Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975) is the first album released by Rainbow. "Black Sheep of the Family" was a cover of an old Quatermass song, "Still I'm Sad" a cover of a Yardbirds track. Despite the only moderate chart success this album provided to the band, many musicians consider this album to be one of hard rock's finest moments. Backing singer Shoshana Feinstein was Blackmore's girlfriend at the time.
Album Description:
In the realm of hard rock and heavy metal, few guitarists have left as indelible a mark as Ritchie Blackmore. His eponymous band, Rainbow, made their debut in 1975 with the release of the album "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow". "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" served as a testament to Blackmore's musical brilliance and vision. The album showcased a fusion of hard rock and classical influences, creating a unique sound that captivated listeners. Tracks like "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Catch the Rainbow" demonstrated Blackmore's exceptional guitar skills, blending intricate riffs with melodic solos, while frontman Ronnie James Dio's powerful vocals elevated the band's compositions to new heights. The gatefold 12" vinyl LP format added an element of grandeur to the album's presentation. Opening the gatefold cover revealed a visually stunning canvas that extended the album's artistic expression beyond the music itself. The design incorporated intricate illustrations, band photographs, and additional information, offering fans a more immersive experience. The front cover of "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" featured a striking illustration that evoked a sense of mystique and adventure. It depicted a mystical gate guarded by a castle tower, inviting listeners to embark on a musical journey through the gates of Rainbow. The intricate details and vivid colors captured the album's epic and imaginative themes, adding a visual dimension that complemented the music within. Decades after its release, "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" remains a seminal album in the world of rock music. It not only solidified Rainbow's place in the genre but also served as a stepping stone for the careers of its talented members. Ronnie James Dio, in particular, established himself as one of rock's greatest vocalists, leaving an indelible mark on the music world. Furthermore, the vinyl LP format has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with enthusiasts and collectors appreciating the warm sound quality and tactile experience it offers. The gatefold edition of "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" embodies the nostalgia and authenticity that vinyl enthusiasts cherish, creating a connection between the listener and the music that digital formats often lack. |
Music Genre: 70s British Hard Rock |
Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) album cover design. |
Album Production Information: Produced by Ritchie Blackmore, Martin Birch, Ronnie DioRecorded during 20 February till 14 March 1975 at the Musicland Studios, Munich, Germany |
Record Label Information: Oyster OYA 2001 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1975 Made in Gt Britain |
Band Members and Musicians on: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow |
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Track Listing of: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow |
The Song/tracks on "Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" are:
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Album cover photos of : Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow |
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Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
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Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
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Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Rainbow is a British hard rock band that was formed in 1975 by the former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The band has gone through several line-up changes, and their sound has evolved over the years, but their music has always been characterized by Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing and a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock. This page will provide a brief history of Rainbow, explore the band's music, and discuss their impact on the world of hard rock.
Rainbow was formed in 1975 by Ritchie Blackmore after he left Deep Purple. The original line-up of the band consisted of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Gruber on bass, Gary Driscoll on drums, and Micky Lee Soule on keyboards. This line-up recorded the band's debut album, "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow," which was released in 1975. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Rainbow as one of the leading hard rock bands of the 1970s.
Over the years, Rainbow went through several line-up changes. Ronnie James Dio left the band in 1979 to join Black Sabbath, and he was replaced by Graham Bonnet. Bonnet sang on the band's third album, "Down to Earth," which was released in 1979 and featured the hit single "Since You've Been Gone." The band's next album, "Difficult to Cure," was released in 1981 and featured a new lead singer, Joe Lynn Turner. This line-up recorded three more albums, including "Straight Between the Eyes," "Bent Out of Shape," and "Stranger in Us All."
Rainbow disbanded in 1997, but Ritchie Blackmore re-formed the band in 2015 for a series of concerts in Europe. The new line-up of the band featured vocalist Ronnie Romero and keyboardist Jens Johansson, among others.
Rainbow's music is characterized by Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing, which combines elements of classical music with hard rock and heavy metal. The band's early albums, such as "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" and "Rainbow Rising," are considered to be classic examples of the hard rock and heavy metal genres. These albums featured epic, riff-heavy songs with soaring vocals from Ronnie James Dio.
As the band's sound evolved, Rainbow began to incorporate more progressive rock elements into their music. The album "Difficult to Cure" featured a cover of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and the band's later albums featured more complex song structures and instrumental passages.
Rainbow is considered to be one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Their music has inspired countless other bands in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, and their influence can be heard in the work of bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Dream Theater.
Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing has also had a significant impact on the world of rock music. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless other guitarists.