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Biography
Focus was founded in 1969 in the Netherlands by Thijs van Leer (organ/flute), Jan Akkerman (guitar), Hans Cleuver (drums), and Martin Dresden (bass). A year later the group released their studio debut “Focus Plays Focus”. The album received a fair amount of critical praise due to its cohesive blend of classical, folk, blues, and jazz. It also prominently experimented with psychedelia particularly in the frenetic, trance inducing cut “Happy Nightmare (Mescaline)”. For a progressive rock album most of the tracks were surprisingly short with the exception of the seven minute “Anonymous” and the nine minute and 45 second title track.
Focus were little recognized outside their home country during the time of their 1st album release; however, that all changed after their 2nd studio album “Focus II (Moving Waves)” came out. Their single “Hocus Pocus” quickly became certified as a rock classic. It was praised for its catchiness as for it’s creative instrumentation, which featured flute, accordion, quirky guitar licks, and even yodeling and whistling. The group exhibited a keen and structured understanding of song composition, referencing motifs from classical composers such as Monteverdi, but were also not afraid to test a song’s limits, often delving into extreme forms of improvisation.
Focus continued to push their idiosyncratic style on their proceeding releases, showcasing their classical chops on songs such as “Carnival Fugue”, “Anonymous II”, and “Father Bach” and tapping into the bizarre on songs like “Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!”. Their 3rd studio album “Focus III” also proved to be a great international success and thanks due to their frequent appearance on radio and TV broadcasts their popularity seemed to be on a consistent incline.
Their albums accurately reflected their live performances, but also hinted at their dexterity in the studio. An expansive list of instruments were prominently featured on their albums and were often meticulously multi-tracked, overdubbed, and tweaked with various effects.
The band decided to give their listeners a taste of their live sound and released their performance at London’s Rainbow Theatre “Live at the Rainbow” in October 1973. Their 4th studio album “Hamburger Concerto” was issued the following year and was centered around it’s 20 minute title track inspired by Johannes Brahms’ “Variations on Theme by Haydn”.
Focus’ next studio album “Mother Focus” toned down their progressive technique and veered in a direction that emphasized funk and light pop. All of the songs on the album were under four minutes, and while the group retained much of their experimentation their sound seemed much more concentrated. The change in style is often attributed to the creative control bassist Bert Ruiter exerted on this album. He composed most of the tracks as both Leer and Akkerman were busy pursuing solo projects at that time.
In 1976 the group put out a compilation album entitled “Ship of Memories”, which featured previously unreleased material recorded three years prior. Later this year the “classic” Focus line up was jeopardized with the departure of Jan Akkerman. Though the group lost one of their key members they gained several other important ones, including drummer Steve Smith (formerly of Journey), vocalist P.J. Proby, and guitarist Philip Catherine. With their new line up Focus issued their 6th studio album “Focus con Proby”.
Focus’ proceeding album “Focus: Jan Akkerman & Thijs van Leer” did not come out until 1985 and was created on the basis of fulfilling a recording contract. As the title suggests Akkerman and Leer were the only original members on the album.
In 1990 the classic line up reformed to make an appearance on a Dutch TV program. This was a short lived stint and the group only put on a handful of concerts throughout the 90s. Focus made a strong return in 2002, releasing their 1st album of original material in 17 years, “Focus 8”. The band has since been touring regularly and have also been releasing new material consistently: “Focus 9/ New Skin” (2006), “Focus X” (2012), and “Golden Oldies” (2014).
Live reviews
Support act Earls of Mars were interesting; certainly had their own style. Probably some Primus influence, with an organ thrown in and an excellent vocalist with incredible range. Unfortunately the rest of the band weren't very tight at all. The lyrics were probably interesting and funny, but couldn't be heard due to the vocal style.
Focus is always an excellent gig - they are generous, loud, and play highly embellished versions of their tracks. I last saw them when their current guitarist Menno was fairly new, and it was evident he is much more integrated by now.
They played a few live staples; Sylvia, Hocus Pocus, Harem Scarem, Ode to Venus, Eruption, La Cathedrale I can remember. They also played a few newish tracks from Focus X - particularly impressive was All Hands on Deck.
Compared to last time I saw them, the bassist Bobby was a bit more subdued with fewer fills and solos, on the other hand Menno couldn't be stopped, it was an incredible display of stamina. Likewise from the drummer Pierre. Frontman Thijs was as virtuosic and fun as ever, although what he was trying to do on stage with the lemon and avocado we won't understand.
Cythes
I had never been to a Focus concert before. I took a chance since the little bit of music I heard was good, and it was as expected for a concert of a band you've never really listened to much because they weren't making new stuff.
They are not a vocals heavy band like most people are used to, so you have to know that going in. They played their Hamburger Concerto, which was great- I like that one. They have a wide range of instruments, like a flute, drums, a keyboard, et cetera. It's really phenomenal. The venue was pretty big, and spacy which meant the sound traveled well and you could hear it from wherever.
The crowd was more quiet than I would have expected, but I guess that's because the music was almost classical in nature- like a classic/ rock hybrid. I'm really glad they are back up and touring. It was a shame when they broke up in 1978. This reunion tour could be a big thing if they keep up what they've been doing. They aren't quite traditional, but they are really, really great. I'll be tempted to get tickets again the next time they are around.
On Saturday, 24th November Focus came to the Flowerpot in Derby.
Keyboard player, flautist, vocalist and founder member, Thijs van Leer, looks like the Ancient Mariner these days and drummer, Pierre van der Linden, might have been the only other survivor from that tragic tale. The other two band members are much younger additions: Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass.
Focus has always been known for its high standard of musicianship and they didn’t disappoint that night. They are unique in that they combine impressive technical ability with strong melodies, intricate rhythms and a subtle sense of the ridiculous that injects a rare element of humour into their work.
They gave us pieces spanning their nearly 50 year history. There are rather more lyrical pieces in their later work but they can still rock the old favourites as if the releases from 45 years ago were recorded yesterday.
A great gig.
Amazing to see this piece of musical history up-close (I travelled from Spain to catch them) despite the downside of the discomfort of being in a stuffy small village hall. For sure a way better venue, better sound, lighting and ventilation, would be a small theatre (any left in the UK?). Audience was 85% ageing males, pint in hand, some nodding to the riffs, but it was a delight to hear that characteristic progrock sound I had enjoyed so much as a young air guitar-playing boy. Hearing Sylvia, House of Kings and Hocus Pocus played live, even if the energy of early 70s Focus is no longer there, made my trip worthwhile.
david-bettle
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