LIVE AT THE BBC

Focus

Symphonic Prog

3.35 | 31 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

guy.murray

Don't expect the hear the Focus of the early 70's here, apart from the obligatory Hocus Pocus and an absolutely blistering rendition of House of the King.

There is much more jazz-rock than prog-rock, with extensive extemporisation which on first hearing seams to ramble on at times. However, once you accept that this isn't going to sound like Hamburger Concerto and get to know it, you will find many treasures, such as the middle section of Maximum, and the subtle Little Sister.

Also, in an age of grossly over processed studio recordings, it is a great refreshment to hear a natural recording in a natural accoustic, with an audiance appreciative enough not to whistle at every opportunity! In an age of computer generated garbage, its also great to hear some first rate good old fashioned musicianship.

My main sadness with this album is that Catherine doesn't play a single solo in Hocus Pocus, its rather like the Rainbow version with the lead guitar mixed out, rendering it somewhat flat and, well lacking someone!

| 4/5 | 2005-10-14

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