Artist: Blackmore’s Night
Title: “Castles And Dreams”
Label: SPV Records
Release Date: 10/11/2005
Genre: Classical/Medieval
Rating: 8/10

Every so often you find yourself watching a video performance that is an absolute surprise and more interesting than you thought it could have possibly been. This was the case that I would find when watching the new live concert release by Blackmore’s Night. To many the music fan, the name of Ritchie Blackmore is not a secret based upon his contributions and musical innovations with Deep Purple and Rainbow. After almost 30 years of performance as a legend in Rock, he switched gears entirely and began working with his partner Candace Night on a series of Classical and Medieval based songs. The result was the Renaissance Fair styling of Blackmore’s Night and to appreciate it fully you need to approach it with an open mind. This is not hard rock or even blues but a wonderful array of traditional instruments mixed with ones from the past along with flutes, pipes and violins. The end result is truly something that merits watching. This concert film is interesting enough and filled with a number of great songs throughout the performance. Recorded at a Renaissance Fair in Veldenstein Castle the setting of the stage resembles a Medieval marketplace and the musicians (or minstrels) are all dressed in period clothing. Joining Candace Night (who performs the lead vocals) and Ritchie Blackmore are the following players: Bard David Of Larchmont, Lady Madeline and Lady Nancy (The Sisters Of The Moon), Squire Malcolm Of Lumley, Sir Robert Of Normandie, and Tudor Rose. As you can see everyone keeps in the character and the spirit of the music they are performing. It works better for the effect they are bringing across and as the camera pans over the audience you can see that they are also largely dressed in period clothing.
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