by Vincent JeffriesPerhaps the mellowest full-length recording of the Deep Purple vocalist's career, Dreamcatcher is as soft and sincere as its title suggests. Together with guitarist Steve Morris, Gillan put together 12 songs for the 1997 EMI international release that was distributed in the States by Forbidden Records. Despite the fact that Gillan is working with a completely different style of bluesy/country/world/soft rock, things work well. Morris shapes his performances nicely around Gillan's toned-down vocal lines and the material is tightly constructed and intelligent. Hardcore Deep Purple fans might consider Dreamcatcher too fluffy and lovesick for their classic rock taste. But those willing to judge this effort for what it is should respect or even enjoy the delicate musicianship and heartfelt imagery. There are many artists who do this kind of thing better, and it isn't what Gillan does best, but Dreamcatcher isn't the embarrassment it could have been. Gillan's talent prevents anything shameful from happening on this confident stroll though new musical territory.