FOCUS II [AKA: MOVING WAVES]

When I heard "Hocus Pocus" for the first time on AM radio I thought "What the hell is this?" A guitar riff unlike any other, yodeling, flute, and above all very catchy.

"Hocus Pocus" was a minor hit here in Australia in 1973, some 2 years after Moving Waves was released. I bought the album not knowing what to expect. I got more than I expected.

A real masterpiece of prog.

"Hocus Pocus" is the opening number then it is followed by "Le Clochard"...how different can these 2 compositions be? "Le Clochard"..is such a beautiful instrumental acoustic composition. Then "Janis" oh the memories...Thijs Van Leer's flute is so soothing a very nice, melodic subdued piece. The title track is a little weird and the only song on the album i.e. real vocals. Basically Van Leer recites a poem by Inayat Khan over his piano.

Then Focus II, a great instrumental and then what makes Moving Waves a masterpiece is the final epic 23.03 minute "Eruption". I had never heard anything like this before. All 4 muscians contribute to make this one of the most defining moments in recorded history. I urge those who have not heard "Eruption" to seek it out. Jan Akkerman comes to the attention of the world through this opus and album. Listen to the segment entitled "Tommy" within "Eruption"; then be astonished.

Oh I love Moving Waves.

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