Jan Akkerman - Aranjuez

Posted By : intranauta | Date : 12 Jul 2009 23:54:20 | Comments : 4 |

With his erstwhile musical Focus' partner Thijs van Leer enjoying continued success with the 'Introspection' series of albums, Akkerman took up his Les Paul and produced his own classical opus in 1978.

Several years earlier, Akkerman's 'Tabernakel' had shown that there was more to the Dutch guitarist than speed and flashy fretting. Now, with orchestrations by Claus Ogerman fresh from his million-selling album collaboration with George Benson, Akkerman fashioned an interesting mix of subdued electric guitar and strings.

'Love Remembered' was the only original on offer here, the Dutchman chose instead to plunder the familiar guitar catalogue with Villa Lobos, Ravel and of course Rodrigo providing the material.

'Aranjuez' is a striking and in some ways stark album with Akkerman concentrating on the notes rather than pyrotechnics. Consequently this project is played straight and has aged well, the remastering giving it a welcome polish (although no different to the 1985 CBS reissue).

Akkerman has returned to more acoustic pastures several times during his career, and fans will want to update their dog-eared vinyl with this release. Perfect for late-night musing for the rest of us.

(Review by David Randall)

Tracklist:
1. Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" (Rodrigo)
2. Nightwind (Ogerman)
3. Modinha (Villa-Lobos)
4. Españoleta (Sanz)
5. Pavane pour une infante defunte (Ravel)
6. Love remembered (Akkerman)
7. The seed of God (from "Magdalena") (Villa-Lobos)
8. Bachianas brasileiras No.5 (Villa-Lobos)

Personnel:
Jan Akkerman- guitar
Niels Pedersen- bass
Claus Ogerman- conductor

GOTT DISCS GOTTCD009