Focus is a Dutch progressive rock band founded by classically trained organist/flautist Thijs van Leer in 1969, along with guitarist Jan
Akkerman.
They are one of the most well-known and influential rock bands from the Netherlands. They successfully fuse inspired jazz, rock, and blues
improvisation, classical musical structures, and accessible pop melodies into a powerful and instantly recognizable sound.
Akkerman’s technical mastery of the guitar and the often unpredictable brilliance of his improvisations were the perfect counterpoint to Van
Leer’s extensive knowledge ...read more
Focus is a Dutch progressive rock band founded by classically trained organist/flautist Thijs van Leer in 1969, along with guitarist Jan
Akkerman.
They are one of the most well-known and influential rock bands from the Netherlands. They successfully fuse inspired jazz, rock, and blues
improvisation, classical musical structures, and accessible pop melodies into a powerful and instantly recognizable sound.
Akkerman’s technical mastery of the guitar and the often unpredictable brilliance of his improvisations were the perfect counterpoint to Van
Leer’s extensive knowledge of musical styles and disciplined approach to composition. Van Leer’s tongue-in-cheek musical references include the
reworking of motifs from an early Monteverdi opera in the extended piece “Eruption” on the Moving Waves album, the contrapuntal
passage in the middle section of “Carnival Fugue” on the Focus 3 album, the Renaissance-era harmonic progressions in “Anonymous II”
(also on Focus 3), and the quote from the first chorale of J.S. Bach’s oratorio St Matthew’s Passion in the track “Father Bach” on the
Mother Focus LP.
Focus are possibly best known for their “Hocus Pocus”, a top 40 hit from the Moving Waves LP, which included inspired bits of yodeling
(believe it) and explosive guitar work. « hide
