In the world of rock 'n' roll, where guitar gods often hog the spotlight, Jon Lord stands as a defiant monument to the power of the keys. With Deep Purple, he carved out a niche where the organ wasn't just accompaniment, but a force of nature, a fire-breathing dragon amidst a maelstrom of riffs. But "Before I Forget," Lord's 1982 solo outing, is where the dragon breaks free of its chains.
This isn't your standard rock record. It's a sprawling, ambitious beast, a sonic landscape that stretches far beyond the confines of Purple's hard rock thunder. It's a testament to Lord's restless spirit, his insatiable desire to explore, to push boundaries, to meld genres in a way that would make even the most adventurous prog-rockers raise an eyebrow.
"Before I Forget" is a wild ride, a genre-bending odyssey that careens from classical flourishes to jazz-infused grooves, from symphonic bombast to bluesy lamentations. It's a record that defies categorization, that revels in its own eclecticism. At times, it's as if Lord is channeling the spirit of Bach, his fingers dancing across the keyboard with a virtuosity that's both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. At other times, he's conjuring up the ghost of Miles Davis, his melodies weaving a tapestry of smoky sophistication.
And then there are the moments where Lord unleashes the full fury of his rock 'n' roll heart, where the organ roars like a wounded beast, where the drums pound like thunder, where the guitars wail like banshees. It's a sound that's both familiar and alien, a reminder that Lord is a master of his craft, a musician who can effortlessly shift from delicate introspection to raw, unbridled power.
A notable highlight is the track "Bach Onto This," a daring fusion of classical and rock elements that showcases Lord's virtuosity and compositional skills. The album also features a range of guest vocalists, including Tony Ashton, Vicki Brown, and Elmer Gantry, each adding their unique flavor to the diverse musical palette.
The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, a fitting location for a record that's so steeped in musical history. Lord assembled a crack team of musicians, including the likes of Simon Phillips on drums, Cozy Powell on percussion, and Pete York on drums. The production, helmed by Lord himself, is crisp and clear, allowing every nuance of the music to shine through.
