Album Description:
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow is an iconic band that left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal. Their second studio album, "Rising", released in 1976, stands as a testament to their musical prowess and creativity. With Ritchie Blackmore at the helm, Rainbow assembled a powerhouse lineup that included the extraordinary vocal talents of Ronnie James Dio, along with Tony Carey on keyboards and Cozy Powell on drums. This formidable combination of musicians created an album that would go on to be hailed as one of the greatest in Rainbow's storied career.
"Rising" is a masterclass in heavy metal, showcasing Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso guitar skills and his ability to craft powerful, memorable riffs. From the opening track, "Tarot Woman", the album immediately grabs the listener's attention with its thunderous guitar-driven sound. Blackmore's playing is at its peak, effortlessly blending intricate melodies with crushing power chords, displaying his unique ability to create both intricate and aggressive guitar work.
One of the defining aspects of "Rising" is the keyboard wizardry of Tony Carey. His contributions add depth and texture to the album, complementing Blackmore's guitar work perfectly. Whether it's the haunting melodies of "Stargazer" or the driving energy of "A Light in the Black", Carey's keyboard skills elevate the music to another level, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the overall sonic experience.
The rhythm section of "Rising" is equally impressive, with Cozy Powell's thunderous drumming providing a solid foundation for the album's heavy sound. Powell's precise and powerful drumming style is showcased brilliantly on tracks like "Run with the Wolf" and "Do You Close Your Eyes", where he drives the songs forward with relentless energy and precision.
Recorded in Munich in less than a month, "Rising" possesses a raw and organic quality that sets it apart from other albums of the era. The band opted for minimal overdubs, allowing the songs to maintain their live energy and intensity. This approach gives the album a certain authenticity and captures the essence of Rainbow's dynamic live performances.
The production of "Rising" was overseen by the legendary Martin Birch, renowned for his work with Deep Purple and other iconic rock acts. Birch's expertise ensured that the album had a polished and powerful sound while still retaining the raw energy of the band's performance.
"Rising" has become a landmark album in the history of heavy metal. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless bands that followed in Rainbow's footsteps. The album's impact and lasting appeal are a testament to the exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess of Ritchie Blackmore and his bandmates.
In recognition of its enduring popularity, the "Rising" album is now being released on a 12" vinyl LP format in Austria. This special edition allows fans to experience the album in all its analog glory, with the warmth and richness that only vinyl can provide. It's a chance to rediscover the timeless classics such as "Starstruck", "Do You Close Your Eyes", and the epic masterpiece "Stargazer" in a format that pays homage to the album's original release.
Band Members and Musicians on: Ritchies Blackmore Rainbow Rising FOC
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Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Jimmy Bain
Jimmy Bain, the legendary bassist behind Rainbow and Dio, was a force of nature. His driving basslines powered some of hard rock's most iconic anthems.
Want to hear more?
- Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)
Shred through rock history with Ritchie Blackmore! From Deep Purple's legendary riffs to Rainbow's anthems and Blackmore's Night's medieval melodies,
his guitar redefined genres.
Read all about him
- Tony Carey - keyboards
Tony Carey (Full-name: Anthony Lawrence Carey was born in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California, United States on 16 Oct 1953.
During 1976 Carey's work on the album included the keyboard introduction to the opening track "Tarot Woman", and an extended keyboard solo on "A Light in the Black", the last cut on the album in "Rising", Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 22 years old at that point. During 1977 he works as a keyboards in "On Stage", Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 23 years old at that point. His occupation is Keyboard player.
- Ronnie James Dio
Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre.
Here's his story
- Cozy Powell - Drums
Cozy Powell, born as Colin Flooks, was a renowned British drummer hailing from Cirencester, Gloucestershire. He left an indelible mark on the music industry through his exceptional drumming skills and his contributions to numerous hard rock and heavy metal bands. Powell's career spanned from 1968 to 1998, during which he showcased his talent and versatility in over two dozen bands, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
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Born on 29 December 1947, Powell developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at a young age. He honed his skills through dedication and practice, eventually gaining recognition for his technical proficiency and powerful playing style.
Powell's breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he joined the band Bedlam, marking the beginning of his professional career in the music industry. From there, he embarked on a remarkable journey, collaborating with some of the most notable acts in hard rock and heavy metal.
One of Powell's notable achievements was his association with Black Sabbath, one of the pioneering bands in the heavy metal genre. He lent his drumming expertise to their album "Tyr" in 1990, contributing to the band's legacy. Powell's collaborations with other prominent bands included his work with the Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow, and Whitesnake.
Throughout his career, Powell displayed his versatility by adapting to different musical styles and bands. His drumming prowess added depth and energy to each project he worked on. Powell was not only a skilled drummer but also a sought-after collaborator, thanks to his ability to seamlessly blend with various musicians and bring out the best in their performances.
Apart from his work with bands, Powell also ventured into solo projects. He formed the band Cozy Powell's Hammer and released several albums showcasing his musical vision and drumming expertise. Powell's solo work allowed him to explore his creativity and demonstrate his capabilities as a bandleader.
Powell's contributions extended beyond the stage and recording studio. He was known for his charismatic stage presence and energetic performances, captivating audiences around the world. His dynamic drum solos became a highlight of his live shows, earning him admiration and respect from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Tragically, Powell's career was cut short on 5 April 1998, when he passed away in a car accident at the age of 50. His untimely demise shocked the music community, and the loss of his talent left a void that is still felt today.
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