For those fans still incapable (or unwilling) to accept {$Deep Purple} guitar legend {$Ritchie Blackmore}'s defection from {\heavy metal} glory into the acoustic renaissance music of {$Blackmore's Night}, perhaps this double live album will finally drive the reality home. Recorded in May 2002, {^Past Time with Good Company} (named after a traditional {\folk} song written by none other than {%King Henry VIII}) finds the obdurate guitarist and his conversely charming sparring partner and wife, vocalist {$Candice Night}, performing before a few hundred friends in the Netherlands, dressed in suitably medieval garb -- of course! And after listening to the {\Baroque} arrangements, minor-chord voicings, and even some of the lyrics to the likes of {&"Shadow of the Moon,"} {&"Under a Violet Moon,"} and {&"Morning Star,"} the leap from atop the {$Rainbow} to the bowels of a musky, Middle Ages pub may no longer seem as far-fetched. To some extent, this is the result of a fuller musical backdrop provided by the duo's well-rounded supporting cast (highlighted by violinist {$Chris Devine}), as compared to their at times rather spare studio efforts. But also easing what could be a difficult transition are occasional glimpses into {$Blackmore}'s past by way of {$Purple}'s {&"Soldier of Fortune"} and {$Rainbow}'s surprisingly apropos (and electrified) {&"16th Century Greensleeves."} See, it really isn't that big a stretch! Another plus for pure {$Blackmore} disciples is hearing the master shred his acoustic guitar during the beautiful {&"Beyond the Sunset."} And to earlier converts who may have yet to experience {$Blackmore's Night} in a live setting, {^Past Time with Good Company} will of course provide a perfect showcase. [The Japanese version includes the live bonus track {&"Memmingen."}] ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide