Record Reviews
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  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ A TOUCH OF CLASS
VOICEPRINT 017 (Barcode: 604388663224) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1983 Released: 2005
Dutch guitar virtuoso Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist is most widely known as the co-leader of the legendary band FocusFind albums by this artist. However, after leaving Focus, Akkerman developed a splendid solo career, which now spans over 30 years of activity. As a soloist, Akkerman proved to be a most versatile musician, playing both acoustic guitar (and many other acoustic guitar-related instruments) and electric guitar, all this in different genres, from classical music, early music, blues, jazz and fusion. His exceptional technique and highly developed musical taste place him in a class of his own. This excellent DVD brings to light some archival material not seen in many years. The main part of the DVD includes a 1983 TV special, filmed in London for the BBC. It includes his then current group performing material from Jan’s albums: Can`t Stand NoiseFind albums with this title and TabernakelFind albums with this title, interviews with Akkerman and BBC footage of Focus from 1973. The bonus material includes footage filmed 18 month later and capturing a rare performance of Akkerman using the guitar synthesizer. For many Akkerman / Focus fans this is an absolute must and a most enjoyable musical experience. NTSC
| | | DVD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ ARANJUEZ
GOTT DISCS 009 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978
7th album by the Dutch guitar virtuoso Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist and ex-member of FocusFind albums by this artist. The fascination with classical music was eveident on all Akkerman`s early solo albums and his excellent acoustic guitar playing of classical material served as an alter ego to his energetic electric rock accomplishments. This is a splendid album, beautifully arranged by Claus OgermanFind albums by this artist, who also conducts the classical orchestra accompanying the guitarist and who also worked with other Focus memeber Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist on his classical solo albums. Akkerman performs mostly classical material by Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos, Ravel and others, with just one composition of his own. This is a gentle, delicate work of passion - not for everybody, but those with the classical streak in them will enjoy this one immensly.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ JAN AKKERMAN
WEA 242360 (Barcode: 022924236020) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2000
5th album by the eclectic Dutch guitar genius Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist recorded at the same sessions that produced the album EliFind albums with this title, but using a set of different players. This was Akkerman’s first step into the world of Fusion, which would be his main area of activity for the next few years. He invited the phenomenal German keyboards player Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist (a friendship and cooperation that was to last for many years), the Italian drummer Bruno CastelucciFind albums by this artist and percussionist Neppie NoyaFind albums by this artist – all three were very active on the European Fusion scene – to take part in the recording and the result was a mixture of instrumental Prog and Fusion with brilliant soloing all over. Akkerman wrote all the music, which includes some of his best fine crafted melodies. The album also served as a basis for creation of the Jan Akkerman Band, which performed all across Europe and was later recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival (his next release). Essential for Akkerman and FocusFind albums by this artist fans.
| | Updated: 18/07/2020Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ PROFILE
BGO 490 (Barcode: 5017261204905) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2000
2nd album by the legendary FocusFind albums by this artist guitarist Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist recorded while he was still with the group. It showcases Akkerman`s brilliant playing, both as an electric Fusion player and as acoustic classical one. Backed by the cream of contemporary Dutch musicians (some fellow Focus members and some members of other groups like TraceFind albums by this artist) he shines throughout. The 20+ minutes opening track is a Fusion suite a la Mahavishnu. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALQUIN ~ MARKS
ESOTERIC 2144 (Barcode: 5013929724426) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
1st album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALQUIN ~ THE MOUNTAIN QUEEN
ESOTERIC 2145 (Barcode: 5013929724525) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009
2nd album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ AT THE RAINBOW
RED BULLET 66.190 (Barcode: 8712944661903) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2001
This is the 4th album (and the only live album) by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Recorded at the legendary London venue "The Rainbow" it captures the group at their absolute peak and is one of the greatest live Prog albums of all times. A timeless classic!
