INSANE! Vocal Coach/ Flute Player Analyses and Reacts to “HOCUS POCUS” by Focus

In this video, I react for the first time to Focus performing "Hocus Pocus” (Midnight Special). In this video, I analyse Thijs van Leer’s amazing performance, explain and demonstrate his vocal techniques and I'll tell you what I think made it so great. I also demonstrate some of the flute techniques in this 1973 performance!
Original video link: • Hocus Pocus - Focus | ...
I also used some AMAZING Austrian Audio Headphones which I absolutely recommend austrian.audio... You can find them on KZbin too: @AustrianAudioVideos
For voice lessons, workshops and video submissions please check out my website www.thefairyvoicemother.com
I'm so excited to be a part of your singing journey, It's one that truly never ends.
Love you forever,
The Fairy Voice Mother x
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Watch Lolli sing: • Lilac Wine - Lolli Wren …
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Become a patron if you like too! / tfvm
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Intro and Outro graphics by Lucy Chappell
#TheFairyVoiceMother #Focus #HocusPocus #Prog
#Reaction #VocalCoach

[@TheFairyVoiceMother]

What a WILD song! 💜Also, I HAVE NEW MERCH! 🧚You can check it out at www.thefairyvoicemother.com/shop If you want to support the channel, you can "Buy Me A Coffee" ☕ www.buymeacoffee.com/TFVM You can also join our community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/TFVM Thank you SO MUCH for the incredible support! ✨

[@tvoost7296]

As a proud Dutchman and fan of this performance l, I have seen EVERY reaction on this video. But this was by far the best reaction, because your knowledge and admiration. Nice to see this longer version, too. The only standing ovation in Midnight Special in +/- 10 years. The singer and drummer still perform in Focus, 50 years later!

[@mz3912]

wonderfull enjoying can u please do a part 2 ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpWWYnp7ia98d8k

[@edljnehan2811]

God I love your accent I love when you put the eyeglasses on I love you're beautiful complexion some red lipstick and you would be absolutely perfect😊 what were we listening to again😅

[@preciosamusicaoriginal]

You can enjoy a more extensive flute playing of Focus here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHqkdIyXmt9qd68si=DSNLAmuYlPa4cpXq&t=110

[@jeroendoeve5940]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGasmqele72Wbacsi=CtRj73B0OkZ-YHXs Same dude flutist 4 years ago. With ayreon, whom you did not react to yet.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

This song was so nuts! I loved every minute of this analysis!!!

[@Alvvays667]

The singer/flutist Thijs van Leer makes his entrance in this Ayreon song from 2019 "Amazing Flight" /talking about soaring kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGasmqele72Wbacsi=AHItm9rJkC7DX6ME

[@lgjm5562]

The collab we need.

[@knoxpuffer]

That's only fair when so many enjoys your analyses as well! 😀My only complain is the absence of Paolo Nutini on your channel. Have a fantastic weekend!

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Bonkers but brilliant! 😁

[@BobAsbury]

CRAP! I was just going to suggest this song to you. I remember playing this song over and over and over....

[@marcelbonzo1971]

They are still touring England every year....my brother is the current guitarist for the last 15 years....

[@fderive]

I just heard this song for the first time yesterday, it's my new favorite song forever🤣🤣🤣

[@gdaneuk]

I saw them at Bury Met last year. Amazing

[@elderberry-hamster]

I only wish I had that job. Awesome for him. 🎸

[@gerbrand8132]

this was the end of a program and they got 1 minute less playing time so everything had to go a bit faster.

[@marcvdm1111]

it simply IS the best rock song played live ever. And (absolutely not trying to play down your brother!) Jan Akkerman is one of the best guitar players ever

[@thewildgoose7467]

This girl has to be hands down the funniest reactor on youtube, but not only is she funny and pretty and witty but she knows her stuff musically and vocally too. I don't think I've ever smiled as much through a reaction before.

[@chriswebb7822]

It's absolutely criminal she doesn't have a MILLION subscribers......just criminal!

[@lifesavid]

@@chriswebb7822absolutely. Don’t understand why not.

[@abeldiaz3877]

​@@chriswebb7822Oh, she will soon enough. The channel is still relatively new.

[@MartinMcMartin]

Lolli is a real gem.

[@mentaliusDK]

YT should have 5 star rating, rather than thumps up and down. Some reactors just have more to give than others. I´ll give this Fairy Godmother 5 stars:) especially when she does more Eivør:)

[@Ludekuize]

This may very well be the best reaction to “HOCUS POCUS” by Focus I have watched and heard, and I am watching all I can stumble upon. Thank you for this!

[@normanhumble257]

This song is actually much longer but Midnight Special would only allow a few minutes. But they refused to cut the song so they performed the whole song much faster to get it all in for the allotted time, Amazing group.

[@douglastaylor9289]

That's crazy that this is the sped up version. I'm going to have to kind the slower version.

[@ivanheffner2587]

This version is about 20% faster than the original. Funnily enough, I only found out about this song earlier this week and fell down a rabbit hole watching reactions.

[@markschattefor6997]

@@douglastaylor9289 This is the original album version; kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4eTd5KOnrdnbrM

[@trashandcheese3636]

@@ivanheffner2587 And this is a longer edit than the standard-issue one.

[@ExcaliburPaladin]

​@@ivanheffner2587 totally watching hocus pocus reactions is top entertainment

[@Captain_Kremmen]

"He's got a bloody flute on there!" just cracked me up... :D

[@Nalianna]

#JethroTullAquaLung

[@WayneKitching]

Of all the reactors, including classical musicians and singers/vocal coaches, this girl is the only one who is actually imitating Thijs, even the yodelling and facial expressions! Super entertaining!

