Hi Lee. Jan Akkerman is not only one of the greatest Guitarists of all Time (electric as well as the Acoustic Guitar), he is also one of the greatest Lute Players in the World- no joke! All that what i've said here you can hear on his superb 1973 Soloalbum 'Tabernakel'. In my opinion, It's the best Soloalbum a Musican ever made. This Record is a ' must hear, amust have' - belongs in every good Record Collection. The Fact that this Album is not better known is an an absolute disgrace. At least, this is my belief. 😐 Kind Regards Heinz (Munich/Germany). 🌳🥀🌱🌷✨
Hi, I agree with what you wrote, it is good to remember that this man is not only a remarkable, very complete technician, he is also endowed with a general, classical and musical culture, eclecticism and 'a rare and unique versatility. 😮
Damn, leave some ass for the rest of us Jan! What a dude... he can shred and he can lute it up with the best of em. I'll add that album to my list! Thank you heinz you rock bro.
@@L33Reacts Yeah, do this. This Album is so superb. It is absolute phantastic. Stellar! This Record blows you from your Chair. I promise you. If you had listen this absolute breathtaking Album, please don't forget go send me a message. This Album is pure magic. Spellbounding! Breathtaking. Akkerman on this played Lute, Acoustic and electric Guitar as well as the Sitar. The final Track on the Album, 'Lammy' (15 Min.) , composed by the Master himself - is absolute Stellar. But, indeed, the whole Album is stellar, it's not of this World. It's not from another Galaxy - No - 'Tabernakel' is from another Universe. The Orchestra Arrangement on this are also absolute superb, as well as all the other musicians who participate with Akkerman on this Album, including, among others, for example Tim Bogert (b) and Carmine Appice (drums) - well known as former members of 'Vanilla Fudge' and (Jeff) 'Beck, Bogert & Appice'! ☺ Kind Regards Heinz (Munich/Germany). 🌳🥀🌱🌷✨
Riding on the success of their hit single "Hocus Pocus" from the revolutionary Moving Waves album, Focus got to work on this, their third LP in four years ... "Sylvia" found worldwide success and gained the band valuable radio and press exposure. The song remains one of the most loved and best remembered songs from Focus' catalog. The consistency in musical quality throughout Focus III is enough to merit any listeners' respect. To be frank, this LP has it all: diverse songs, astounding musicianship, one of the finest singles ever released -- Focus III should unquestionably be ranked alongside the likes of Revolver, Dark Side of the Moon, and any others of rock's greatest. The instrumental rockers of the early '70s never were any good at dulling down their musical expertise; and, indeed, it's only a matter of seconds into their first and only live release -- Live at the Rainbow -- until one realizes just how talented Focus were. Jan Akkerman, named "World's Best Guitarist" by Melody Maker in 1973 ahead of Eric Clapton and others, was amazingly on form in this performance ... It would be so easy to go off on a tangent explaining the mastery that Focus had musically; suffice to say, however, the bands technical proficiency is rarely matched in the world of rock ... Throughout the album the performance is simply astonishing. - Excerpts from AllMusic
It's great that you're looking into Focus a little more intensively. Guitarist Jan Akkermann turned 77 two days ago. He is both a rock guitarist and a jazz guitarist.
I don't know if labeling one a "rock guitarist" and a "jazz guitarist" is necessary. He's a great guitarist who plays "many styles" of music is a better way of putting it. And Jan Akkerman is certainly that!
Hello Thank you for your reaction. I recommend the moving waves album, the Focus 3 album and the focus 4 hamburger concerto album. These musicians are among the most eclectic and complete I know. I don't want to reveal the surprises but I think you won't be disappointed. 😮
Focus was one of very few European rock bands NOT from the UK that managed to have success in the states (although it was relatively short-lived.) This song (and "Hocus Pocus") shows why. Good melodies and hooks, solid playing, and enough accessibility for even instrumental pieces to find an audience.
I totally forgot about this Central European radio hit from 1972, which was no. 4 in the UK at the time; only then was a new, faster version of Hokus Pokus released: UK no.20, US no.9+CAN no.18.
