Focus is the second album by Norwegian jazz proggers Soft Ffog, led by acclaimed guitarist and composer Tom Hasslan. He is something of a virtuoso player, hinting at John Etheridge at times, or occasionally Zappa, particularly in the improvised passages. The compositions all contain written stanzas and themes, but Soft Ffog use these as a vehicle for launching into lengthy flights of instrumental fancy, and their considerable abilities are easy to appreciate. Hasslan is aided by keyboard supremo Vergard Lien Bjerkan from psychedelic rockers Wizrd, who in this band is allowed much more room to stretch out. He is equally at home on electric piano, synthesiser or organ, and adds artistic colour and texture throughout the record.
The line up is completed by fellow Wizrd member Axel Skalstad on drums, and bassist Trond Frønes. Both fit the brief perfectly, adding creative support without detracting from the improvisational brilliance on guitar and keys. The overall feel of the album is that it is clearly rooted in the bands of the 1970s, where progressive rock crosses into jazz and back again. The track titles give some clue as to influences, although the songs here don’t exactly sound like Camel, Focus or Hendrix! They do make a reasonable starting point though, but much of the music is more along the lines of Mahavishnu crossed with some of the Canterbury bands. I even detect a touch of Zappa in his jazz phase (Waka Jawaka, The Grand Wazoo), but these comparisons merely suggest the general direction, and Soft Ffog are perfectly capable of making their own mark.
Camel kicks things off with a theme which admittedly wouldn’t sound too out of place on Mirage, and this develops into a guitar solo which mesmerises and delights, Axel getting more and more energetic behind his kit, and electric piano dancing in the background. As the pace changes, roles are reversed and keys take over for a dazzling solo before we return to the theme once more. It’s a wonderful piece of jazz prog virtuosity, but quite restrained in its execution. Pocus has a sprightly complex opening salvo before settling down into a jazz funk groove and melody. The piece then abruptly moves in mood with a church organ and mellotron riff mixing things up, but we are soon set up for more jazz rock improv, Hasslan playing with precision, pace and panache. His style is exciting to hear, and one is never quite sure where he is headed next. After returning to the riff briefly, Bjerkan takes over the spotlight once again, Skalstad busy on drums as the playing gets more flamboyant. Although it might be easy to write this album off as a noodling exercise, it would be quite wrong. The improvised sections never last longer than they should, and the band are quite disciplined in keeping things sharp and focussed.
Focus has a bright Summery melody, some Wakeman-esque mellotron and Frønes stalking with his bass, before Hasslan introduces one of his more Zappa inspired solos. His sense of invention keeps the interest up every time, and when he switches to playing rhythm it sounds so natural. Meanwhile Bjerkan whips up a sonic storm with an inspired synth solo which sounds fresh and unlike anything I’ve heard recently. The album concludes with Oh Jimi, and one might reasonably expect a homage to Hendrix, and I suppose in parts it could represent certain aspects of where he was headed just prior to his untimely death, but in truth Hasslan’s style is nowhere near Hendrix. If it’s an excuse though for some more vigorous guitar extrapolations, then fair enough. It’s certainly the heaviest piece on the album, with some meaty riffing and heavy duty playing, and it makes for an interesting contrast to the rest of the album, yet fits right in to the seventies vibe. Soft Ffog certainly sound as though they are having great fun on the album, and this piece in particular. Bjerkan’s keyboard solo, with heavy reverb, is a delight, and the backing gets more and more forceful as it develops. The closing chord sequence sounds menacing and dramatic, almost descending into chaos until the drums alone are left to tap out the final pulse.
Soft Ffog’s debut album a couple of years ago was quite impressive, but this is a step up in terms of scope and ambition. They have effectively woven elements of seventies inspired prog into a jazz rock vehicle which shines brightly with star potential. It’s a rewarding listen, and deserves to do well for an accomplished and tastefully skilful band. Highly recommended.
TRACK LISTING
01. Camel (9:11)
02. Pocus (8:30)
03. Focus (8:40)
04. Oh Jimi (10:17)
Total Time – 36:28
MUSICIANS
Tom Hasslan – Guitar
Axel Skalstad – Drums
Trond Frønes – Bass
Vegard Lien Bjerkan – Keyboards
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Karisma Records/Is It Jazz? Records
Country of Origin: Norway
Date of Release: 2nd May 2025
LINKS
Soft Ffog – Website (at Is It Jazz? Records) | Facebook | Bandcamp
