Jan Akkerman

This is the place to discuss music-related topics by "other artists". No Gordon Giltrap connections needed. Who have you seen? Who do you like? Who should we know about?

Moderator: GORDON

User avatar
Terry60
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:42 pm
Location: Wiltshire UK

Jan Akkerman

Postby Terry60 » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:12 am

Anyone registered on this site is, by definition, an admirer of excellence in guitar playing.
Until I saw Gordon in concert on Saturday and witnessed the precision and clarity of his left hand fingering at close range, I thought there was only one man alive with such enviable talent.
If you're not already aware of the work of that man, formerly of the group "Focus", do yourself a favour and check out

http://www.janakkerman.com.

He's of the same era as Gordon, and like him, has lost absolutely none of the virtuosity of his youth (but like me, considerably more of his hair).

Jan does a short tour of the UK each spring, visiting small venues, and last year I was fortunate to catch him performing in Southsea and watch his effortless artistry from similar close range.

If you get the opportunity to see him near you, don't miss it.
His style is quite different to Gordon's, varying from Jazz-like, through Heavy Rock, to crisp and clean Classical Lute.

Visit his site regularly to hear the changing background samples, and you'll find loads of YouTube uploads of his gigs (of variable quality)

My favourite record of all time (the one I'd rush into the surf to save, when invited onto "Desert Island Disks") is the Focus track (a whole album side) "Hamburger Concerto".
Jan's guitar wizardry is matched by the co-author Thijs Van Leer on keyboards on a fabulous soaring composition. I defy you not to air-play along with both of them.

Having seen Gordon with Rick Wakeman on Saturday, I'm now thinking how interesting it would be to hear the pair of them do a cover !
Terry
1966 Levin Super Goliath 466098

User avatar
GORDON
Site Admin
Posts: 1350
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 1:05 pm
Location: SUTTON COLDFIELD

Postby GORDON » Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:49 am

Hi Terry.

Nice posting sir and well done for reminding us of Mr Akkerman... a great player indeed. If you look on YOUTUBE you will see me playing with a certain flute player from a certain Dutch band!

Be Well guv.

G.

User avatar
Terry60
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:42 pm
Location: Wiltshire UK

Postby Terry60 » Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:01 am

Thanks for the steer Gordon, well worth a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnOV4bJzWI4

Another veteran who's lost nothing. (In fact he seems to have gained some ! compared to here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnTGF5G5B6w

For anyone who knows not of the "Dutch Band" (shame on you). This was their breakthrough hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OznS7X9BOxs
Terry

1966 Levin Super Goliath 466098


Return to “More Music”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 34 guests