FOCUS CON PROBY

Having considered Focus as instrumental prog band, "Focus Con Proby" proves that the band could make excellent music with vocal line too. In this album Focus collaborate with American singer PJ Proby who has vocal characteristic that suits Focus music (my taste). In so far, most reviewers have given less than four stars but I really believe that this album deserves a full four-star rating. Look at the performance of Proby on the opening track "Wingless" (5:35) where he did a great job putting his vocal line in the song. Not only that, the guitar work by Eef Albers is really stunning and it becomes one of critical attraction towards this masterpiece track. Everything sounds to work perfectly on this opening track. The third track "Night Flight" is another masterpiece track with wonderful, brilliant, and stunning guitar work augmented by dynamic basslines and dazzling drumwork. This track is one of my favorite tracks from Focus. The tempo of the music is fast, the energy and hard drive are all there in the music. Those who love jazz rock would definitely love this track.

"Eddy" (5:54) is a great bluesy track with excellent guitar work. Proby sings nicely here. "Sneezing Bull" (4:27) is another energetic and excellent track with evocative flute work that becomes key attraction of this track. It reminds me to early Focus albums but this time has intense flavors of jazz-rock. "Brother" (5:19) is a mellow track that provides excellent break in the album. "Tokyo Rose" (5:08) starts nicely with soft flutework augmented with soft piano work. The song suddenly moves to energetic style with great narration by Proby. It's a very interesting track that I enjoy listening to it. "Maximum" (8:40) brings the album into jazz-rock fusion work with excellent bass guitar work. Guitar plays stunningly combined with nice piano work. It's really an excellent track. The concluding track "How Long" (5:16) showcases excellent combination of keyboard / piano with other instruments.

Overall, I rate this album highly because the music is quite unique in style and it's also different from any other Focus album. The key attractions with the music include its tight composition, good collaborative work of musicians involved in this project. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW