Ian Gillan

At this point in his career, Ian Gillan really has nothing to prove to anyone in the rock world. He's created one of the most successful bands in the history of rock & roll, and has aged with a grace and class few of his contemporaries can rival. So it makes sense that Gillan's Inn is a relaxed affair and offers up a simple set of rock & roll without pretense or a bloated concept. Taking a cue from Santana's latest releases, a nonstop onslaught of guest appearances fills the rooms of Gillan's Inn, including Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, Joe Satriani, Roger Glover, Steve Morse, Jeff Healey, Uli John Roth, Ronnie James Dio, and Goo Goo Dolls pinup boy Johnny Rzeznik. The result is a 14-song session that's as much inoffensive fun as it is straight-ahead blues-tinged rock & roll. [This version of Gillan's Inn is also a hybrid CD/DVD release, with features including a Surround Sound mix of all 14 songs and a bonus track, a documentary highlighting the album's production, assorted video footage, and a feature where one can choose a soloist (Steve Morse, Joe Satriani, and others) on a rendition of the Deep Purple classic "Smoke on the Water." Definitely something longtime Gillan fans will enjoy again and again.] ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide