LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

2 ON 1 CD Originally released in 1972 and 1974 respectively on the CBS record labelThijs van Leer could have been a concert pianist born in March 1948, he started studying seriously when he was three years old. When he was thirteen, he became interested in jazz. Van Leer Senior, however, was not very happy to see a possible Mozart gradually becoming a probable Bill Evans, and being an extraordinary flute player himself, he started to teach young Thijs the intricacies of this old and difficult instrumentMeanwhile, the musical prodigy did very well in school, finishing his Gymnasium-studies in record time. He was then discovered by Willem Duys, the ensuing recording session resulting in a single. Duys also introduced van Leer to Ramses Shaffy, who was just forming a new cabaret group and soon young Thijs made his professional debut on stages all over the countrySuccess came when he formed his own group with the equally talented Jan Akkerman, a guitar player of great virtuosity. The group, called Focus, won prizes all over Europe, including the 1971 Edison Award, and also became top-selling record makersIntrospection was Thijs van Leers first solo LP. It goes back to Bach in some numbers, it shows his classical training, it proves his ability as a flute player. It also shows his remarkable sense of style and form. Also featured is Rogier van Otterloo, who came up with the truly lush orchestral backgrounds in which a prominent part is played, or rather sung, by soprano Letty de Jong track listing:Introspection:Pavane, Op. 50 - Rondo - Agnus Dei from Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 - Focus I - Erbarme Dich from St MatthewPassion BWV 244 - Focus II - IntrospectionIntrospection 2:Goyescas No IV (Quejas — la Maja y el Rulsenor) - Rondo II - Introduction - Siciliano - Focus III Larghetto &Allegro - Introspection II - Sheep May Safely Graze - Mild Wild Rose - Bist Du Bei Mir - Carmen Elysium