EKSEPTION Debut Album

Original released on LP Philips PHS 600-334

(Netherlands, July 1969)

Not a bad debut and it establishes Ekseption as a primarily classically influenced jazz rock band. Apparently (much like the British band Egg) Ekseption is influenced by the Nice although (again much like Egg) these guys actually know how to play their instruments and as however silly their arrangements are, they are somewhat tasteful. This must've been one of the very first (if not the first) symph prog records released, and it was probably very influential. Now, five decades later, the shortcomings are rather visible; the jazzier moments sound a bit like gameshow music, and the lack of original compositions are striking, as well as the sub 30-minutes playing time. On the other hand, the playing is committed (which isn't always the case on Ekseption albums) and the fact that the band recorded this album in 1969 speaks for some kind of inventiveness. Recommended. (in RateYourMusic)

EKSEPTION 3

Original released on LP Philips 6413 007

(NETHERLANDS, November 1970)

Once the Ekseption machine was switched on, it was really hard to be slowed down, even if the line-up changes were a frequent phenomenon for the band. Vocalist Michel van Dijk parted ways with Ekseption to taste a brief stint with Brainbox and later to join Alquin. He was replaced by Steve Allet (born as Coen Merkelbach). Also drummer Peter de Leeuwe returned behind the drum kit, replacing Dennis Whitebread, who went on to join Cargo under his real name of Dennis Witbraat. Even so Van der Linden & co. recorded a third album for Phillips in 1970, simply entitled ''3'', another concept album around the story of Le Petit Prince. Again the music is largely instrumental with strong Classical influences and Van der Linden adapting moments from the timeless music of Bach, Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, mixing them cleverly with a fascinating Jazz/Horn Rock and obvious 60's psychedelic influences. Superb work on Hammond organ and harsichord with beautiful manipulations, offering both melodic and virtuosic themes, highlighted by the excellence of the background trumpets and saxes. Grandiose and pompous instrumental textures, that are pleasant to the ear and, even a bit dated, speak straight to the heart of the listener. New singer Steve Allet had a very Jim Morrison-kind of singing style and in fact a couple of songs in the album do sound like a Classical version of The Doors with deep, psychedelic overtones, for example the fantastic ''On sunday they will kill the world''. For the most of its length the album is majestic with nice string sections, dreamy horn sounds and ethereal keyboards, while the songs are perfectly structured to deliver both magnificent melodies and more progessive colors, led by the complexity of Classical Music's fundamentals. Note that most of the lyrics were written by Dutch radio-presenter Will Luikinga. Impressive combination of Classical and Jazz/Horn Rock in a highly adventurous album, full of pompous, very tight pieces and a deeply symphonic finesse. (in RateYourMusic)

A TRIBUTE TO RICK VAN DER LINDEN

In January 22, 2006, a sad message appeared in the net: "This morning Rick Van Der Linden has passed away after a battle his spirit could not win from his body. Rick died after the complications of a brain stroke". He was only 59 years old (born August 5, 1946). Paying a grieved tribute to that exceptional musician, Rato Records has reunited 21 of the band's highlights in an unique compilation. From 1969 to 1976, all the greatest works of Ekseption can be found here. Rest in peace Rick!

EKSEPTION: "BEGGAR JULIA'S TIME TRIP"

Original released as LP Philips 6314001,

(Germany, February 1970)

A1. Ouverture (Rick Van Der Linden) 3:27
A2. Prologue (Rick Van Der Linden / Linda Van Dyck) 2:14
A3. Julia (Rick Van Der Linden/Michel Van Dijk) 2:22
A4. Flying Power (Rick Van Der Linden) 0:31
A5. Adagio (T. Albinoni, arranged Rick Van Der Linden) 3:43
A6. Space I (J.S. Bach, arranged Rick Van Der Linden) 0:43
A7. Italian Concerto (J.S. Bach, arranged Rick Van Der Linden) 4:57
B1. Concerto (P.I. Tchaikovsky, arranged Rick Van Der Linden) 3:53
B2. Space II (Rick Van Der Linden) 0:25
B3. Pop Giant (Rick Van Der Linden / Michel Van Dijk) 3:52
B4. Space III (Rick Van Der Linden) 0:21
B5. Feelings (Rick Van Der Linden) 3:08
B6. Epilogue (Rick Van Der Linden / Linda Van Dyck) 0:54
B7. Finale: Music For Mind/Theme Julia (Rick Van Der Linden / Michel Van Dijk, arranged Rick Van Der Linden) 3:57

THE CREATORS:
RICK VAN DER LINDEN: Piano, Spinet, Xylophone, Hammond Organ, Pipe Organ, Melotron, Percussion
COR DEKKER: Bass
DENNIS WHITBREAD: Drums, Kettledrums
REIN VAN DEN BROEK: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Pocket Trumpet
DICK REMELINK: Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Flute
MICHEL VAN DIJK: Vocals, Percussion

GUESTS:
LINDA VAN DYCK: Voice on Prologue and Epilogue
ERIC VAN LIER: Trombone, Tuba
TONY VOS: Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Tonytone, Percussion, Electronic Effects

RICK VAN DER LINDEN: Compositions and Arrangements
LINDA VAN DYCK and MICHEL VAN DIJK: Lyrics

TONY VOS: Production
GERARD BECKERS: Recording and Mixing Engineer, Electronic Effects
JAN SCHUURMAN: Assistant Engineer, Electronic Effects

EKSEPTION is a Dutch band that was famous during the late sixties / early seventies for the way it combined themes from classical composers with contemporary rock and jazz in a blend of dominating, virtuoso keys and trumpet plus sax(es). The story of EKSEPTION as we know it begins when they won the first prize at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival in 1968, and they were rewarded with a record contract with Philips. Rick van der LINDEN emerged as the band's artistic leader, and on this second album he was responsible for arranging and writing the music. Quite astounding "Beggar Julia's Time Trip" leads the way to an excellent Holland Progressive Rock. Rick Van Der Linden (Trace's leader) strikes with this huge wonderful masterpiece, based in a L.V.Beethoven opus. Sometimes pretencious, but never boring, this vibrant garish pearl remains a remarkable effort to conceptual works enrichment, Underrated, even for Trace loonies! Being unavailable for a long time, this is your chance to get it here, at your favorite music blog.