Jan Akkerman
Aranjuez
Remastered edition
Die Ex-Focus-Legende zeigte auf diesem Album von 1978, dass seine
Geschmacks- und Interessenspalette außerordentlich breit war, von
Pop-Rock bis Klassik, mit Raum für Blues, Latin und andere Einflüsse.
*** digitally remastered
Erscheinungstermin: 5.7.2010
Label: BGO, 1978
Tracklist:
1. Adagio from ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’
2. Nightwings
3. Modinha (Preludio)
4. Espanoleta
5. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
6. Love Remembered
7. The Seed Of God (From “Magdalena”)
8. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
A musician of near-legendary prowess, Jan Akkerman for a time eclipsed
Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck among reader polls in England as
the top guitarist in the world. Akkerman was born in Amsterdam,
Holland, and showed his musical inclinations early, taking up the
guitar while still in grade school.
As illustrated on this fine album, his taste and interests were
extraordinarily wide-ranging – from pop-rock to classical, with room
for blues, Latin, and other influences.
‘Aranjuez’ was recorded in 1978 for the CBS record label with arranger
and producer Claus Ogerman. The album was produced by John J. Vis and
Ruud Jacobs and featured Jan on all instruments apart from the bass
guitar, which was played by Niels Pedersen.
Thijs van Leer had already produced a number of successful
‘Introspection’ albums when this was made, which had a similar
classical feel to them.
Jan’s sparse guitar lines combine with a lush orchestration to create
an excellent album. ‘Pavanne’ and Jan’s own ‘Love Remembered’ (from
‘Focus 3’) are the highlights.
As well as his own material, Jan decided to include not so well-known
classical pieces on this album, selecting material by Rodrigo, Ravel
and Villa-Lobos to great and interesting effect.