ONE MORE NIGHT

Who had ever thought that Alquin would decide to play again? And what an extremely good idea that is!! This album, which is the registration of a concert that the band played in the Dutch prog temple De Boerderij in Zoetermeer shows that Alquin is not forgotten nor outdated. The songs still stand out as landmarks in prog history. A seldom heard combination of melodic verses, rocky phraes, jazzy, melancholic or even hard-rock like instrumental parts, all these played with enthusiasm and humor that really stands out. Just listen to guitarist Ferninad Bakker, already far into his fifties (as is the rest of the band) but with a skill and variation that many, many recent guitarists wll envy. The only criticism may be Michel van Dijk's singing which is not as strong as it has been been far back in the seventies. The audience gives the band exactly what they deserve: a big applause. The album also contains a brand new song of epic length. 'Sweet surrender' reminds the listener to the seventies while the production is absolutely up-to-date. It is a varied song, with female (!) voices starting and ending the song while inbetween the band shows that they are still one of best prog bands that The Netherlands have ever had. This album is a very safe buy for everyone who likes prog at his jazziest! I just witnessed the band again in The Boerderij on their promotion tour for the new cd and Michel does not look too healthy. His age has really got upon him. But he is there, plays with his fellows and the audience and is enjoying himself enormously. Alquin is back and all progs should be very glad about it.