X (2012)
Dutch progressive rock band Focus has had a long and successful career. However, it’s not a very prolific band. As the title indicates, its new album X is Focus’ tenth recording. Two familiar names are still in the group: band leader, flutist and keyboardist Thijs van Leer and drummer Pierre van Der Linden. They are joined by younger musicians who have collaborated with Focus in the past, Bobby Jacobs on bass and Menno Gootjes on guitars.
From the beginning, Focus was always focused on fusing rock, classical and jazz music. Thijs van Leer added an additional element that set up apart from other progressive rock bands, which is humor. You can find this in song and album titles and the sometimes zany vocals. And good humor is back in this new recording.
X opens with ‘Father Bachus,’ a vibrant piece that showcases the instrumental skills of all the musicians, including a masterful performance by van Der Linden who plays Latin-inspired beats, van Leers’ soaring flute and Gootjes’ impressive guitar technique. Although primarily instrumental, it features a short spoken word segment in English.
Focus always includes a signature slow tempo melodic instrumental piece. In this case it’s ‘Focus 10,’ which features beautiful guitar, flute and piano interplay.
On the third piece, ‘Victoria,’ the band goes into a folk dance direction with acoustic guitar and flute interaction.
‘Amok In Kindergarten’ has an epic progressive rock feel, accentuated by organ, slide guitar, solid drums and the mesmerizing spoken word vocals. It’s been years since I took Latin in school, but the language sounds like Latin to me. Amok In Kindergarten evolves into an impressive conclusion with an electric guitar solo, rich organ and unconventional vocals.
‘All Hens On Deck’ has a bluesy beat with flamenco-jazz inspired guitar and piano lines. This is the only piece with actual singing (versus spoken word).
Anyone familiar with Focus will immediately identify the band if they listen to ‘Le Tango,’ which is a rocking piece led by flute, organ, rhythm and solo guitar and van Leer’s wordless vocals.
‘Hoeratio’ takes the band into solid laid back fusion jazz featuring fascinating interplay between the bass, piano, guitar and drums.
‘Talk Of The Clown’ is yet another classic Focus instrumental with rich keyboard work and lovely electric guitar melodic lines.
I have mixed feeling about ‘Message Magic.’ Although it is electric jazz-based and exquisitely performed, it sounds too much like American smooth jazz.
The album ends with another rocker titled ‘X Roads’ with powerful electric guitar and inspired flute that will bring a smile to Focus fans.
With X, Focus demonstrates its current chameleonic spirit, combining fusion jazz, symphonic progressive rock, traditional folk, world music and smooth jazz.
Buy X in North America