Focus Extra 2011

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 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. Thijs Van Leer, chief songwriter and performer in the band, showcased his talents on flute, vocals, and organ with unparalleled finesse. Bert Ruiter knocked out his basslines tight to Pierre Van Der Linden's drums, undoubtedly two of the finest players on their respective instruments. 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…

"Bach purifies me: he offers me a new view on life, never mind what he brings in purely pianistic terms," said U.S.-born and Paris-trained pianist Nicholas Angelich. None of this makes a great deal of sense; Bach of course brought nothing in purely pianistic terms, and purification isn't something his patrons and audiences would have much associated with his secular keyboard music. What you're getting here is old-school Romantic Bach, with pedals, crescendos, a whole palette of articulation and attack, and in general an episodic freedom in its approach to the notes on the page.

SAHARA is a mid-70's act that produced two albums, but prior to that they'd worked and released another as SUBJECT ESQ. The music is rather typical early 70s proto-prog with elements of JETHRO TULL (for the flute-guitar interplay), early YES, and the occasional saxophone riffs remind of early VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR…

Post is the second solo studio album by Icelandic musician Björk. The album was released in June 1995 through One Little Indian in the United Kingdom and Elektra Records in the United States. Unlike her previous release Debut—which was almost entirely produced by Nellee Hooper—Post is characterised by more collaborative efforts, including production by Hooper, 808 State's Graham Massey, and former Massive Attack member Tricky. Moreover, Björk co-produced every song on the album. Post received widespread critical acclaim from reviewers and was a commercial success, charting at number 2 in the United Kingdom and 32 in the United States. It was certified gold in New Zealand and Sweden, and platinum in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Telegram, a remix album of songs from Post, was released in 1996.