Any time master guitarist Jan Akkerman releases a new album is a cause for celebration. The guitarist who jump-started the guitar-centric European progressive fusion scene back in the early 1970s, Jan is in fine form on his 2019 album—his first on the Mascot label. The 12-track, 65 minute Close Beauty was inspired by Jan winning the 2018 European guitar award and the album came together quickly after that. Close Beauty took over a year to complete and was created with much musical finesse, and is filled with just about every style of progressive guitar instrumental music imaginable. Some progressive music purists may complain that it’s too jazzy and some jazz purists may say it’s too progressive, yet after listening, it’s safe to say Close Beauty strikes a fine balance between both jazz and progressive rock. In choosing this original sounding name for the title Jan explains “Close Beauty is inspired from a simple notion, that when you are too close to an object you cannot see the real value.” Backing Jan’s music and electric and acoustic guitar work are Marijn van den Berg (drums), David De Marez Oyens (E-Bass and C-Bass) and album producer Coen Molenaar (keys). Complete with a stunning album cover painted by Michael Cheval, Close Beauty is a fascinating spin start to finish.