Back in the early to mid seventies, there was a Dutch rock
group called Focus that put out a song, Hocus Pocus, that had the most
irritating vocal I’ve ever heard. The singer, Thijs van Leer, just screeched
this awful yodeling-like rift that I absolutely hated. However, Focus’s
guitarist, Jan Akkerman, was special.
Akkerman was born December 24th, 1946 near
Waterlooplein in Amsterdam. He was the son of a scrap iron trader and began
taking guitar lessons at the age of five. In 1960 at the age of 13, he released
his first single. In 1969 he joined the Thijs van Leer trio, which eventually
turned into Focus. Their music was classified in the progressive rock genre,
but personally I classify it with a word that is used to describe something
that falls out of the north end of a southbound male cow.
Jan left Focus in 1976 and blossomed into an incredibly
versatile guitarist. Since then he’s worked with BB King, Charlie Byrd, Cozy
Powell, Claus Ogerman and Ice-T. He experiments constantly with equipment,
guitars, and his sound that is characterized by flute-like tone, and volume
swells achieved through sweep picking, tapping, and lightning speed cross
picking. These days his music a cross between smooth jazz and jazz fusion and
he is excellent. His interest in medieval and Renaissance music led him to use
the lute in his band. Jan is a virtuoso and musical innovator and I think
you’re going to like him. But just so you have an appreciation for where is now
and where he came from, I’ve included “Hocus Pocus” for your listening…maybe
not enjoyment. Make sure the crystal is secure when you listen to it. Enjoy!
Central Station: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfHhz2_hGag
The 2011 North Sea Jazz Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX5mIihLB2k&feature=related
North Sea Jazz Festival concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX5mIihLB2k&feature=related
While my guitar gently weeps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32X_vMgloow&feature=related
My wife and I drank
our last bottle of Giles Gelin Fleurie, a 2009 extra special Beaujolais. I
reviewed it about a year ago and it’s just as good now as it was then.
Bright ruby color
with explosive aromas of strawberries and cherries. Lots of tart cherry
flavors, almost Pinot Noir-like. Good acidity balanced with mild tannins make
for an excellent bottle to enjoy with the guitar wizardry of Dutchman Jan
Akkerman.
Cheers!
