Jazz Articles about Wiek Hijmans

Wiek Hijmans: Electric Solo!

by Mark Corroto
February 1, 2003

Out on the fringes of jazz lurks the solo electric guitar performer playing music that has been forever rejected by classical music fans. Yes, the electric guitar, which wasn’t considered a soloing instrument in jazz before Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Its status as king of rock and roll further alienates modern classical fans.

That curious outsider status makes Electric Solo! by Wiek Hijmans more of a treasured listen. Similar to Marc Ribot’s covers of John Zorn’s ...