With their unique progressive rock Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.
The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of a couple of instrumentals, "Hocus Pocus", "House of the King", and "Sylvia", but we shouldn't forget their timeless albums "Moving Waves", "Focus 3" and "Hamburger Concerto". But like all good things, it couldn't last and internal wrangling ended this legendary group.
After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album "Focus 8", the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up! Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort. Also back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch jazz family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven, who without any shadow of a doubt can hit the mark when it comes to the guitar completes the band's line-up.
A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album "Focus 9 / New Skin", which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. This album -and the following gigs- will surprise the loyal fans. They will hear once again all the classic Focus tunes and they will be surprised at the strength and depth of the new material. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.
Hey Focus If you have a minute, please come check out the new song Alex Hirsch wrote after reading Einstein's private manuscripts and quoting his memoirs directly. The song is called, The Stormy Seas of Time and features Ken Oak on the Cellos, Bionik on the Drums and Production, and of course, Alex Hirsch on the guitars pianos and singing. And remember, all it takes is 3 little dollars to get any of his full albums at www.keywinsproductions.com.
A fair price for up to 17 songs! Finally, good music that is priced correctly, not another record company rip off!
I became aware of Focus by playing Hocus Pocus in a cover band. I didn't know much other than they were a progressive rock band from Holland. That was then. Well, now I've downloaded from iTunes all the Focus tracks available and seems that's all I listen to now. It's also a treat watching all the old Focus live videos from 1973 on Youtube. To one of my favorite bands of all time, thanks for the add.
Thijs, Pierre, Niels and Bobby, I hope you enjoyed the latest tour and mets lots of fans. It's been wonderful knowing you've been in the UK, hope you're not too tired with all the touring. Have a great last night tonight and a safe journey home. Lots of love and peace to you all always, from Jan.
I first heard Focus in the 1970s, when I bought a compilation tape on Polydor, with a yellow cover, just called Focus. I've just recently renewed my acquaintance with Focus by buying Hocus Pocus (best of) CD. Sylvia, Tommy, Focus et al sound even better now than they did first time around. All the best to you.
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, synthesizer, glockenspiel and HELOISE on vocals.
Also: Correpondance Part1 (electronic/inner trip, with some flute!), Growl (funk/heavy), S Cape (electronic/experimental), Picture (heavy/melodic), Dors mon ange (punk/ambiant) and more.
Hi Focus, greetings from Chesterfield! I and a few friends enjoyed the show on Sunday, the vocoder effect on the voice and what was sung took my breath away. Hope to see you soon again, will try to get to Buxton, wishing you the very Best!!!
Hope 2009 is going great for you. Check out our new Cartoone Deluxe Edition CD 21 tracks for $10.98 and featuring the legendary Jimmy Page on guitar. www.fridaymusic.com
Also in UK/Europe on 26th OCT 09 at www.amazon.co.uk buy CD for only £11.99
