Jan Akkerman captures stunning performances with his ‘North Sea Jazz Concert Series’
Jan Akkerman (b. 1946) stands apart as a singular figure in the realm of rock and beyond. A Dutch guitarist of unparalleled versatility, he earned international acclaim in 1973 when he topped the prestigious Melody Maker readers’ poll, surpassing icons like Eric Clapton (2nd), Jimmy Page (5th), and Carlos Santana (10th). His fame, however, has never defined his artistry. For Akkerman, it’s always been about the music—any genre, as long as it resonates. He’s a lifelong improviser who approaches each performance as a new adventure.
Akkerman first rose to prominence with Focus, a band that embodied the grandiose instrumental rock spirit of the 1970s. Long compositions, dazzling technique, and adventurous arrangements made them a cornerstone of progressive rock. Despite the accolades, Akkerman remained true to his calling. When asked about his success, he has always brushed it aside, preferring to let his guitar do the talking.
Side 1 of this record captures Akkerman’s stunning performance on July 10, 2011, at the Nile Hall in Rotterdam. Here, he showcases his ability to take listeners on a sonic journey. The mellow ‘Tranquilizer’offers a relaxed groove, followed by the heartfelt ballad ‘You Do Something to Me,’ unfolding emotion without words. In ‘Piétons’—a gospel-tinged blues—trumpeter Eric Vloeimans delivers a fiery solo before the leader propels the piece into uncharted territory.
Side 2 brings us back to an earlier moment, recorded in July 2005 at the Paul Acket Paviljoen in The Hague. ‘Streetwalker’ delivers a funk-driven explosion featuring alto saxophonist Benjamin Herman, while ‘The Zebrah’ sends Vloeimans soaring into the musical stratosphere, only to have Akkerman reignite the piece with blistering guitar lines, his band driving forward like a well-tuned Mercedes on an open highway.
Jan Akkerman’s benelux Tourdata 2025:
14 feb – Neushoorn, Leeuwarden, Nederland (MY BRAINBOX)
22 mrt – P60, Amstelveen, Nederland
3 apr – Tivoli, Utrecht, Nederland
6 apr – Luxor Live, Arnhem, Nederland
10 mei – Mama’s Pride Festival, Munstergeleen, Nederland
18 mei – Kasteel Hackfort, Vorden, Nederland
27 jun – Festival, Megen, Nederland (MY BRAINBOX feat. Phil Bee)
4 jul – Q-Factory, Amsterdam, Nederland
13 sep – Jan Akkerman - MY BRAINBOX feat. Phil Bee, Hoogeveen, Nederland
19 dec – Gebouw T, Bergen op Zoom, Nederland
20 dec – Heyhoef Backstage, Tilburg, Nederland
