An Interview with Solution: Unpacking the Legacy and Sound of ‘Last Detail’ – The Ultimate Box Set
Solution was one of those bands that flew under the radar, at least in the mainstream, but left a lasting mark on the European progressive rock scene.
Formed in the late ’60s in the Netherlands, their music always had this magical way of combining the free-flowing energy of jazz with the grandiosity of symphonic rock, all while keeping a foot in the world of pop melodies and experimental soundscapes. They created an atmosphere rich and organic, but at the same time, meticulously crafted.
They had their moments in the spotlight, with albums like ‘Divergence’ and ‘Cordon Bleu’ (the latter produced by Gus Dudgeon, famous for his work with Elton John), but their biggest strength was the way they never quite fit neatly into any one box. Whether they were riffing off Zappa’s playful eccentricities or pulling in influences from West Coast rock, Solution always managed to carve out their own niche. They were a bit of everything—and somehow, nothing like anything else.
Now, with ‘Last Detail – Anthology 1967-2006,’ all of that history, all that work, is being reintroduced in stunning form. This deluxe box set, spanning 18 CDs and a DVD, has everything—albums, singles, unreleased tracks, live recordings—and it’s all remastered from the original tapes. But what really makes this release special is the 276-page book that comes with it, filled with photos, posters, and a deep dive into the band’s journey. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who’s ever been curious about the band or for long-time fans looking to rediscover their magic. It’s a huge, loving tribute to a band that, though often overlooked, was a true gem in the world of progressive rock.
“Our music was more eclectic than we realized at the time.”
You’re about to drop a big Solution box set with The Last Detail – Anthology 1967-2006. That’s a lot of history in one place. What’s in store for fans? What are you most excited for people to hear or see in that box set?
Hans Waterman: The most exciting thing may be everything in this box—the whole project. All recordings are remastered, and there’s a big package with rehearsals, very old performances (from 1969), and demos. Besides that, there’s a big book of 276 pages with posters, pictures, and the story of Solution. The box is a gem—I could have bought it myself.
Are there any hidden gems or unreleased tracks in that box set that you’re particularly stoked about? Stuff fans might not know about or that never made it to the public until now?
Tom Barlage: There are over a hundred unreleased versions/tracks, which will hopefully make our fans happy, but I can’t read their minds.
Hans Waterman: I am very happy that the single version of ‘Divergence’ is in the collection. We recorded it in the Island Studios in London—holy ground. We made a short version of it, and the use of a good old Mellotron makes the recording very special. The strength of the project is that the box is very complete, so fans will be able to see the growing process in the music which Solution created. Another very special track is ‘Funeral for a Friend’—indeed, a song by Elton John. This was recorded as part of a very special project by producer Gus Dudgeon. He wanted an album with songs of EJ with a wide array of top performers. The Beach Boys were also in this line-up.
What’s it like revisiting the old material after all these years? Are there things you hear differently now that you didn’t notice back then?
Tom Barlage: I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and overall sound of the (mastered) tracks.
Hans Waterman: Actually, I was surprised by the routing of our music. There are so many influences, like jazz, symphonic, Zappa, Capaldi, American West Coast, 10CC, etc. In the beginning, we always thought that we were better than Pink Floyd—which sounds arrogant, but you always need something like that to create your own highlights. We can say now that the music was very eclectic, more than we realized in the years we created it. In those days, our influences were always a mirror of the time we lived in. Complicated music was quite common and popular then.
If you had to pick a track from your entire catalog that perfectly represents Solution’s sound, what would it be? Something that encapsulates the vibe and energy you were going for?
Tom Barlage: Hard to tell. There are many different episodes with their own specific moods and highlights.
Hans Waterman: This is a question that can directly be related to the foregoing. Within the style of Solution, there is maybe too much choice. For me as a drummer, the fast 6/8 part of ‘Chappaqua’ is of course a favourite. It was always the biggest challenge to perform live. The melodic part of ‘Chappaqua’ was also the track that was chosen by producer Gus Dudgeon to work with Solution.
“All things went as they evolved in the moment, and I am fine with that.”
Finally, as you reflect on everything you’ve done as Solution, how do you feel about the legacy of the band? Is there anything from the past you wish you’d done differently, or are you happy with how everything played out?
Hans Waterman: We were on the verge of breaking through worldwide. That did not happen. It had different reasons. One of them was that Rocket Records performed badly compared to their promises when we signed with the company. Another reason was probably that we did not move to the UK—for different reasons. It could have been much more than what came out of it. Musically, there was nothing to be ashamed of, and the legacy which is in the box will hopefully linger on forever.
Tom Barlage: Of course, we are all very proud of everything we achieved in the past.
It’s a hypothetical question I cannot answer. All things went as they evolved in the moment, and I am fine with that.
First of all, I want to thank Centertainment/Pseudonym for their passion and perseverance, which resulted in this magnificent, high-standard legacy box, where we all can be proud of! I am sure our hardcore fans will be thrilled to explore Solution’s legacy.
As to myself: I personally was rather reluctant when, four years ago, the idea of this project was presented to me, because it was already more than 40 years ago that Solution had left the scene, and also because I am a person that prefers to live in the present. Besides that, my memory is not any more what it used to be! Fortunately, there was more than enough material to be brought to the surface, which has been carefully checked and implemented by Hans van Vuuren (Centertainment).
Maybe it’s not what you would like to hear, but I hardly listen to my own music from the past. Let me explain: for me, there is a huge difference between the intensive process of composing/making music, and listening to other artists’ music. And as far as the first process is concerned, after finishing a project, I am more focused on the next musical challenge than on what I did in the past. So I very much live in the musical present when it comes to making music. And in that respect, the repertoire of the band has also always been created as an organic process in the moment, without a sophisticated career planning for the future.
But as for listening to other people’s music, I really can be moved and inspired by music from the past (for instance, music from Gustav Mahler, Yellowjackets, Keith Jarrett, Michael Brecker, John Williams), which inspires me to compose music in my home studio almost every day. Not for exposure, but exclusively for myself.
Sorry, I’m afraid that’s it. I can’t tell you any more besides what’s in the book included in the box.
Finally, the most important thing for me is that the fans will be happy with this box, because that was one of the main reasons for me to co-operate—together with the comfortable knowledge that, after we’re all gone, the band’s legacy will still be there!
Klemen Breznikar
