FOCUS PLAYS FOCUS [AKA: IN AND OUT OF FOCUS]

Focus' debut album has them introducing both their classical and jazz influences to the rock genre, but not quite as developed as on their more progressive later albums. In stead, it has good (only slightly symphonic) psychedelic jazz-rock songs with vocals by Thijs van Leer, some nice improvisations and an overall relaxing atmosphere. Song like 'Why Dream' and 'Happy Nightmare' are memorable, though you can hear that the song-format is not the band's most comfortable way of performing. Jan Akkerman on guitar is always a blessing, but on this record his contributions are not as frontal and feral as on later efforts. The rhythmical section of Dresden en Cleuver is quite strong, but because of disputes with Akkerman they would be replaced by Pierre van de Linden (with whom Akkerman played in Branbox) and Cyril Havermans. The recording quality of the vinyl is very good for its year of release and should please fans of the hammon organ. My vinyl copy 'In and Out of Focus' on Polydor has quite a different tracklist order and also includes a version of 'House of the King'.