Badcat
With Focus at their commercial zenith, 1974 saw guitarist Jan Akkerman given an opportunity to release what was technically his third solo LP - the Geoffrey Haslam produced Tabernakel. Long fascinated by the medieval lute Akkerman had previously purchased one of the instruments (he outbid the Museum of Copenhagen to purchase an instrument made by East German craftsman Amon Meinel) and after spending considerable time and energy locating tutorial material and ancient scores, began teaching himself how to play it. Some of his initial efforts showed themselves on the "Focus III" LP. Satisfied with his skills on the instrument, in 1974 Akkerman went into a New York studio with a collection of all star musicians including drummer Carmen Appice and bassist player Tim Bogert, spending two weeks recording this LP. In spite of the rock musician lineup, anyone expecting to hear a collection of Focus-styled progressive moves was probably shocked by this LP. Working with Columbia University-based professor/harpsichord player George Flynn, Akkerman all but abandoned his rock and progressive roots in favour of an instrumental set heavy on 16th century covers, including works by John Dowland, Anthonie Holbourne, and Francis Pilkington. Even the handful of Akkerman originals ('Javeh' and 'House of the King' - the latter was previously recorded by Focus) were inspired by Tudor stylings, though the latter boasted an all electric arrangement, including Akkerman's lone electric guitar solo. That selection also served as one of the standout performances offering up a strange but effective meld of 16th century style and 20th century technology. Showcasing a multi-section suite, side two's 'Lammy' was more of a hit-or-miss endeavour for my ears, though the sitar solo was pretty darn cool. So by now you've probably figured out this set isn't going to be for everyone. I was certainly sceptical the first couple of times I played the set. That said, this was one of those magical sets that I've put on a CDR in my Sony CD jukebox. Everyone has some 'soundtrack' they rely on to relax and Tabernakel frequently serves as my choice. It may not be rock and roll, but it sure is pretty and makes for one of those fantastic rainy Sunday morning LPs ... The LP was simply too eclectic for American audiences, but in Holland Atlantic actually tapped the LP for a single.