Record Reviews

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 Joaquin RodrigoFind albums by this artist, Heitor Villa-LobosFind albums by this artist, 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.

Updated: 09/04/2026Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EGBERTO GISMONTI ~ TREM CAIPIRA CARMO 6 (Barcode: 042284177528) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1985 Released: 1992 This is an album by Brazilian guitarist / pianist / composer Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, recorded with a group of local musicians. The album presents eight tracks, all composed by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-LobosFind albums by this artist, arranged and adapted by Gismonti. This is an obvious tribute by Gismonti to the wonderful music of Villa-Lobos, who was the most important Brazilian Classical Music composer, especially acknowledged for incorporating Brazilian Folklore Music into his compositions. These wonderful and rather minimalistic arrangements by Gismonti combine the original music with contemporary sound, especially due to the use of synthesizer, which often sounds like a church organ, and other non-classical music instruments. The delicate arrangements serve the core of the music wonderfully and are sprinkled with Jazzy improvisations. Gismonti, like Villa-Lobos, stays faithful to his Brazilian roots during his entire career, and this album is a reflection of these roots. Overall, this is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the music of Villa-Lobos, disguised in a somewhat more contemporary envelope, which is a great fun to listen to discloses a lesser known side of Gismonti. This relatively obscure album is certainly worth being discovered.

Updated: 09/04/2026Posted: 09/04/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend