Search - Focus :: Focus Con Proby

Focus Con Proby displays musical virtuosity

jfelderman | Florida | 12/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Focus Con Proby, released in 1977, features a new guitar lineup for Focus. Jan Akkerman, a true virtuoso, was no longer in the band. However, this recording features further displays of guitar virtuosity from Eef Albers and Philip Catherine. Eef, a Dutch guitar genius who is still actively performing today, is featured on the first 3 cuts and is absolutely dazzling. In particular, his playing on "Wingless" is both beautiful and a technical tour de force. Philip Catherine, a brilliant French guitarist, is featured on several cuts and is particularly dazzling on "Maximum."The nice thing about this recording is that while the playing is very technically advanced, it's also very tasteful and enjoyable to listen to.Highly recommended."

Intro to guitar god Eef Albers

Benjamin J. Neiman | Phila., Pa. United States | 11/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not sure why I am reviewing this album at this point, but the playing of Dutch guitarist Eef Albers on the opening track "Wingless" is probably in my top 10 list of all-time great guitar solos! I was despondent when I learned that Akkerman had left the group, but 1 minute into the cd, I was an instant Eef fan. Steve Smith (Journey,Vital Information) has many fine moments onn this cd also and many of the compositions are great launching pads for inspired jams. I agree that the first 3 tracks are the best, but I love "Brother" also. And I disagree with almost everyone else, I LOVE P.J. Proby's contributions vocally on this album, I think it is a fine fit! He sounds breathtaking on "Wingless" in particular. I think they could have gone a bit more "ape****" to use an Akkermanism on some of the material, it sounds a bit reigned in. Still, Albers' solos kill and Catherine plays great rhythm guitar. I wish Eef had taken all the guitar solos, Catherine is a fantastic jazz guitarist but to me sounds weak when attempting rock or fusion. All in all, this is one of my favorite Focus albums and has held up quite well. Eef Albers has a number of fantastic solo albums released, but, good luck finding them!"