Focus 12: New Album from Progressive Rock Legends Focus
On July 5th 2024, Spirit of Unicorn Music will release “Focus 12”, the brand-new studio album from Focus.
“Focus 12” features the band’s distinctive blend of rock, jazz, and classical music. This album exemplifies why Focus remains a fan favorite worldwide. Thijs van Leer & Pierre van der Linden deliver some of their most passionate performances to date. Udo Pannekeet (bass) and Menno Gootjes (guitar) produced the album and contributed two compositions, infusing the project with fresh creative energy.
Focus 12 features a fully improvised piece recorded spontaneously during the studio sessions, demonstrating the band’s adventurous spirit and tight musicianship. Roger Dean, the legendary artist known for his iconic album covers, provides the mesmerizing artwork for “Focus 12.” The vinyl edition features a beautiful gatefold sleeve.
Thijs van Leer, who wrote most of the album, expressed his joy for the band’s musical synergy, saying, “How beautiful life can be when a band plays so easily and so together.”
Focus 12″ was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios in the band’s native Netherlands. The band’s dedication and passion for their craft shine through every note, with Thijs van Leer rising daily at 4:30 a.m. to work on new compositions.
Focus was founded in 1969 by Thijs van Leer, and quickly became one of the leading bands in the progressive music movement. Their innovative blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences made albums like “Moving Waves” (1971) and “Focus 3” (1972) timeless classics. Their instrumental hit “Hocus Pocus” remains an iconic anthem.
Throughout their journey, Focus has undergone various lineup changes but maintained their unique sound and vision. Thijs van Leer and Pierre van der Linden have anchored the band through the decades, with Udo Pannekeet and Menno Gootjes bringing a modern edge to the group.
Focus continues to be one of the hardest-working rock bands on the planet. This July, they’ll join Asia’s Heat Of The Moment Tour for a series of live dates across the USA and Canada. Their live performances capture the essence of their studio albums while adding an element of spontaneity that fans cherish.
Thijs van Leer concludes, “After all these years, Focus is in the here and now; the triumph of survival!”
Focus 12 will be available on CD, Vinyl and on all good streaming services and can be pre-ordered here:
Track Listing
1. Fjord Focus
2. Focus 13
3. Béla
4. Meta Indefinita
5. All Aboard
6. Born To Be You
7. Nura
8. Bowie
9. Positano
10. Gaia
Focus are:
Thijs van Leer : Flute, Organ, Piano, Synths
Menno Gootjes : Guitars, Piano, Synths
Pierre van der Linden : Drums
Udo Pannekeet : Bass, Synths, Programming
Produced by Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet
Recorded by Danny Sykes, Udo Pannekeet and Geert Scheijgrond at Wisseloord Studios and Wedgeview Studios, Netherlands
Mixed by Udo Pannekeet
Mastered by Sander van der Heide
Heat Of The Moment 2024 Tour Dates:
Wednesday, 3rd July : Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield
Thursday, 4th July : Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls
Saturday, 6th July : Chevalier Theatre, Medford
Sunday, 7th July : The Paramount, Huntingdon
Tuesday, 9th July : Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood
Wednesday, 10th July : Count Basie Center, Red Bank
Friday, 12th July : Tropicana Showroom, Atlantic City
Saturday, 13th July : Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem
Sunday, 14th July : American Music Theatre, Lancaster
Tuesday, 16th July : Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg
Wednesday, 17th July : Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Thursday, 18th July : Columbia County Performing Arts Center, Evans
Saturday, 20th July : Hard Rock Live, Orlando
Sunday, 21st July : Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach
Monday, 22nd July : Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa
Wednesday, 24th July : North Charleston PAC, North Charleston
Thursday, 25th July : Macon City Auditorium, Macon
Friday, 26th July : Saeger Theatre, Mobile
Sunday, 28th July : VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall, Huntsville
Tuesday, 30th July : The Armada Theatre, St Charles
Wednesday, 31st July : The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
