TABERNAKEL

The best solo album by Jan Akkerman as far as I am concerned. He matured in terms of playing and compositions sound not only more accessible but also impressive. The first couple of track are decent renditions of classical acoustic music. Brjtannia starts in a festive and joyous tone, followed by two more solemn and intimate acoustic solo guitar piece. Out of both, I prefer the second more virtuoso track. "House of the king" is an accessible and catchy track reminiscent of Focus. Three more acoustic compositions follow before one "Jave", one of the album higlights that features also harpsichord and glockenspiel. "A fantasy" is a soft acoustic contemplative track.

"Lammy" is the epic flagship of Jan's solo output, starting ambitiously with church organ and choir vocals, switching into a section with drums and an instrument that reminds of sitar. A loosely contructed jam section follows but here, in comparison to the epic track on "Profile", the players do not solo aimlessly but seem to follow a structure. The latter part of the composition has fantastic strings, lute and a baroque feeling. If only for this last track, this album is highly recommended and fours stars at least guaranteed without any doubt. 4.5 stars.