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

MILES DAVIS ~ SKETCHES OF SPAIN (50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY EDITION) COLUMBIA 43949 (Barcode: 886974394921) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1959 Released: 2009 It is extremely hard to believe that this masterpiece is half a century old! Hearing it today reveals therefore that trumpeter Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and arranger / conductor Gil EvansFind albums by this artist were both visionaries, in addition to their supreme musical sensitivity and revolutionary approach to music expansion. Combing Jazz with non-Western Classical music, in this case the magnificent "Concierto de Aranjuez" by Joaquin RodrigoFind albums by this artist (originally a concerto for guitar and orchestra, arranged for trumpet by Evans), was a bold step and one of the first examples of Jazz-World Fusion. Sure enough some American critics and fans hated it from day one, using the "usual" intelligent argument: "This is not Jazz". But Jazz it was, a magnificent new form of Jazz, where the lyrical composition and brilliant (and not less lyrical) interpretation by Miles just fit together like a dream. The muted trumpet played by Miles turns into a magical / mystical mythological flute, luring the listener into the music, completely intoxicated by the sound. I could go on and on about the music, but what´s the point, just grab it and listen. The original LP was extended for this special addition with a whole second CD of bonus material, including studio outtakes and the only live performance of this music with Davis and Evans. Totally essential!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

VERNERI POHJOLA ~ AURORA TEXICALI 094 (Barcode: 6417698090949) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is the debut album as a leader by Finnish Jazz trumpeter / composer Verneri PohjolaFind albums by this artist conceived and recorded over an extended period of time by several lineups, which feature many top Finnish Jazz musicians, including Verneri´s father bassist Pekka PohjolaFind albums by this artist brother trombonist Ilmari PohjolaFind albums by this artist, as well as legendary flautist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Verneri and one is an arrangement of "Concierto de Aranjuez" by Joaquin RodrigoFind albums by this artist (which trumpeters seem to favor). The album was released following Pekka´s death and is dedicated to him. The music is quite diverse and offers a wide range of moods and stylistic references, and accordingly also challenges for the trumpet performances. It encompasses Classical Music influences as well as Jazz in all its forms from deeply melodic and typically Nordic climates to free form vistas. Although the music does not focus on a specific concept, it consistently shows a coherent compositional ability and aesthetics, which is rate for musicians that young. The performances are, as expected, stellar in every way. Verneri´s trumpet soars high and confident throughout the proceedings and the accompanying musicians create an ideal environment to support the often complex ideas. There are so many details and individual touches on this album that it requires several listening sessions to discover them all, with each and every one of those being highly deserving. Overall this is an excellent debut outing, which was (in retrospect) a good omen of things to come. Finnish Jazz managed to sustain and develop its superb level of accomplishments for the last half a century, always being one of my favorites and proudly representing the European Jazz capabilities at their best. Although not new, this album surely deserves the effort of finding a copy and plunge into its music, as it is definitely timeless.

Updated: 22/01/2021Posted: 22/01/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend