Deep Purple MK1: A Beginner’s Guide to the Simper/Evans Line-Up
Exploring the lesser-known side of Deep Purple’s story takes us back to the band’s early days with the MK1 lineup featuring Rod Evans (vocals) and Nick Simper (bass). While most fans were introduced to Deep Purple through iconic albums like In Rock or Machine Head, the journey to discovering the MK1 era can be a revelation. This post reflects my personal journey to appreciating these early Deep Purple records and offers insights into their place in rock history.
The MK1 Albums and Chart Success
MK1, consisting of Evans, Simper, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums), released three albums between 1968 and 1969, with a sound influenced by psychedelic rock, blues, and classical elements. These early records differ significantly from the heavy rock style that would later define Deep Purple.
Shades of Deep Purple (1968)
Release Date: September 1968
Key Tracks: “Hush,” “Mandrake Root,” “Help”
Chart Performance: The album reached No. 24 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, primarily driven by the hit single “Hush,” which reached No. 4 on the US singles chart.
The Book of Taliesyn (1968)
Release Date: October 1968 (U.S.), July 1969 (U.K.)
Key Tracks: “Kentucky Woman,” “Anthem,” “Wring That Neck”
Chart Performance: This album charted modestly in the US, reaching No. 54 on the Billboard 200. Its mix of hard rock, classical influences, and cover songs continued the band’s initial success stateside.
Deep Purple (1969)
Release Date: November 1969
Key Tracks: “April,” “Why Didn’t Rosemary,” “Blind”
Chart Performance: This album didn’t achieve significant chart success, but it showcases a more mature and exploratory side of Deep Purple, hinting at the heavy direction that would define the next lineup.
My Journey to MK1
Like many fans, I was first introduced to Deep Purple through In Rock and Machine Head. It wasn’t until the mid-70s that I discovered the existence of MK1 through various compilations, sparking my curiosity to explore this foundational era. Compilations like Mark 1 & Mark 2 and The Deep Purple Collection were my first taste, offering early gems like “Hush” and “Mandrake Root” alongside MK2 tracks.
For years, I pieced together MK1’s legacy through compilations and live albums, but it wasn’t until 1993 that I finally dove into the original MK1 albums, experiencing them as intended. Shades of Deep Purple, The Book of Taliesyn, and Deep Purple revealed a unique band finding its voice—a blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and experimental arrangements led by Jon Lord’s visionary use of the Hammond organ.
The Legacy of MK1 Deep Purple
Deep Purple MK1 laid the groundwork for the band’s evolution. These albums capture the band’s early experimentation with genres and their live energy, even as they supported major acts like Cream. Tracks like “Mandrake Root” and “April” display the instrumental prowess that would become Deep Purple’s trademark.
While Jon Lord’s organ took center stage in these early years, Ritchie Blackmore’s distinct guitar style began to emerge. By the end of MK1’s tenure, he was asserting himself, and after the group’s orchestral endeavor with Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1969), Blackmore shifted the band’s direction toward the harder-edged sound of In Rock.
Today, MK1 Deep Purple is worth exploring for fans interested in the origins of one of rock’s most iconic bands. The three albums are now more accessible through collections like Hard Road: The Mark 1 Studio Recordings 1968-1969, which offers remastered versions of all three albums along with bonus tracks.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
