The Purple Project

The Purple Project (Deep Purple)
 Based in UK.
  Category:  Tribute Show.
  Fee: On application.
  Location availability
Ireland / International

Profile:

The seeds of The Purple Project were sown in 2004, with the nucleus coming together to begin the daunting task of finding musicians capable of emulating the immense talents of the five musicians in the original line-ups of Deep Purple.

Finally, after 14 months of searching, the definitive line-up was settled. Work began with intense rehearsal and close study of the original recordings by each of the members, the goal being, not just to perform the songs with an authentic sound, but to capture the ‘essence’ and spirit of the original recordings.

Satisfied that the group can now deliver on this promise, The Purple Project represents something more than just a sound-a-like ‘tribute’ act. Behind each performance lies a deeper understanding of the structure and motivation for the arrangements - and a shared passion for recreating the unbelievable power and intensity of Deep Purple in full flight!

The show mirrors the famous concerts of Deep Purple with a running time of two hours, with songs picked from the extensive album and single back-catalogue, and includes classic live favourites such as ‘Highway Star’, ‘Burn’ and of course ‘Smoke on the Water’.

Guitar: Chris Voysey

Chris has performed in bands both in the UK and the USA. In the early 80's he worked with Dave Reece (Accept/Bangalore Choir) in Los Angeles and went on to join renowned Minneapolis rock act 'Dare Force' who extensively toured the Mid-West, playing to 10,000+ audiences. He's also worked with Johnnie Bolin of 'Black Oak Arkansas' (who is Tommy Bolin's brother!) and more recently has gigged with vocalist Doogie White (Rainbow).

Tackling the guitar parts for 'The Purple Project' has not only brought him back to his natural blues/rock style but also tested his skills in capturing the essence of the original recordings.
Drums/Vocals: Johnny Marter

The ultimate rock drummer, Johnny filled the role of percussionist for the highly acclaimed 'SAS band' after Cozy Powell was so tragically killed. Before that Johnny was a member of 'Voyager' with Chris Hook, went on to play with Fish in 'Marillion', Bernie Marsden's 'Alaska' and has also toured with 'Deep Purple's' current keyboard player Don Airey.

Johnny has recently gigged with Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet, Jon Anderson and Neil Murray at the 'Classics in Rock' festival in Rotterdam. The entire event has been filmed for DVD release.
Bass Guitar/Vocals: Chris Hook

Chris was a founder member of seventies rock band 'Voyager' who had the hit single 'Halfway Hotel' in 1979. The band has also recently completed a new album.

Always the consummate professional, Chris has performed with many top recording artists including 'Whitesnake's' Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody, Kiki Dee, and 'Fairport Convention's' Dave Mattacks.
Vocals: Paul Wrightson

Paul has been the front man for many different bands over the years, most notably the progressive rock band ‘Arena’ with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively.

He went on to put together and perform in his own band - the renowned hard rock act ‘Ironheart’. Paul re-joined Arena to perform with the band on their reunion concert tour in Holland and he has recently been recording and touring with 'Blind Ego' in Germany and Scandinavia.

Dick has been recording and playing live in a variety of UK blues, soul, rock and R&B bands for many years. When 'The Purple Project' was set up in 2005, Dick took on the enormous task of emulating Jon Lord's trademark Hammond sound and style.

Dick has also recently gigged with Doogie White (Rainbow), and in addition to his 'Purple Project' role, he is currently playing keyboards in a new blues/funk/swing band, 'Loose Shoes', with Texan blues veteran, Dennis Maroney.

References:

The Corn Exchange - Newbury - 31st May 2008