The Red Mist - like anyone actually cares…

Ever since the early 70’s hey-day of prog rock, I’ve been a huge fan of the ex-Focus guitarist, Jan Akkerman. I got to see him in Manchester last year, for the first time since about 1974, and was knocked out by how good he really is. I may even have eulogised on here about it at the time, and the live CD of that tour has since become a firm favourite, played regularly.

I jumped at the chance to see him again last week at the Pacific Arts Centre in Birkenhead, and I wasn’t disappointed - another excellent show, made better by the support act, a 19 year old called Gareth Pearson, who played amazingly good acoustic guitar, and very confidently. Check out his web site and samples of his music. He’s playing at Telford’s Warehouse in Chester on 27 May, so I may well try and get along there and see him again.

However, I only discovered the following day that Mr. Akkerman was playing at Alexander’s Jazz Club (nice!!!) in Chester on Sunday evening (14th.) Well, I wasn’t going to pass up another opportunity, so I hastily organised a raiding party, and duly witnessed an even better show than the Birkenhead one. I bought the double DVD & CD set that was being sold at the gig, and was lucky enough to get it autographed and to have a chat with the man himself. Perfect evening.

If you’re a fan of guitar music, I swear you’d love Jan Akkerman - have a look at his web site and listen to the background track - it’s from the 2007 Tour CD, and the whole of the album is THAT good…