WHEELCHAIR GROUPIE

In the mid-70s I attended a school party as a young adolescent, I was curious to a loud sound, coming from the gym. When I arrived it turned out that Dutch band Alquin had just started their concert, on stage I noticed a huge group of musicians, almost the same amount of people that was in the crowd! But soon the crowd increased, the blend of rock, blues, jazz and prog appealed to the youngsters, I liked it too, it was my first concert, and I was 15 years old. Later I attended another gig, during the Alquin reunion tour, at the Symforce festival in Tilburg (R.I.P. John Bollenberg) and I even spoke with the band members. Nowadays I still appreciate Alquin their unique progressive sound of many different styles, performed by good musicians and an excellent singer.

On this comprehensive CD-compilation (60+ minutes, I only miss the epic The Dance) you can enjoy the tasteful and varied Alquin sound from their four studio-albums (recorded between 1972 and 1976), my highlights.

Wheelchair Groupie : A catchy and dynamic rhythm, strong and inspired vocals and great interplay between the powerful Hammond and fiery electric guitar. In the second part saxophone and a screaming wah-wah guitar solo, great atmosphere! This was a single and could be heard often on the radio, and wow, what a rock and roll title!

Fool In The Mirror : A slow rhythm with intense saxophone and lush Hammond, then a swinging rhythm, a bit funky with brass and strong vocals by Michel van Dijk, an excellent singer. Next the music shifts between parts with vocals, and with instrumental interludes (like jams) featuring pleasant interplay by the guitar, keyboards and brass, showcasing the unique and eclectic Alquin sound.

Convicts Of The Air : A slow rhythm with a wonderful Steely Dan-like guitar sound, dreamy vocals and a tight beat.

Revolution's Eve : A swinging rhythm with strong vocals, and lots of soli, on saxophone, guitar, flute and especially the swirling Hammond organ is exciting.

Soft-eyed Woman : This track features a very moving electric guitar solo (in a bluesy atmosphere, with subtle flageolets), embellished with dreamy organ and delicate flute play, goose bumps. The intense and bluesy guitar sound reminds me of Andy Latimer and David Gilmour, but also Snowy White comes to my mind.

Finally the epic Mountain Queen (around 15 minutes) : It starts with a mighty Hammond sound, then a tight mid-tempo beat with fiery guitar leads. Next a mellow atmosphere with flute, twanging guitar and dreamy vocals, gradually the sound turns into more lush and dynamic, fuelled by the omnipresent Hammond organ, the fiery guitar leads return, the powerful ryhtym-section does a good job. Halfway a break with a swinging rhythm, embellished with brass and wah wah guitar. Back to a slow rhythm with dreamy vocals, twanging guitars, distorted electric piano and biting guitar runs. In the final part a powerful saxophone solo and funky electric piano, great interplay, concluded with soaring Hammond, dreamy vocals and slide guitar, evoking early Pink Floyd, so many musical faces that Alquin showcases in this artistic highlight.

If you want to experience that there is more good prog in the Netherlands than Kayak, Earth & Fire, Focus and Ekseption this is a band to discover, but you have to be up to their eclectic sound.