Deep Purple - Paris 1975 (2012)
Deep Purple – Paris 1975 (2012)
A rare glimpse of Mk IV in full force
Released in 2012, Paris 1975 is a live archival recording capturing Deep Purple during the Mark IV era, featuring David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Tommy Bolin, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. Recorded in Paris, France, this concert offers fans a rare opportunity to hear the post-Blackmore incarnation of the band during a period of experimentation, funk influences, and extended live improvisation.
Unlike many live albums that focus on the classic Mk II lineup, Paris 1975 showcases a transitional Deep Purple, exploring jazz-rock, funk, and soulful vocals alongside the band’s signature hard rock power.
🎧 Mini Album Review
Paris 1975 is adventurous, funky, and surprisingly cohesive given the lineup changes.
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Tommy Bolin’s influence: Bolin’s guitar adds jazz-fusion flair and modern textures, differentiating this era from earlier hard rock.
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Vocals: Coverdale and Hughes share lead duties, blending bluesy power and soul.
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Extended jams: Songs like You Keep on Moving and Love Child feature improvised sections, giving a fresh take on Deep Purple’s live dynamics.
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Rhythm section: Ian Paice and Glenn Hughes lock in tightly, driving both rock and funk grooves with precision.
Verdict:
A fascinating document of Deep Purple’s most experimental live period, ideal for fans curious about the Mk IV sound.
🎶 Tracklist – Representative Highlights
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Burn
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Stormbringer
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You Keep on Moving
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Love Child
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Sail Away Rhapsody
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Mistreated
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Smoke on the Water
The setlist mixes classic Mk II material with newer Mk IV compositions, reinterpreted through the lens of Coverdale, Hughes, and Bolin.
👥 Personnel – Mark IV Lineup
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David Coverdale – Vocals
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Tommy Bolin – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Keyboards
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Glenn Hughes – Bass, Vocals
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Ian Paice – Drums
This lineup represents Deep Purple’s most musically adventurous era, combining funk, blues, jazz, and rock elements.
🎼 Performance Highlights
🔥 Burn
Maintains its explosive energy but gains new flair through Bolin’s improvisational soloing.
🌊 You Keep on Moving
A soulful, funk-infused version, with Coverdale and Hughes harmonizing beautifully.
🎹 Sail Away Rhapsody
Showcases Lord’s orchestral touch, demonstrating his adaptability to the more progressive Mk IV sound.
⚡ Smoke on the Water
Delivered with power and nostalgia, yet updated with Bolin’s unique guitar phrasing.
🎸 Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 Tommy Bolin’s only live Mk IV recordings
Bolin joined Deep Purple in 1975, and Paris 1975 is one of the few official recordings capturing his live performance.
🎤 Dual vocalists
Coverdale and Hughes share the spotlight, creating a soulful, dynamic vocal contrast not present in Mk II.
📀 Rare performance
The concert was previously circulated as a bootleg but officially remastered for this 2012 release.
🎹 Jon Lord’s versatility
Lord adapts his classic organ style to Bolin’s fusion guitar and the funkier rhythm section, proving his enduring flexibility.
🤔 Did You Know?
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Mark IV was Deep Purple’s last era before their temporary 1976 disbandment.
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Bolin would tragically pass away in 1976, making this era short-lived but musically distinctive.
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The Paris concert captures extended versions of tracks rarely heard live, such as Love Child.
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Ian Paice’s drumming remains the consistent anchor, navigating both rock and funk grooves with ease.
🎼 Album Credits
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Recorded: 1975, Paris, France
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Released: 2012
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Label: Eagle Rock / Purple Records
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Producer: Deep Purple archival team
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Format: CD, digital
🧠 Legacy & Final Thoughts
Paris 1975 is an essential live recording for fans of Mk IV, offering a glimpse of Deep Purple pushing boundaries while maintaining rock power.
It highlights:
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The fusion of funk, blues, and hard rock in a live setting
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Bolin’s unique guitar contributions
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The vocal versatility of Coverdale and Hughes
For historians and collectors, this album is a rare window into a transformative, experimental, and short-lived chapter of Deep Purple’s storied career.
