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 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.
Jan Akkerman is playing different songs, but in between he always improvises. These are the songs: 1. Skydancer 2. Focus - Moving Waves 3. Tranquillizer
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.
