The digipak has been produced with all three different original  sleeves, limited to just 2,000 copies in total worldwide. Both this and the regular version can be pre-ordered from DPASMailorder.

After 1969's classical / rock Concerto for Group & Orchestra, Jon Lord was commissioned to write a follow-up. This was GEMINI SUITE, five movements inspired by the members of Deep Purple. After just one live performance it was recorded a solo project. GEMINI SUITE was issued in October 1971 with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Malcolm Arnold. To replace the two members of Deep Purple who did not want to become involved, Jon Lord asked other guests along:

1 - Guitar. Albert Lee (from Heads Hands & Feet) took on Ritchie Blackmore's role.
2 - Piano. Jon Lord (Deep Purple)
3 - Drums. Ian Paice (Deep Purple)
4 - Vocals. Yvonne Elliman (fresh from her role on Jesus Christ Superstar)
     and Tony Ashton (from Ashton, Gardner & Dyke) handled the role original assigned to Ian Gillan.
5 - Bass guitar. Roger Glover (Deep Purple)
6 - Organ. Jon Lord (Deep Purple)

Even in the seventies, when experiments like this were seen as a natural progression for many rock musicians (with Keith Emerson and ELP, Rock Wakeman of Yes and Procul Harum all developing their own pieces), GEMINI SUITE was still a long way from the music of Deep Purple. Challenging as it was it nevertheless became seen as an important step on Jon Lord's classical career and brought further offers of work. This included WINDOWS in 1974 and SARABANDE in 1976 and today Lord is busier than ever in this area.

Gemini Suite (the very first album on Purple Records) has never been issued on CD in Britain, and only fleetingly available in Germany as long ago as 1986. The remastering work has been meticulous, with the orignal 1971 quarter inch production masters located and used. The vintage 8-track studo masters have also been unearthed which may provide collectors and musical historians with an extra insight into the sessions.

An illustrated booklet with detailed notes accompanies the set.

PURPLE RECORDS is the home of The Gemini Suite Live (PUR 304), Sarabande (PUR 305) and Windows (PUR 322). For wholesale distribution go to our distributors links page.