BEGGAR JULIA'S TIME TRIP

Ekseption is best known for their, at times quirky, reworkings of the classics. What most people forget is that the also wrote great jazz influenced prog and that they made at least two good albums. This album is one of them. On this album, their second, they were joined by singer Michiel van Dijk, who later would be the frontman of Alquin. Having vocals on this album adds an extra attraction to the music of Ekseption.

This album covers the story of a female Beggar named Julia, who travels through time, starting in the year 900 and ending in our time. The story is narrated by actress Linda van Dijk. All the tracks are blended together, often linked with smaller spacey pieces. On this album you can find four songs from the classic, the rest are originals by Rick van der Linden. The album has of course the typical Ekseption sound with the great keyboard playing of van der Linden (especially on the organ) and ever present brass section. At times it sounds like Procul Harum (like parts from Pop Giant) or even Pink Floyd (in Music For Mind). Julia is a beautiful, melodic track with intense vocals by Van Dijk. Feelings is a track that starts poppy but ends jazzy.

If you ever were to try out the music of Ekseption, I can recommend this album.