This whole set is on speed. I prefer the studio for this one. As accredited jan is for his guitar we must acknowledge the prodigy thijs van leer. Flute and keys player
I'm definitely gonna check out the studio. And you are so right, this set is on crack 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love it! The way they go in and out of the main riff in hocus pocus and then the reprise here.... *chefs kiss*
I think one reason it worked in the UK and the USA, was that although there ‘vocals’ , there were no pesky foreign lyrics! Had the first album, but only saw Jan play as a guest of former Yes guitarist Peter Banks at The Marquee on Soho in ‘72, in a gap between sets by Flash, the band Banks formed after leaving Yes.
a good performance, killer, but I prefer the studio version of Sylvia, a little tidier. check it out. Moving waves and Focus 3 are the essential albums.
FOCUS : Listen to...answers questions.....questions...best solo ever in music history....
Hi Lee. Jan Akkerman is not only one of the greatest Guitarists of all Time (electric as well as the Acoustic Guitar), he is also one of the greatest Lute Players in the World- no joke! All that what i've said here you can hear on his superb 1973 Soloalbum 'Tabernakel'. In my opinion, It's the best Soloalbum a Musican ever made. This Record is a ' must hear, amust have' - belongs in every good Record Collection. The Fact that this Album is not better known is an an absolute disgrace. At least, this is my belief. 😐 Kind Regards Heinz (Munich/Germany). 🌳🥀🌱🌷✨
Hi, I agree with what you wrote, it is good to remember that this man is not only a remarkable, very complete technician, he is also endowed with a general, classical and musical culture, eclecticism and 'a rare and unique versatility. 😮
Damn, leave some ass for the rest of us Jan! What a dude... he can shred and he can lute it up with the best of em. I'll add that album to my list! Thank you heinz you rock bro.
@@L33Reacts Yeah, do this. This Album is so superb. It is absolute phantastic. Stellar! This Record blows you from your Chair. I promise you. If you had listen this absolute breathtaking Album, please don't forget go send me a message. This Album is pure magic. Spellbounding! Breathtaking. Akkerman on this played Lute, Acoustic and electric Guitar as well as the Sitar. The final Track on the Album, 'Lammy' (15 Min.) , composed by the Master himself - is absolute Stellar. But, indeed, the whole Album is stellar, it's not of this World. It's not from another Galaxy - No - 'Tabernakel' is from another Universe. The Orchestra Arrangement on this are also absolute superb, as well as all the other musicians who participate with Akkerman on this Album, including, among others, for example Tim Bogert (b) and Carmine Appice (drums) - well known as former members of 'Vanilla Fudge' and (Jeff) 'Beck, Bogert & Appice'! ☺ Kind Regards Heinz (Munich/Germany). 🌳🥀🌱🌷✨
@@Klfmjgfg45 Oh, thank you. ☺✨
@@heinzmuller159ok ok I will have a listen too 😂
A superb piece of music, it was available on a vinyl 45, which I bought & still play.
Riding on the success of their hit single "Hocus Pocus" from the revolutionary Moving Waves album, Focus got to work on this, their third LP in four years ... "Sylvia" found worldwide success and gained the band valuable radio and press exposure. The song remains one of the most loved and best remembered songs from Focus' catalog. The consistency in musical quality throughout Focus III is enough to merit any listeners' respect. To be frank, this LP has it all: diverse songs, astounding musicianship, one of the finest singles ever released -- Focus III should unquestionably be ranked alongside the likes of Revolver, Dark Side of the Moon, and any others of rock's greatest.
The instrumental rockers of the early '70s never were any good at dulling down their musical expertise; and, indeed, it's only a matter of seconds into their first and only live release -- Live at the Rainbow -- until one realizes just how talented Focus were. Jan Akkerman, named "World's Best Guitarist" by Melody Maker in 1973 ahead of Eric Clapton and others, was amazingly on form in this performance ... It would be so easy to go off on a tangent explaining the mastery that Focus had musically; suffice to say, however, the bands technical proficiency is rarely matched in the world of rock ... Throughout the album the performance is simply astonishing. - Excerpts from AllMusic
It's great that you're looking into Focus a little more intensively. Guitarist Jan Akkermann turned 77 two days ago. He is both a rock guitarist and a jazz guitarist.
He is a legend. I mean goddamn dude. How much talent can one man have?? It's not fair LOL
I don't know if labeling one a "rock guitarist" and a "jazz guitarist" is necessary.
He's a great guitarist who plays "many styles" of music is a better way of putting it. And Jan Akkerman is certainly that!
