Record Reviews

JAN AKKERMAN / KAZ LUX ~ ELI WEA 242361 (Barcode: 022924236129) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2000 4th album by the eclectic Dutch guitar genius Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist recorded shortly after he left FocusFind albums by this artist in early 1976. For this album Akkerman teamed up with his old friends from BrainboxFind albums by this artist (his pre-Focus band) singer Kaz LuxFind albums by this artist (Kaz was the shorter and easier to pronounce version of his full Polish name Kazimierz) and drummer Pierre van der LindenFind albums by this artist (who was also a member of Focus). He also invited two prominent Dutch keyboards players Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist (from the Jazz circles) and Rick van der LindenFind albums by this artist (from the Prog circles, founder and leader of the Dutch Prog bands EkseptionFind albums by this artist and TraceFind albums by this artist – the Dutch answer to NiceFind albums by this artist and Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist – and not relater to Pierre). The result of these sessions produced a great Prog concept album based on a story by Lux. The stellar personnel and the superb vocal performance make it as strong as any parallel Prog concept album, but unfortunately it received very little attention at the time and remains mostly forgotten. For the followers of Akkerman’s work over the years this is quite a revelation and his exceptional work as a composer and guitarists are fully featured here. Essential for Akkerman and Focus fans.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EKSEPTION ~ BEGGAR JULIA`S TIME TRIP MERCURY 273872 (Barcode: 602527387215) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 This is the 2nd album by the excellent Dutch Prog group EkseptionFind albums by this artist, founded and led by keyboardist Rick van der LindenFind albums by this artist. The group played mostly material composed by the leader or Rock interpretations of Classical compositions, somewhat similar to what Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist and The NiceFind albums by this artist did at the time in Britain. After leaving the group in 1973, the keyboardist formed the group TraceFind albums by this artist, which continued in the similar musical direction. This is a concept album, musically structured like a symphonic work. Excellent compositions and perfect execution make it a great example of Dutch and European Prog at its best. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TRACE ~ TRACE MUSEA 4144 (Barcode: 3426300041449) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 1995 1st album 1974 by the great Dutch symphonic Prog group TraceFind albums by this artist, led by the keyboards wizard Rick van der LindenFind albums by this artist, who was earlier the leader of another world famous Dutch band EkseptionFind albums by this artist. Rather then playing arrangements of classical pieces, which was the hallmark of Ekseption, here they play all original and complex compositions. Brilliant performance.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend