With his erstwhile musical 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.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
