Under a Violet Moon is the second album by
Blackmore's Night, and guitarist
Ritchie Blackmore had a very clear idea of what he wanted for the sophomore release by the Renaissance-oriented world and new age music outfit. The former
Deep Purple and
Rainbow six-stringer and vocalist
Candice Night wanted to take
Blackmore's Night on an extensive tour, so they made a conscious effort to record a more up-tempo album, making the music more conducive to live performance than much of the relaxed material on their debut,
Shadow of the Moon. Countless guest musicians contribute to this album, which was co-produced by
Blackmore,
Jeff Glixman (best known for his work with
Kansas), and
Roy McDonald. A variety of sonic textures are found on the album, but the faster numbers do dominate the proceedings and therefore fulfill
Blackmore and
Night's musical desires. "Under a Violet Moon" is propelled by
Blackmore's darkly rich acoustic guitar lines,
Night's urgent vocals, and the driving handclaps and tambourine. "Past Time With Good Company," a traditional melody attributed to Henry VIII, utilizes appropriately regal-sounding horns. Rolling rhythms and swirling melodies illuminate the superb "Morning Star." Bassist
John Ford shares singing duties with
Night on "Wind in the Willows."
Blackmore breaks out the electric guitar for some soloing on "Gone With the Wind." The cosmic instrumental "Beyond the Sunset" has a soothing, new age dreaminess to it. "March the Heroes Home" has a sparse arrangement at first, but as each instrument comes in the dramatic feel is heightened.
Blackmore's lightning-fast acoustic guitar runs are matched by the violin on "Spanish Nights (I Remember it Well)." The guitarist dips into his past for a rearranged version of "Self Portrait," which first appeared on 1975's
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.