Hello Thank you for your reaction. I recommend the moving waves album, the Focus 3 album and the focus 4 hamburger concerto album. These musicians are among the most eclectic and complete I know. I don't want to reveal the surprises but I think you won't be disappointed. 😮
I will checking out hamburger concerto album next I believe.... can't wait to hear what else they have to offer. :)
I see Focus opening for ASIA at Fallsview Casion (Niagara Falls), on Thursday July 4th, 2024! Well over 50 years!
Still going strong 😊
This one ALWAYS makes me very happy ☺️
This song was an instant rush of dopamine for me. These guys are so frickin good lol I love it.
@@L33Reacts
Undeniable brilliance never gets old .
Focus was one of very few European rock bands NOT from the UK that managed to have success in the states (although it was relatively short-lived.) This song (and "Hocus Pocus") shows why. Good melodies and hooks, solid playing, and enough accessibility for even instrumental pieces to find an audience.
That main motif of hocus pocus is literally infectious. I can't get enough of it. I see why they had success. It is almost addicting!!
I don't think I've seen this live version before - and a touch of Hocus Pocus 2 at the end. Great.
love this tune.
Fresh for 50 and counting ❤
Wow, I’ve never seen this part ! So, so great ! Thnx for sharing it ❤
Focus 2 - that you've been listening to already, Lee - was released as Moving Waves in Europe.
Ahhhhhhh ok that makes sense now lol thank you bro!
I always thought they only did the one song "Hocus Pocus" on that show, that was cool.
I totally forgot about this Central European radio hit from 1972, which was no. 4 in the UK at the time; only then was a new, faster version of Hokus Pokus released: UK no.20, US no.9+CAN no.18.
Haven’t heard this in years! Nice cut!
It really is! I loved the reprise back-to hocus pocus lol it blew my mind.
This whole set is on speed. I prefer the studio for this one. As accredited jan is for his guitar we must acknowledge the prodigy thijs van leer. Flute and keys player
I'm definitely gonna check out the studio. And you are so right, this set is on crack 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love it! The way they go in and out of the main riff in hocus pocus and then the reprise here.... *chefs kiss*
@@L33Reacts definitely works for a live performance. Sylvia in studio as it's own is much to appreciate. Happy listening
Proud of my fellow Dutch men.......😄
Apparently Jan Akkerman used to practise guitar 8 hours a day. I can believe it.
Donald I would believe it if they said TWELVE hours a day. He is absolutely nuts.
they are like....jazz ! anyway, musicians with classic background..
Great stuff, although I prefer the studio version for its slightly slower pace. ❤🎉🎉
I'll have to check it out. Thanks simon! These guys rock.
I think one reason it worked in the UK and the USA, was that although there ‘vocals’ , there were no pesky foreign lyrics!
Had the first album, but only saw Jan play as a guest of former Yes guitarist Peter Banks at The Marquee on Soho in ‘72, in a gap between sets by Flash, the band Banks formed after leaving Yes.
FYI, one of Brian May's (Queen) guitar heroes is this guy Jan Akkerman.
please listen to hamburger conserto, you will definetely wont get dissapointed at all, its all round an amazing listen
Focus 3, Hamburger Concerto. Next plz.
Yup, hamburger is next! :)
@@L33Reacts live Don Kirsner's Rock Concert 1974 version also the best because you can see thijs is on fire this one
hamburger must be album version.
Allways studio versions first.
a good performance, killer, but I prefer the studio version of Sylvia, a little tidier. check it out. Moving waves and Focus 3 are the essential albums.
“La Cathédral de Strasbourg”
from Hamburger Concerto album!
We will be tackling that album next!! :)
I attempted to transcribe this on the MuseScore website - piano solo. Great fun doing it.
Listen to Hamburger Concerto, and do a bit of research into all the sources of inspiration in it (Brahms, Haydn, Renaissance vocal music, etc etc).
And if you want to see a completely different side of guitarist Jan Akkerman:
th-cam.com/video/N-mQVjikNkE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5HGzKvGv8QyL_CDE
I'll check it out. Thank you! 😊
The same title in a different version but with much better sound quality.
th-cam.com/video/TV-X-5CcfYY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=uEoTjhIH7lpgzoL8
Thanks David! I'll check it out 😊