My favourite guitarist off all time Jan Akkerman performs solo at the Montreux festival. His playing is unique and can't be found elsewhere except on his CD :P
Thanx so much for this post, it's fascinating for me: along with Beck he's been a soundtrack in my life since a kid, I saw him in the UK a few times in the early '70s and have been listening to 'Live at Montreux '78' (with the band) forever. I didn't even know he'd played a solo set there. First rock guy who played chromatic runs, proper pianistic chords; remarkable guitar player.
Jan Akkerman is playing different songs, but in between he always improvises. These are the songs: 1. Skydancer 2. Focus - Moving Waves 3. Tranquillizer
Jan has (needless to say) always been "at one" with the guitar. It was obvious during the "Focus" days that he was absolutely brilliant. These solo tracks only further authenticate his uncanny talent. That you so much Aikido for sharing this with us.
Great playing. An interesting hybrid of extended chords often found in jazz fusion of that era, as well as some classical changes, and even a touch of Chet Atkins in the last tune (Tranquilliser). Jan's solo albums up to that point were (and are) of very high artistic value, and it was commendable for Ahmet Ertugan of Atlantic Records to finance these endeavours, but it was commercial suicide. Jan needed another breakout hit like "Hocus Pocus" or "Sylvia." In 1976 George Benson had "Breezin'" and in 1978 Chuck Mangione had "Feels so Good." These instrumentals topped the charts.
Walter Read , a bit late of an answer ;-) , but he tuned his guitar to a Emin chord. Just raise the A string up to a B and the D string up to an E. Briljant tuning!
A really great guitarist. I've known him since the early seventies by Focus. The early eighties I wanted to see him live in Marburg. The card I have to be still and the concert fell three times from without ever repeated. The money I got back never. Nevertheless, a great guitar player.
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this is what it looks like when you know all the chords and scales and have the feeling for music
Yes, a legend. Some people just know him for his flashy plectrum work, but the voicings here are imaginative and gorgeous.
looking all my life for a guitar player like him
That makes a musician so unique...you hear 4 notes or chords and you know it's Jan
One of my two favorite guitarrists (the other one Ritchie Blackmore)!!!A genius!!
He has provided the soundtrack to my life - helped me through spiritually - always a great guy to have a chat with.....
This is a great introduction to anyone that is not au fait with the Greatest Guitarist on the planet-its such a pity the quality is not good.
Like Holdsworth, Ackerman’s brain just works on a higher harmonic plane than the rest of us
holy shit. so underrated.
no he isnt ! everybody that listens to good music, knows him, and what he is able to to ;-)
That kicked ass 🎸☕
Creative genius on the guitar
absolutely stunning!!!!!
Thanx so much for this post, it's fascinating for me: along with Beck he's been a soundtrack in my life since a kid, I saw him in the UK a few times in the early '70s and have been listening to 'Live at Montreux '78' (with the band) forever. I didn't even know he'd played a solo set there. First rock guy who played chromatic runs, proper pianistic chords; remarkable guitar player.
saw them at reading university in the uk late 70's, Jans simply a genius, absolute perfection
Prachtige melodie opbouw, in deze nummers! Mooi om te zien en te horen op een rock-gitaar.
Awsome Love Jans playing.
LIsten carefully to the words he speaks!! "THANK YOU VERY DUTCH!!!":)
some know and some dont....he knows all the scales. he is a fucking legend
still chicken skinn ... incredible emotions, chords and melody ... still (all these years) love it !!!
Jan Akkerman is playing different songs, but in between he always improvises. These are the songs:
1. Skydancer
2. Focus - Moving Waves
3. Tranquillizer
I heard some Le Clochard in the first one
Thanks for sharing! Jan Akkerman was a bit burnt out on the guitar in the eighties, but now he's rocking like never before.
Great performance. I have a recording of this song played by Jan Akkerman with orchestration by the great Klaus Ogerman.
Thank you. I didn't know that. I am looking for the song. Jan Akkerman played it for Herman Brood on the album.
Uno de los guitarristas mas brillantes del rock/jazz europeo, el holandés Jan Akkerman
I have a shirt just like that one. We could be friends for life.
Yes, it's unbeleivable. He once said that he used to play the guitar 16 hours a day untill he was 32.
Jan has (needless to say) always been "at one" with the guitar. It was obvious during the "Focus" days that he was absolutely brilliant. These solo tracks only further authenticate his uncanny talent. That you so much Aikido for sharing this with us.
Thanks for uploading this!
Hi i have this on vinyl one of my favorates in my collection and i bought in the bargain bin when records were being phased out for cds
geweldig nr jan love it xx
Soory for the late answer. During the first first song, Jan's guitar is tuned in Em.
SUCH SO MUCH WITH OUT...!!
Great
Great playing. An interesting hybrid of extended chords often found in jazz fusion of that era, as well as some classical changes, and even a touch of Chet Atkins in the last tune (Tranquilliser). Jan's solo albums up to that point were (and are) of very high artistic value, and it was commendable for Ahmet Ertugan of Atlantic Records to finance these endeavours, but it was commercial suicide. Jan needed another breakout hit like "Hocus Pocus" or "Sylvia." In 1976 George Benson had "Breezin'" and in 1978 Chuck Mangione had "Feels so Good." These instrumentals topped the charts.
Ahmet Ertegun (spelling correction)
Wow, I'd love to see that!
1st piece is titled, "Skydancer," i think its from Jan's 1978 lp titled "Jan Akkerman.
@ Rafael Ugueto (who asked): the first song is called Skydancer.
Thx person :)
No problem!
un grand musicien
Is there a "better" recording of this available on CD or vinyl?
Both.
Anyone know the name of the first song?, I had many years ago, I lost it and I want it back, thanks.
The very first theme he play is Skydancer from the 1980 Jan Akkerman album.
In his pyjama.
any one know what tuning hes in? doesnt look standard
Walter Read , a bit late of an answer ;-) , but he tuned his guitar to a Emin chord. Just raise the A string up to a B and the D string up to an E. Briljant tuning!
A man with a plan, don't need no goddamn band, just wants to jam, no flim-flam Ka' bam! Buh Yah!
Anyone know what the first song is?
skydancer
is this a song or is he just improving?
It’s a song. It’s off the ‘77 self-titled album.
Jan Akkerman is the Dutch Brian May!
I would say: Brian May is the English Jan Akkerman...
Yup,watch the coment of May about Jan Akkerman on YT.
Akkerman is in a different league to Brian May.
A really great guitarist. I've known him since the early seventies by Focus. The early eighties I wanted to see him live in Marburg. The card I have to be still and the concert fell three times from without ever repeated. The money I got back never. Nevertheless, a great guitar player.
Sorry Pellerfrank but Jan Akkerman is not a Dutch Brian May,he is a good guitarist.
can brian may play lute?
WELLBRAN Why?
George Lucas Jan Akkerman is light years better than Brian may
WELLBRAN Like it is a contest.
George Lucas no but you are saying that brian may is sort of benchmark for top level?
ongeloofelijk
Sorry Jan is not a Jazz Rock Guitarist.