20210602

Lambe lays it down on Tabernakel

Stephen Lambe tackles Tabernakel on pages 67-71 of his new book, between the departure of Pierre van der Linden and the arrival of Colin Allen, Focus wise. Lambe considers it a skilful and interesting album and notes that Focus fans like it - because, he says, it is most like Focus. However, he does not sound like a fan and seriously questions the inclusion of five lute tracks, preferring the George Flynn efforts.
He describes the album contents track by track. He likes the opener and the lute solo tracks that follow. He calls the House of the King track "a fun and energetic reworking" but is not entirely convinced. He rather passes over the rest of the tracks on the original side one with the exception of the final track, Javeh, which he suggests gets its title from its seemingly God given nature and Jan's Jewish background. He is still not happy, however, with the diversity of the material.
As for Lammy, he calls it "a sprawling, sometimes brilliant piece" that is unique in progressive rock. Although it "always intrigues" it is too disparate for Mr Lambe. He is particularly unhappy with the choir sections. At least he finds their Amen delightful.
It is interesting to read what Mr Lambe makes of the album but he just doesn't get it, sadly. I remember comparing notes with Jan once on what makes music interesting. I spoke about watching Status Quo in concert on TV in 1982 and being bored by the third song. He spoke of the same response to a Rolling Stones concert in Amsterdam (1998 perhaps?) leaving half way through. It is the variety on Tabernakel that is one of its greatest strengths, not a weakness.