...a wonderfully entertaining example of two musicians revisiting their illustrious past but with an eye on the future.
It had to happen of course following on from the pair's studio outing. This live recording is the result of two former members of Deep Purple treading the boards in front of a wildly appreciative audience. As both Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner have a good following in Japan it was obvious that any concerts they undertook would be a success. This CD then is proof of how well these two guys work together. The set list takes in songs from the studio album and of course highlights from the Deep Purple and Rainbow back catalogue.
There may be some surprises perhaps at what they decided to leave off in terms of archive material but for me the choice is excellent and it would be churlish to say otherwise. My particular favourite here is an incredible version of Mistreated, which Glenn Hughes really makes his own. Glenn's voice has never been in dispute and whilst Joe Lynn Turner may suffer at the hands of some critics in comparison. He acquits himself excellently throughout this recording on Rainbow favourites Death Alley Driver and Street Of Dreams. For me however the highlight is King Of Dreams, which is a sadly underrated Deep Purple song originally to be found on Slaves and Masters. The duo also gives spirited workouts of the material to be originally found on their studio collaboration and the opening number Devil's Road is a fine example of just what Hughes and Turner are capable of should they be tempted to take this collaboration any further.
Special mention must also be made here of the supporting musicians who play their hearts out and also play the material as though they have been playing it all their lives. So HTP Live In Tokyo is a wonderfully entertaining example of two musicians revisiting their illustrious past but with an eye on the future.