PROFILE

Jan Akkerman is the guitarist who is most known for his great work with Focus, but there are some solo albums by him I would highly recommend. On his early records he would record (progressive) jazz-rock fusion, bluesrock and medieval lute music and print it all one record. Side one of this record has a multi-part epic 'Fresh Air' which shows Akkerman experimenting with the boundaries of his guitar playing. Sometimes atmospheric and airy, on other parts like an acid-psych version of jazz-rock. This track really made an impression on me as a young record collector and guitarist and I still like to listen it now an then; for it is an excellent freak-out guitar piece. The band is made-up of (of among others) Bert de Ruyter on bass and Pierre van der Linden on drums of Focus, so the rhythm section is among the best as well. I haven't listened to the second side for years, but this first side should please listeners of more experimental fusion a lot. The prog-fusion first side of follow-up 'Tabernakel' is also warmly recommended.