Solution (4)

Dutch Jazz-Rock band from Groningen (founded 1970 - disbanded 1983). Tom Barlage (woodwinds, keyboards) and Willem Ennes (keyboards) played in The Keys, before evolving into the soul influenced band Soulution. When drummer Hans Waterman joined in 1969 (after leaving Cuby + Blizzards), along with the bass player and singer Peter van der Sande, the 1st line-up of Solution (now minus the extra letter "u") was formed. The partial change of name also determined the transition from soul to progressive music which was emerging forcefully at the beginning of the 70's. In 1971 Solution recorded in three days their debut album for EMI Bovema on their new and experimental Catfish label. The music showcased a wide variety of influences : from John Coltrane to Frank Zappa, Soft Machine, Nucleus, Traffic and even a pinch of early Canterbury-style sound. After some gigs and appearances on Dutch TV, Guus Willemse became the new bassist and vocalist of Solution. They released their 2nd album "Divergence" in 1972 on Harvest label and toured in UK for two weeks supporting Badfinger and Electric Light Orchestra. But despite this the band entered a period of crisis : bass players came and went and both Ennes and Barlage had to undertake obligatory Dutch national military service. Anyway in 1974 Solution re-emerged from their crisis thanks to the well-known English producer Gus Dudgeon, who by chance had heard them on a tape. Finally the group was signed to the newly formed Rocket Records, a partnership between Elton John, Gus Dudgeon and Elton's manager John Reid. With Guus Willemse back in the ranks and the addition of guitarist Michiel Pos the quintet recorded in 1975 their 3rd album "Cordon Blue" at Rockfield Studios in Wales. Then the band responded with "Fully Interlocking" in 1977, but both albums did not do well in the UK and so in 1980 they departed from Rocket Records. In early 80s Solution released two studio album (with a sound more commercial) and a farewell 2-LP live album, after which the band split in 1983. Solution re-united for two shows in Club Panama, Amsterdam on March 19 and 20, 2006.