In the vibrant landscape of European progressive rock of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Dutch band Ekseption carved a unique niche for themselves. With a daring vision to reinterpret classical masterpieces through a rock and roll lens, they brought symphonies and sonatas to a new generation, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Early Days and the Shift
The roots of Ekseption trace back to 1958, when trumpeter Rein van den Broek formed a high-school band called The Jokers. Evolving through name changes like The Incrowd, the band initially focused on jazz, pop, and R&B covers. However, a pivotal shift came in 1967 when they settled on the name Ekseption (a playful misspelling of "exception").
The band's fortunes changed significantly in 1969 with the arrival of classically-trained keyboardist Rick van der Linden. His vision, along with his passion for classical composers, propelled Ekseption into uncharted musical territory. That same year, they won the prestigious Loosdrecht Jazz Festival, demonstrating their raw talent.
The Birth of a Signature Style
Inspired by bands like The Nice, who incorporated classical influences into their rock sound, van der Linden steered Ekseption towards bold arrangements of works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and others. Their early experiments, including electrifying versions of Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony" and Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance," paved the way for their breakthrough album, 1970's "Beggar Julia's Time Trip."
"Beggar Julia's Time Trip" and Beyond
"Beggar Julia's Time Trip" was a concept album loosely following the journey of a character named Julia. Ekseption seamlessly blended the intensity of progressive rock with the timeless melodies of some of history's greatest composers. Tracks like "Adagio," "Italian Concerto," and "Feelings" showcased masterful adaptations while tracks like "Pop Giant" and the "Finale: Music for Mind" demonstrated their original songwriting prowess.
Subsequent albums like "Ekseption 3", "Ekseption 5", and "Trinity" continued their explorations of blending rock, jazz, and classical influences.
Challenges and Lineup Changes
Like many progressive rock bands of the era, Ekseption faced lineup changes and shifts in musical direction. The group disbanded for a brief period in the mid-70s before reforming. While their post-reformation work never quite reached the same heights of popularity, they continued to experiment and showcase their unique blend of musical styles.
Legacy
Ekseption's legacy lies in their bold pioneering of classical-rock fusion. Their audacious arrangements and technical prowess opened up new possibilities for rock music, demonstrating that classical influences could be thrilling and electrifying. Though they faced criticism from purists, their work influenced later progressive rock bands and even elements of neoclassical metal. Ekseption remains a testament to the power of musical cross-pollination and a thrilling reminder of the vibrant experimentation of the progressive rock era.
