Don Airey - coming from the hard rock side of things with recordings together with Ozzy Osbourne, Cozy Powell, Gary Moore, Rainbow and Thin Lizzy - launched quite a different project in 1998.

K2 is not a very well known mountain, however it is - with a bit more than 8.600km - the second highest mountain in the world and lies somewhere behind the Mount Everest. K2 is so difficult to climb, many of those who try, do not survive; 1 out of 4. Don Airey was massively inspired by this mountain and the mystic around it; Created his musical interpretation as a tribute to those who had the courage to fight this massive mountain.

The album is a mix of electronic, ambient, asian, and rock-ish elements and includes some narrative sections. Don is since 2002 the keyboardist of the rock band Deep Purple and very actively touring with this band.

In 1988 when the album came out, this was frequently in my CD player; For years! It brings some sort of power across I really got to me!

• Artist: Don Airey
• Album: K2 - Tales Of Triumph & Tragedy
• Year: 1988