Search - Focus :: Hamburger Concerto

Ambitious conceptual & instrumental rock

Music-lover | 05/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1974, Hamburger Concerto (HC) marks the productive end of the Akkerman - Van Leer musical collaberation that made Focus such a unique and successful band. HC is an incredably dynamic and cohesive album, more relaxed and introspective than Focus III, with an overall more mature sound palette and less technical-minded jamming. The album begins with a medeival lute/flute duet "Delicae Musicae" leading into the high NRG post-HocusPocus rocker Harem Scarem. Next is a quiet classical ballad by Leer, quite beautiful, followed by one of Akkerman's operatic opus rock songs, titled Birth. Side two is the full 20-minute title track, rising and ebbing with classical grace, stellar jamming, intricate arrangements and a heart-melting finale. Incredable! HC features Jan Akkerman on guitar and lute, Thijs Van Leer on keyboards, synths, flute and vocals and Bert Ruiter on bass. Newcomer Colin Allen (ex-Stone The Crows) plays drums, replacing the Pierre Van Der Linden. Colin's drumming is the only weak point of the album. His approach is blunt - he misses the subtle nuances of the music with his sparse and simplistic pub-rock power drumming. HC is a haunting but beautiful album, one that is best listened to in its entirety. As a bonus, an extra, early take of Birth is included at the end."

Can I award 10 stars please Amazon?

Music-lover | UK | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Music fan from West Palm Beach" has pretty much said it all about the individual tracks. However, as a lifelong Focus fan, this for me is the one. It is the album I would take with me on that desert island above all others. It contains some of the best and subtlest guitar playing of all time from Akkerman and the final section of "Hamburger Concerto" ("Well Done/One for the road") makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up even now 26 years later. Music as it should be (but all to frequently isn't). I am pround to say I own a vinyl copy of this masterpiece signed by Jan Akkerman. No offers please."