Focus
Hamburger Concerto

THE REVIEW

Two years after "Focus 3" the Van Leer-Akkerman duo returns to the studio; it's 1974 and "Hamburger Concerto" is released.

It was difficult to repeat the great success of the previous album, yet Focus manages to achieve what part of the critics call their masterpiece: an explosive album whose sounds are disruptive and overwhelm the listener. This becomes immediately apparent; after "Delitiae Musicae", an intro composed by Akkerman, the first track "Harem Scarem" starts: the main theme alternates with very incisive guitar passages; the ending of the track is almost apocalyptic. With "La Cathedrale De Strasbourg" the album seems to lose momentum, quickly recovered with "Birth", another composition by Akkerman notable for its introduction and flute passages. The efforts of the two musicians merge in the suite that gives the album its title, 20 minutes divided into 6 parts: Starter/Rare/Medium I/Medium II/Well Done/One For The Road. Van Leer's voice blends with the music, making everything absolutely magical; also noteworthy is the remarkable work of Colin Allen on drums, especially on Medium II.

The original vinyl edition ends like this; a subsequent reissue on CD will later add a song written by Akkerman titled "Early Birth". "Hamburger Concerto" is undoubtedly one of the gems of progressive rock, absolutely one of the best albums Made In Nederland.