liberty, October 1980)
“Come An’ Get It” (Liberty, April 1981)
“Saints & Sinners” (Liberty, Nov 1982)

D. Coverdale (voc), B. Marsden (gtr/voc), M. Moody (gtr), N. Murray (bs), I. Paice (dr), J. Lord (kbds). Produced by Martin Birch.

“Slide It In” (Liberty, April 1984)

D. Coverdale (voc), M. Galley (gtr), M. Moody (gtr), N. Murray (bs), C. Powell (dr), J. Lord (kbds). Produced by Martin Birch.

Recorded live in Koln on 5th October 2004, with Miller Anderson, Frida, Trondheim Soloists and the Gemini Band. Special features include the “behind the scenes” footage and a long interview with JL.

“Jon Lord – With Pictures” (2003, EMI)

A 90-minute interview special with JL and Paul Mann recorded during JL’s visit in Australia in early 2003. JL talks about leaving Deep Purple, current projects and future plans. The special includes very interesting archival stuff from the 1999 Concerto rehearsals and performance of Concerto in Australia with the band George.

“Jon Lord & The Hoochie Coochie Men feat. Jimmy Barnes Live at the Basement” (2003, T2 Media)

Recorded live in Sydney on 7th Feb 2003. Great concert with JL playing classic blues tunes and squeezing the hammond inside out. Special features include the group’s appearance on “The Fat” Australian TV show.

OTHER DVDs

Paice/Ashton/Lord – “Live in London” (2006, T2 Media)

The only recorded concert of PAL in London ’77 plus a contemporary special “Lifespan” about the making of the album.

Tony Ashton & Friends – “Live at Abbey Road 2000″ (2006, T2 Media)

Recorded live in 2000, featuring the only reunion performance by classic Whitesnake (minus DC) and classic PAL (minus P. Martinez).

Deep Purple – “Live at Montreux ’96″ (2006)

Recorded live in 1996.

Deep Purple – “Live in Denmark ’72″ (2005)

Remastered edition with Hofstra ’73 footage as bonus feature.

Deep Purple – “California Jam ’74″ (2005)

Remastered edition with bonus footage from the biggest concert DP has ever taken part in.

Various Artists – “50 Jahre Rock” (2004)

Recording of a special concert organised by ZDF in April 2004. JL played with the Soulmates in “SOTW”.

Deep Purple – “Heavy Metal Pioneers” (2003, WEA)

Original TV special from 1991, featuring interviews with most of the DP members.

Deep Purple – “Concerto for Group and Orchestra” (2002)

Original recording from 1969 featuring brand new audio commentary by JL.

Deep Purple – “Perihelion” (2002, Thames/Thompson)

Recorded live in Florida, June 2001. JL’s last official release as a member of DP.

Deep Purple – “Come Hell or High Water” (2001, BMG)

Live concert and rockumentary from 1993. Originally released in 1994.

Deep Purple – “Live at the Royal Albert Hall” (2000, Eagle)

Recorded live in Sep 1999, the revised version of “Concerto”.

Deep Purple – “New, Live & Rare” (2000, Thames/Thompson)

The videos collection 1984-2000.

Deep Purple – “Around the World” (2000, Thames/Thompson)

Selected live videos 1995-2000.

Deep Purple – “Bombay Calling” (2000, Thames/Thompson)

Live in India 1995. One of the first shows with SM on guitar.

Deep Purple – “Total Abandon” (1999, Thames/Thompson)

Live in Australia, April 1999 plus an interesting rockumentary “A.Band.Down.Under”.

Paul Weller, Jon Lord, Robert Plant, Ian Paice

Jacky Paice, Frida, Vicky Lord at the Sunflower Jam. Photo by Fin Costello

This unique event was held on 14th September 2006 in aid of the Complementary Therapy Team working within cancer services at University College London Hospital (UCLH) working with children, young people and adults with cancer. It costs £5000 per year for one therapist to work for one day a week on the wards with the patients, their families and the staff.

This special evening, organised by Jacky Paice, was to raise awareness and money and all proceeds from this event will go to The Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust for more therapists to work in this important area by providing emotional and physical support, both within the Acute Cancer Care Unit and Outpatient’s Department, supporting patients from diagnosis to journeys end. Details at: www.thesunflowerjam.com

Both Ian Paice and Jon Lord have visited the children undergoing treatments and receiving therapies to see for themselves the integrated care and facilities at the hospital. As a result of these visits the idea of this fundraising evening was born. With support from HRH The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, which aims to facilitate the development of safe, effective and efficient forms of healthcare by encouraging conventional and complementary practitioners to work together to promote a holistic approach for the individual and some great names already on board the evening will consist of a sit down meal, auction and raffle finishing with a one off musical jam!

There were performances from Robert Plant, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Paul Weller, Phil Manzanera, Linda Lewis, and Sam Brown supported by a Celebrity House Band including renowned musicians Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens, Margo Buchanan, Nick Fyffe and Bernie Marsden.

THE SUNFLOWER JAM setlist:

Linda Lewis: Sideways Shuffle (Linda Lewis), It’s In His Kiss (Betty Everett & Linda Lewis)

Bernie Marsden: Hush (Deep Purple)
Margo Buchanan: Black Night (Deep Purple)
Sam Brown: Burn (Deep Purple)

Paul Weller: Say You Don’t Mind (Denny Lane version), Never Found A Girl (Eddie Floyd), Feeling Alright (Joe Cocker)

Robert Plant: I’m Your Witchdoctor (John Mayall), What Is And What Should Never Be (Led Zeppelin), Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley), Crawling Up A Hill (John Mayall), For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield), Ramble On (Led Zeppelin), Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin)

The Sunflower Jam: Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson)

Smiler6 was at the Sunflower Jam, here’s what he wrote at the Highway Star forum about the event:

“I was lucky enough to be there. After the first two numbers with Linda Lewis, Jon Lord came on and the band (including Paice, Bernie Marsden, another keyboardist, percussionist and bassist plus three backing singers of which one was Sam Brown) launched into Hush, sung rather well by Bernie. A woman singer then gave us Black Night and Sam Brown then sang “Burn”. This, for me, was when it started getting surreal and dreamy. Paul Weller then came on and performed three covers (he was great and his voice went well with the old hammond sound). He was then replaced by Robert Plant who did the best part of an hour. It was… incredible. To be honest a lineup of Plant, Marsden, Lord and Paice would be a wonderful band and this performance proved it. They sounded incredible. A supergroup who was meant to be!!! I hope it gets repeated… somewhere! The encore saw Paul Weller join the band for one last number. Classic. Some grainy pics are at www.classicwhitesnake.com.”

You can also read Mark Smith’s review of the show at classicwhitesnake.com

Plus one more photo: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=243793112&size=l