Thursday, November 28, 2024

Henk Werkhoven, Netherlands


Orphical Positions. 1982 VMU

Once I saw the album cover, I was intrigued. After hearing this once, I bought an LP on the spot. Based on an article I read, Werkhoven is another one of those Renaissance guys, constantly in creativity mode, yet few know who he is or what he does. As you read the bio, you could come away thinking this is a new age album. Couldn't be further from the truth.

Basically Orphical Positions is good old fashioned instrumental progressive rock lead by flute, violin, and guitar (acoustic and electric), along with exotics like sitar. A crack rhythm section keeps the proceedings moving along at a crisp pace. At once I'm reminded of Camel's Snowgoose and Rousseau's Flowers in Asphalt. But I also hear Anthony Phillips, Kenso, Flairck, Coda, and Verdaguer. 

Priority: 2

12/5/11 (new entry)

6 comments:

strawbsfan said...

As I continue to digitize my vinyl collection I have been hitting the Dutch folk/prog recently with Nightwings and Irolt but this is one I will have to prioritize :)

Purple Peak Records said...

Hi Strawbsfan,

Good to hear from you. Yes, this Werkhoven album really took me by surprise!

strawbsfan said...

Sorry Tom I was a bit quiet recently but I ALWAYS kept reading your blog :)

Talking about Irolt they have not been issued on CD to my knowledge do you think they warrant an entry or is it too "folk" and not "prog" enough?

Purple Peak Records said...

You know, I had always presumed Irolt to be too folky, but can honestly say I've never heard them. The Nightwings was borderline, but I added them due to its rarity and symphonic elements. What do you think? Should I pursue? Which title - the 1975 album probably?

strawbsfan said...

The 1975 is great but the 1979 album is also pretty good in a prog kind of way...I just digitized those and will send you links :)

Purple Peak Records said...

Ah cool,looking forward to it then. Thanks! :-)

Rayuela, Argentina ***REISSUED***

Rayuela. 1977 Orfeo ***Reissued by Fonocal, Dec 2024 Moved to UMR Priority: 1 3/16/14 (new entry); 12/10/24 (complete)