Now Hear This: Gillan

     When Ian Gillan quit Deep Purple in 1973 I’m not sure what he thought he had up his sleeve but it took him three years to release his first album with his solo band, billed as the Ian Gillan Band, and he named the album Child In Time after the Deep Purple song of which he recorded a new version for the album. That’s not exactly what I’d call cutting the cord, but the music on Gillan’s first solo album was a departure from what he’d been doing with Deep Purple, the question being, was a departure necessary, and did he head off in the right direction? I have seen the album described as jazz-rock fusion and that might not be wholly inaccurate. It’s not a great record. Two more lightweight albums followed before Gillan wisely decided on a change of direction. He swiftly formed a new band, recruiting guitarist Bernie Tormes, keyboardist Colin Townes, bassist John McCoy, and drummer Mick Underwood. Dubbing the band simply Gillan they recorded a heavy rock album called Mr. Universe which came out in 1979. Songs like “Secret of the Dance” and “Roller” are not that unlike Deep Purple’s more upbeat material, but with a twist. It’s great stuff.