Ian Gillan
Dreamcatcher
(Forbidden Records)
Now in his fourth decade of making records, Ian Gillan is a true rock legend. Having been the lead singer of bands including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and the original Jesus Christ Superstar project, he is known to hundreds of millions in voice if not in name. This is Ian's third solo album to date (not counting the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan, which were collaborations with other musicians). While it is not as heavy as the new Deep Purple album (Abandon) or his previous solo work (the very metal Toolbox), Dreamcatcher definitely has an edge. Gillan uses many ethnic instruments on the disc, giving it a new-age feel without losing sight of the rock tradition it's rooted in. Songs like "Sugar Plum" and "A Day Late And A Dollar Short" have heavy guitar riffs and Ian's soaring vocals, yet they are awash in flutes, strings, and obscure percussion instruments. Considering the fact that Ian Gillan sings in one of the great heavy metal bands of all time, it makes sense that his solo effort wouldn't be a steamroller. And speaking of that band, it's an interesting note that Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover took all the photos for the CD. Ian Gillan has a website at
www.gillan.com.
Jeff Muendel