Focus/Kanagawa,Japan 9.23.2019

Euro rock heroes FOCUS received rave reviews on their first visit to Japan in 16 years. This time, there will be only two performances in Kawasaki, and the second one included in this work is the “September 23, 2019: Club Citta Kawasaki” performance. This is the best audience recording. The first day album “KAWASAKI 2019 1ST NIGHT (Amity 579)” released at the same time has the best sound by the master “Western Japan’s Strongest Taper”, and I am surprised that it is not inferior. The sounds are very similar because they are from the same band and venue, but the recordings are also similar. The strong core provides a close fit, and the fine details stand out against the clear air. The sound is evenly distributed from high to deep bass, yet has a great sense of stability. And the three-dimensional feeling of the ensemble that can be enjoyed simply because these elements are all together is wonderful. If you listen to it microscopically with headphones, this work has a more audience-like feel, and the first day’s “KAWASAKI 2019 1ST NIGHT” has a better sense of closeness and glossy outline, but it is also a “to put it bluntly” level. There is only one. In reality, the recorders are different, but both are far from the common sense of guest records, as if the same taper recorded continuously. In fact, the original sound posted online had a bit too much bass, and the clap sounds were (slightly) harsh. Therefore, this work was carefully mastered taking into consideration its compatibility with the first day “KAWASAKI 2019 1ST NIGHT”. As much as possible, we have made it so that it can be enjoyed as a sister work. Even though the sound is similar to the first day, the show is different, so you can’t miss this work. For the sake of comparison, let’s organize them in the same format as “KAWASAKI 2019 1ST NIGHT.” [Common for both days] ●FOCUS PLAYS FOCUS (2 songs)・Focus I, Anonymus ●MOVING WAVES (2 songs)・Eruption, Hocus Pocus ●FOCUS 3 (4 songs)・House Of The King, Sylvia, Focus III, Answers? Questions ! Questions? Answers! ●Others (3 songs)・Harem Scarem (HAMBURGER CONCERTO), Focus 7 (FOCUS 9/NEW SKIN), All Hens On Deck (FOCUS X) [2nd day only (6 songs)]・Focus II [MOVING WAVES], La Cathedrale de Strasbourg [HAMBURGER CONCERTO], Focus 9 [FOCUS 9/NEW SKIN], Focus 10 [FOCUS X], Le Tango [FOCUS], Focus 11 [FOCUS 11]…and like this (The medley arrangement has also been disassembled and organized). Lately, there has been an increase in the number of daily specials coming to Japan, and Club Citta is at the forefront of this. Various bands/artists perform shows with different concepts every day. In this case, the concept is the “Focus series”. “Focus I, III, 7” are the same on both days, but the rest can be replaced and you can listen to all songs on both days. Now, let’s focus on the Focus series. ●First day: Focus I, III, IV, V, VI, 7, 8 ●Second day: Focus I, II, III, 7, 9, 10, 11 Roughly speaking, the first day is “I (other than II) to 8”, and the second day is like “Early (I-III) & Late (9-11)”. Although it is a bit confusing, it does cover 11 series in both days. At the same time, what I feel throughout the show is the “initial thickness”. “Focus II” is the only one here, but the popular song “La Cathedrale de Strasbourg” is also featured, making it an even more delicious set. And the performance is also wonderful. Of course, I was overwhelmed by the passionate performance of Theis van Leer and Pierre van der Linden, but the two young people who support them are also worthy of FOCUS’s gold medals. Udo Pannekate makes his fretless bass growl smoothly, and Menno Hochess plays a string of guitars reminiscent of Jan Ackermann. It sounds like Yang has taken over the aggressive playing and the melody, and the volume playing is spot on. Of course, Yang’s return is a fan’s dream, but Menno’s ability to play is definitely FOCUS. I have found a wonderful talent. This performance in Japan changed the set over the course of two days, making it possible to perform all songs from the Focus series. Many people may be looking for a souvenir of the show they actually attended, but this time it will be a “complete one” for both days. Live at Club Citta, Kawasaki, Japan 23rd September 2019 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Disc 1 (77:19) Part 1 1. Focus 1 / Anonymus 2. House of the King 3. Eruption 4. Focus 7 5. Sylvia Part 2 6. All Hens on Deck 7. Focus 9 8. Focus 10 9. Le Tango Disc 2 (71:08) 1. La Cathedrale de Strasbourg 2. Focus 2 3. Harem Scarem 4. Focus 11 5. Hocus Pocus 6. Focus 3 7. Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! Thijs van Leer – keyboards, flute, vocals Pierre van der Linden – drums, percussion Menno Gootjes – guitar, backing vocals Udo Pannekeet – bass