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  | FOCUS ~ FOCUS 3
RED BULLET 66.189 (Barcode: 8712944661897) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001
This is the 3rd album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Originally a double LP it includes the suite "Anonymous Two" (over 26 minutes long) is a beautiful example of the scope and imagination of music made at the time. A timeless classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ HAMBURGER CONCERTO
RED BULLET 66.191 (Barcode: 8712944661910) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2001
This is the 5th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Returning to the studio after releasing the live album "At The RainbowFind albums with this title", the band is still at their absolute peak and the resulting masterpiece is the last great peace of music the band was destined to record. The 20 plus minutes long title track is a Prog epitome. A timeless classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ IN AND OUT OF FOCUS
RED BULLET 66.187 (Barcode: 8712944661873) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2001
This is the 1st album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following this somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album finds them searching for their unique sound and style, mixing Jazz influences and Rock sound, as no other group before them. In retrospect it is still a solid Prog album and the obvious virtuosity and sense of melody of these great musicians is omnipresent. It is a must for all Focus fans!
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  | FOCUS ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
HUX 051 (Barcode: 682970000510) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2004
BBC Radio recording by the legendary Dutch Prog band FocusFind albums by this artist. After Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist left Focus he was replaced by the brilliant Belgian jazz / fusion guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist. This change was so refreshing, that the band`s material sounded fresh again and his virtuoso performances are the focal point of this album. The bands is full of fire and energy and without a shadow of a doubt this is one the the best Focus recordings ever. What a joy to Focus fans, who are always on the lookout for new material by the band. Highly recommended!
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  | FOCUS ~ LIVE IN AMERICA
CLASSIC ROCK 1079 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Newly re-formed Focus captured live during their US tour. Still led by the energetic (but fatter) Thijs van Leer and without Jan Akkerman, but this group can play the hell out of any competition. The material comes from their new (2002) album, as well as as all the favorite tunes from their 70`s albums. Great music refuses to die! Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 90 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ LIVE IN SOUTH AMERICA
SOL & DENEB 15 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2004
Composer, flutists, keyboards player and bandleader Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist revived the legendary Dutch band FocusFind albums by this artist in 2002 with three younger musicians: Jan DuméeFind albums by this artist – guitar, Bobby JacobsFind albums by this artist – bass and Bert SmaakFind albums by this artist – drums. The quartet recorded a new studio album (Focus 8Find albums with this title) and later embarked on an extensive American tour, which covered both the North and South continent. This album is a selection of live recording captured at various locations of the South American leg of the tour. The material includes all the fabulous classic material originating from the 1970s albums and can be viewed as a “best of” review of what the original group had to offer. After all Focus managed to create some of the most memorable Prog melodies, and they are all included here (“Syliva”, “Eruption”, “Hocus Pocus”, etc.), performed with freshness and vigor. The sound quality is also surprisingly good and all together this is an excellent tribute to the glory days of this great Prog group. This is a must to all the fans of the group and an excellent introduction to the group illustrious output for those who were too young to enjoy it at the time.
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  | FOCUS ~ MOTHER FOCUS
RED BULLET 66.192 (Barcode: 8712944661927) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2001
This is the 6th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album finds them trying to find a new style, which is more commercially oriented that the earlier material. Although received with criticism at the time, in retrospect it is still a solid Prog album and the obvious virtuosity and sense of melody of these great musicians is omnipresent. It is a must for all Focus fans!
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  | FOCUS ~ MOVING WAVES
RED BULLET 66.188 (Barcode: 8712944661880) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001
This is the 2nd album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. The suite "Eruption" (over 23 minutes long) is a beautiful example of the scope and imagination of music made at the time. A timeless classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ SHIP OF MEMORIES
RED BULLET 66.193 (Barcode: 8712944661934) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2001
This is the 7th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album collects a series of previously unreleased recordings made around the time the live album was released, dating several years back before the album´s release date. Considering the fact that this material comes from the best period of the group, this album is particularly strong. It is a must for all Focus fans!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIN JIM ~ NEW CHOICES
MAARWEG 4170000091127 (Barcode: 4170000091127) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
This is the third album by German Jazz-Rock Fusion quartet Jin JimFind albums by this artist, which comprises of flautist Daniel Manrique-SmithFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ben Tai TrawinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Johann MayFind albums by this artist and drummer Nico StallmannFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four each composed by Trawinski and May and one is an arrangement of a song by BjorkFind albums by this artist.
