(Meditative, New Age) Tony Scott featuring Jan Akkerman - Meditation (originally released as "PRISM") - 1977, MP3, 320 kbps

he late Italian/American clarinetist Tony Scott recorded this album with Jan Akkerman in 1977. The album was re-released in 1988 with the title, "Meditation". "Prism" is a very good album. Tony Scott was playing with more passion and less moderation and spacy effects than most of his other "meditation" style albums. Consequently, the album has more punch and tougher solos than usual. The album has been described as "free jazz" and "electronic jazz fusion", but is probably more in the “New Age” mould than jazz or jazz fusion, The music is not centred around Jan Akkerman's guitar playing, but what Jan plays is up to his usual standard of excellence, and the album should appeal to jazz lovers. Jan Akkerman is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of modern times. He was once selected as the world's greatest guitarist by the influential British rock publication, Melody Maker. Often, these accolades are unmerited and artificial, and do not always reflect true ability, but in Jan Akkerman's case, the title was richly deserved. Jan has proved his greatness with bands like the Hunters, Brainbox and the great Focus. Most of his solo works are marvellous works of originality, incredible guitar technique, and cover ever musical genre. He is one of the very few guitarists who can play any style of music equally well, anything from rock and blues to Spanish and classical. As stated before on this blog, the terms, world's greatest guitarist, best guitarist of all time, etc, etc, are "bandied" around a lot. However if we take some of the definitions of great, like "of outstanding significance or importance", "superior in quality or character", "powerful; influential", or "remarkable or out of the ordinary in degree or magnitude or effect", then Jan Akkerman is truly a great guitarist, as all the aforementioned definitions apply to Jan's playing. "I just don't live a very regular life. That's true. For instance, I don't even wear a watch. But I'm very much disciplined as far as playing the guitar is concerned". "Disciplined" is just one of many words that could be applied to Jan Akkermans playing !" Listen to Tony Scott's "A Jazz Life" album, and Jan Akkerman's outstanding "Tabernakel" album. If you haven't heard Jan's guitar playing on Focus' "Live At The Rainbow" album don't waste any more time and give it a listen!

Jan Akkerman: Guitar
Tony Scott: Clarinet and voice
Cees Schrama: Piano
Willem Essed: Bass
Bruno Castelucci: Drums