Seminal Dutch progressive rock band Focus has recreated its most iconic pieces and radio hits on its latest release titled The Golden Oldies. This is not a best of compilation, but instead new versions and medleys of its best known material, including ‘Hocus Pocus’, Tommy, House of the King , Focus 1, Sylvia, Focus 3 & 2, Aya-Yuppie-Hippie-Yee, Neurotika, and Brother.
The original Focus instrumentation was clearly defined by Thijs Van Leer (keyboards, flute, vocals) and Jan Akkerman (guitars), supported by a solid rhythm section. On The Golden Oldies Thijs Van Leer is still at the helm, but this time the guitar parts are by outstanding guitarist Menno Gootjes who clearly demonstrates admirable skill and his fresh approach to the older pieces.
The Focus progressive rock style brings together classical, jazz, rock, blues, good humor and the unmistakable yodeling of Thijs Van Leer. The current band includes multi-instrumentalist Thijs Van Leer, drummer Pierre Van Der Linden, bassist Bobby Jacobs and guitarist Menno Gootjes.
The Golden Oldies is a superb recording that showcases the music of one of the greatest progressive rock bands from continental Europe.
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