When fire destroyed the Montreux Casino in 1971, no one died, was injured or lost their home. For the band Deep Purple, the blaze was an inconvenience since the group had planned to records its next album in an entertainment complex inside the casino.

With the help of Claude Nobs, director of the Montreux Jazz Festival, the band found an alternate location – the Grand Hote de Territet –and recorded most of its Machine Head album, including part of “Smoke on the Water,” which told the story of the fire and the search for a new place to record.

Deep Purple’s story pales in comparison to the death and destruction that wildfires have caused on Hawaii. But the song has more in common with today’s tragedy than its references for smoke and fire. Faced with a challenge, the band displayed resiliency, net the challenge and produced its most commercially successful album.

The challenges confronting Hawaiians are far greater and far more consequential, but like the members of Deep Purple, Americans are resilient, and they are strong. Clearly, tough days are ahead, but just as certain, the future will eventually be filled with better and brighter days.

As part of our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media project, we share a song every Monday to start your week.

View previous Sharp Notes Monday selections.

Visit our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media page to learn more about the project and view videos of our presentations.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Music and Social Justice, Sharp Notes Monday, Sharp Notes Sharp Thoughts

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