Looking at the music of Dutch rock band Focus, started in the late sixties by Thijs van Leer (b /31/03/48) with Jan Akkerman (b 24/12/46). Van Leer still performs and records under the name today (official site here). Akkerman's site here.

.

.

20081124

Track by track 73 Sneezing Bull

Archive number: 73
Title: Sneezing Bull
Main Album: Focus Con Proby. Also a single in 1977 b/w Eddy.
Track number: 5
Genre: Progressive Rock Instrumental
Studio: EMI Studios, Hilversum, The Netherlands
Length: 04' 23”
Composer: Philip Catherine
Musicians: Philip Catherine - Acoustic guitars, Electric guitars; Thijs van Leer – Hammond organ; Bert Ruiter – Bass; Steve Smith - Drums
Producer: Yde de Jong
Engineer: Jan van Vrijaldenhoven/Mike Stavron
Label: LP – EMI
Date of recording/release: Recorded/released 1978 LP – 1978 CD - 1988
Alternative version: As found on Live at the BBC (also on Philip Catherine's solo album Guitars)
Notes: A previously recorded Philip Catherine number, this track fits very well into the Focus style recalling House of the King. The building up of an atmosphere present on the original track (on the album Guitars) is not attempted on this version. The acoustic guitars, drums and bass begin together (00:00-00:07) then the flute comes in (00:08-00:33, 00:39-01:05, 01:12-01:40 and 01:44-02:09). A shout from van Leer is heard at 01:59 adding to the excitement and the live feel. After another brief bridge (02:10-02:14) reverbed electric guitars take up the lead for a more jazzy section (02:15-03:17). The flute then comes back to play first a bridge then the original theme but now against an electric guitar accompaniment (03:18-04:24). Another van Leer shout is heard at 04:05. The piece ends quite suddenly.

No comments: