10,000 CLOWNS ON A RAINY DAY - LIVE

This is a double live cd by one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jan Akkerman. He once made his mark in Brainbox and became world famous with Focus. During his Brainbox days he started his solo career, which includes about 25 albums. I really like his albums, but I think he is at his best live. So whenever Akkerman comes to town, I will do my best to see him.

This album is the second live album he released. Disc one was recorded in theatres throughout the Netherlands and disc two was recorded on a very cold day at a blues festival in Utrecht. The first disc contains the somewhat softer tracks like the melodic Puccini's Cafe and Pre Madonna (a.k.a. Prima Donna). He also played some old Focus classics like Eruptions (which includes the beautiful Tommy) and Focus 2. Hocus Pocus (no yodel) comes around in Pedestrians. On all the tracks he plays electric guitar, except on Virgin Mary (Focus fans will recognise snippets from the track Early Birth in this one).

Disc two contains the heavier tracks and starts of with a long medley where (among others) they play House of the King. Next is one of my favourite Akkertracks, Am I Losing You. It has a fantastic melody that should never stop. Another great track is the funky, jazzy Weedstalker (a.k.a. Streetwalker). Although recorded at a blues festival, it only contains one blues number (Pool House).

A real treat for everyone who enjoys instrumental music and one of the best records by Akkerman.