Patrice Rushen – Before the Dawn
One of the co-founders of internationally known Dutch band Focus, guitarist Jan Akkerman would head into a more jazz-rock / fusion direction after leaving the baroque inspired prog rock group in 1976. His self-titled album in 1977 follows a string of major label releases on Atlantic and Polydor. Lush arrangements, catchy melodies, slamming drums, and Akkerman’s virtuosity are on full display here and while some of it can fall into the “fusion shred” zone, for the most part, Akkerman keeps it cool and adds just the right amount of flair to each track. B1 “Streetwalker” is definitely “the cut” here and was featured on the great Lovefingers music blog.
Recommended – B1 Streetwalker, Full Listen
Tags: Cult Classic / Fusion
Tracklist:
A1 Crackers
A2 Angel Watch
A3 Pavane
B1 Streetwalker
B2 Skydancer
B3 Floatin’
B4 Gate To Europe
Credits:
Arranged By [Strings & Flutes] – Michael Gibbs
Art Direction – Hans Tonino, Rens Benerink
Bass – Cees Van Der Laarse
Conductor [Strings] – Roger Webb
Design [Cover] – Rens Benerink
Drums – Bruno Castelucci*
Engineer [Recording] – Jan Schuurman
Executive-Producer – Hans Tonino
Guitar, Arranged By – Jan Akkerman
Keyboards – Joachim Kühn
Mastered By – André Leenders, Henk Horden
Mixed By – Jan Schuurman (tracks: A2, A3, B4), Jay Denson (tracks: A1, B1 to B3), Richard DeBois* (tracks: A1, B1 to B3)
Percussion – Nippy Noya
Photography By – Joost Noordhoek
Producer – Richard DeBois*
Technician [Guitar Customised By] – Anno Galema
