Various Artists Focus,Wishbone Ash,Groundhogs/UK 2008

This is a super high quality audience recording of the St. Albans performance on October 26, 2008, from the “Classic Legends Of Rock” tour, which was held from October to November by three classic rock bands: Focus led by Thijs van Leer, Wishbone Ash led by Martin Turner, and Groundhogs led by Tony McPhee. Using the original DAT master, which is not available even among traders, the stage of the three bands is recorded in the highest sound quality for 2 hours and 43 minutes. Disc 1 records the 66-minute stage of the final band, Focus. In addition to Thijs, who creates a unique world that makes you think of Focus with his unique vocals and veteran-like skillful flute and organ, Niels van der Steenhoven’s advanced guitar playing with a good balance of speed and slowness is wonderful, and there are plenty of opportunities for him to show off his technical skills. In the shorter stage time than usual, they performed one breathless best number after another, including the moving Sylvia, which features a powerful bass solo intro, and Hocus Pocus, which also features a drum solo by Pierre van der Linden, the drummer in his heyday. Disc 2 contains another Wishbone Ash, led by Martin Turner, who appeared second, for 54 minutes. The set is composed of all of their early representative songs, mainly from “ARGUS”, and is a big hit with the audience. The twin guitar ensemble of Ray and Danny is also truly wonderful, and you can enjoy plenty of high-quality performances, including the development section with a sharp sound, beautiful twin leads and choruses. Although there are some parts where noise is generated from the equipment, the performance is powerful and well-balanced, and British rock fans can enjoy a treasured time. Disc 3 contains 44 minutes of the Groundhogs stage, which opened the show. Tony McPhee has been consistently active since the 60s and continues to fascinate fans with his undiminished intense guitar playing. His guitar playing is full of overwhelming power and aura that knocks out all listeners. The songs are selected from his representative albums from the early 70s such as “Blues Obituary”, “Thank Christ For The Bomb” and “Split”, and while based on blues, you can fully enjoy Tony’s aggressive playing from the time when he was exploring a harder, heavier, psychedelic direction. This blissful 163 minutes captures the three bands, titled “3 Classic Rock Acts In One Night”, with the best sound ever. This is a must-listen! Live at The Alban Arena, St Albans, UK 26th October 2008 TRULY PERFECT SOUND (from Original DAT Master) Disc 1 : Focus 1. Focus III/Focus II 2. House Of The King 3. Aya-Yuppie-Hippie-Yee 4. Eruption 5. Bass Improvisation 6. Sylvia 7. Hocus Pocus 8. Drum Solo/Hocus Pocus(Reprise) 9. Focus I Thijs Van Leer – Organ, Flute & Vocal Niels Van Der Steenhoven – Guitar Bobby Jacobs – Bass Pierre Van Der Linden – Drums Disc 2 : Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash 1. Intro. 2. King Will Come 3. Warrior 4. Throw Down The Sword 5. Blowin’ Free 6. Phoenix 7. Living Proof 8. Jailbait Martin Turner – Bass & Vocal Ray Hatfield – Guitar & Vocal Danny Willson – Guitar & Vocal Rob Hewins – Drums & Vocal Disc 3 : Groundhogs 1. Intro. 2. Eccentric Man 3. Garden 4. Split Part 1 5. Split Part 4 6. Natchez Burning 7. Cherry Red Tony McPhee – Guitar & Vocal Dave Anderson – Bass Marco Anderson – Drums