The music is a unique amalgam of many elements, between Jazz, Fusion, Metal, World Music and others, and offers a rare occasion to hear the flute as a leading instrument, which is almost completely neglected these days. The connection to Jazz is rather vague and the production and sound push the music towards contemporary Rock and Ambient at times. Progressive Rock fans might find similarities to legendary groups like FocusFind albums by this artist and Jethro TullFind albums by this artist, but again any direct comparisons would be farfetched.
Although it’s always nice to hear the flute, which I love, featured prominently here, I find the music rather uninviting, since the compositions are sort of repetitive and shallow, and after a few tracks the music does not evolve any more. This, combined with the production and sound, which make the music almost difficult to hear for me, sadly don’t work as far as my ears are concerned. Nevertheless, many listeners might find this album interesting, primarily due to the flute dominance.
Overall, this is a potentially interesting album, which features the sadly forgotten flute as the primarily instrument, but suffers from production decisions, which make the sound uninviting, as well as a rather limited compositional dexterity. I can imagine this album being way more listenable with a different mix and balance, but that’s only my very personal opinion.
| | Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: 07/07/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN & JAN AKKERMAN ~ LIVE!
IN-AKUSTIK 868 (Barcode: 4001985008681) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2000
This is a reissue / remaster of a live album by a duo comprising of two legendary European musicians: German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and Dutch Rock guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist (co-founder of FocusFind albums by this artist). The album presents just two tracks, which are different interpretations of the same composition by Kuhn, recorded several weeks apart during the duo’s 1979 European tour, twelve and twenty-one minutes in duration respectively.
The music is a superb example of Improvised Music, which combines Jazz and Rock improvisation “under one roof”, which was quite popular in Europe the 1970s. Kuhn and Akkerman played together on various occasions earlier on, and the duo concerts were a culmination of their musical cooperation.
The idea to present two versions of the same composition, separated by just a few weeks of playing the tune repeatedly, shows how music develops as a result of being performed and shared intimately, especially so if improvisation is at the focus. The album is also a great document of Rock Improvisation, which is quite different from Jazz-Rock Fusion, and which goes back to the 1960s, especially to British Rock, which included Rock Improvisation (unrelated to Jazz), for example in the concert recordings of groups like CreamFind albums by this artist or ColosseumFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this is a fascinating and relatively little known album by two great musicians, who present inter-genre cooperation at its best. Both are virtuosos of their instruments, which is clearly evident herein, and the “Art of the Duo” idiom suits this beautiful album perfectly. Not easy to find by definitely worth finding a copy!
| | Updated: 16/08/2024Posted: 16/08/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIJS VAN LEER ~ INTROSPECTION / INTROSPECTION 2
BGO 589 (Barcode: 5017261205896) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1975 Released: 2003
1st and 2nd albums by Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, the founder and leader of the legendary Dutch band FocusFind albums by this artist. Both album feature van Leer`s amazing flute talents, but as opposed to his work with Focus, they are both arranged for large orchestra and include, in addition to his own compositions, many classical works, mainly by Bach. The performances are brilliant of course and the serene and relaxed atmosphere is typical of European approach to music. A classic (pun intended)!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIJS VAN LEER ~ INTROSPECTION 3
BGO 0981 (Barcode: 5017261209818) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2011
This is the 3rd album by Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, the founder and leader of the legendary Dutch band FocusFind albums by this artist. It features van Leer`s amazing flute talents, but as opposed to his work with Focus, the music is arranged for large orchestra (by the great Rogier van OtterloFind albums by this artist) and includes, in addition to his own compositions, many classical works. The performances are brilliant of course and the serene and relaxed atmosphere is typical of European approach to music. A classic (pun intended)!
| | Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIJS VAN LEER ~ INTROSPECTION 4
BGO 0985 (Barcode: 5017261209856) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2011
This is the 4th and last in the series album by Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, the founder and leader of the legendary Dutch band FocusFind albums by this artist. It features Van Leer`s amazing flute talents, but as opposed to his work with Focus, the music is arranged for large orchestra (by the great Rogier van OtterloFind albums by this artist) and includes, in addition to his own compositions, many classical works. The performances are brilliant of course and the serene and relaxed atmosphere is typical of European approach to music. A classic (pun intended)!
| | Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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