[@Bluelagoonstudios]

Very true, I heard a few trying, but no one could replicate this haha.

[@jonassundell9366]

You're actually getting it?!!! I'm so very impressed by your reaction. This is an odd piece of music to comprahend. You did that reaction so good! Respect! Greetings from Jonas, Gothenburg Sweden.

[@MarcelNL]

I really love watching The Charismatic Voice (first I preferred Maggie Reneé) but you are right. This is much more engaging, less polite but also not completely bonkers over the top. (Shame that Maggie went down that road more and more). This is mature and professional yet still it makes you enthousiastic while watching!

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

I used to watch The Midnight Special and they were the only band to ever get a standing ovation! Simply amazing! 😊

[@krusher74]

Its pretty crazy in 1973 what a mainstream tv show audience could see, now they are lucky if somone sings live let alone a whole band.

[@Isleofskye]

I saw them perform this in Croydon, South East London exactly,50 years ago in 1973 with 3,000 others.

[@PriscillaV1964]

They weren't just performing live. They were performing live at double tempo so they wouldn't have to cut any of the song. So, Auto Tune that GenZ.

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@Isleofskye ironically, Croydon is where FVM is from.

[@Isleofskye]

@@richardharrold9736 Thanks Richard..........in all The Towns in all The World.....:)

[@donaldvanvliet9039]

Ok but today you see pretty people doing sexual dance routines while pretending to sing 🙋‍♂️

[@rox1601]

This song is showing off behind the disguise of absolute madness. It puts most "artists" in their place without them even noticing.... Love it

[@ifsixwasnine1000]

That is a most perfect description...

[@bobs.2008]

Yep. Over the years I've fairly often heard it dismissed as a 'gimmick' song, but as far as I can tell that just means that having fun while performing so masterfully seems unfair! 🙂

[@MistaBreed]

@@bobs.2008 And they show how artistic some quirky sounds can be arranged. Without a single word they made real Art!

[@johnkochen7264]

The organ/flute player is Thijs van Leer. The guitarist is the greatest guitarist you never heard of, Jan Akkerman.

[@SuperPlacido1]

And what is the name of the drummer?

[@marcoweijers3533]

@@SuperPlacido1 Pierre van der Linden.

[@delepiane]

Nobody ask, but lets send some love to the bass player too, Bert Ruiter.

[@luizjose778]

o baixista deve ser Bert Ruiter

[@SuperPlacido1]

@@luizjose778 Can you write in English please?

[@jeffblack5024]

Possibly the maddest track in rock. Utter genius.

[@An_Axident]

The fun part about this performance, is they played it 1.5 speed, because the program that hosted them only had 4min for their performance, but the song officially lasts ~6min

[@module79l28]

This live version is not the one you're thinking of, did you notice that there was no introduction of the band like in the video everyone reacts to? Check the link in the description and you'll see what I'm talking about. This version, although faster, still has around 6 minutes.

[@ManWithoutThePants]

@@module79l28 Different video from same performance, but in the aired version one part was cut away.

[@NinoMit87]

They played multiple songs at Midnight special. I believe this was the third and last one. They played for 15 mins :)

[@test-zl2lw]

The album version with 6:43 and also the single version with 3:18 are noticeable slower in speed than any live version i could find so far. The live versions (from this video, it is ~ 5:46) are all more like the sped up version, but often have more different "singing/yodeling" parts in them, which are not on the studio versions. Probably they like the speeding up, or their manager said keep the tempo high^^

[@Richardtv1968]

Most fun reaction ever on this ridiculous talented performance …..Thijs van Leer on vocals and flute, Jan Akkerman on guitar, Pierre van der Linden on drums and Bert Ruiter on Bass ……. Dutch legends!! Not only fun to watch your reaction, but your analysis is spot on and better than I have ever seen on youtube!! You go on girl ….. I am a fan!

[@gnomehunter4586]

Omg! Lolli, this Reaction is so freaking awesome! I'm 60 and must have heard this song a thousand times. It never gets old. So glad you liked it. I'm Dutch, as is this band, and it's so cool to see young people, like yourself, discovering music like this. Thank you for making me smile this entire video! Lots of love from the Netherlands.

[@THESALMON8TR]

NOBODY I've seen react to this amazing performance has EVER been prepared for it! Never gets old watching it!🥰👍😁

[@rubykrebs9550]

I was 15 years old in 1973 and I had the album “Moving Waves” that featured the song “Hocus-Pocus”. Jan Ackerman was one of my favorite guitarists. The entire second side of the album was one song called “Eruption”. I would fall asleep to it. I have watched virtually every KZbin reaction to this song and you are the only person to actually understand and appreciate what’s going on in this song. ❤

[@ianbennett1491]

Akkerman is a legendary guitarist.

[@Kgio-2112]

The rest of the album is what made Them my favorite band.

[@Richardtv1968]

Lots of years later another dutch guitar legend Eddy van Halen would do another Eruption

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Many guitarists play fast. Very few play fast and go somewhere. Akkerman goes somewhere.

[@krob5375]

Jan's solos on the album version are friggin awesome. I've tried and failed many times to replicate them lol.

[@markd4926]

This has to be one of the best reactions I’ve ever seen 😮 you’re amazingly talented

[@jemp1965]

Sorry, but I find these permanent interruptions absolutely annoying!

[@reactionsaccount3955]

OK, I am now 💯 convince that you are by far the most informative and entertaining reactor, and now officially my favorite. 🤩

[@chriswebb7822]

Ditto!!

[@abeldiaz3877]

Definitely!

[@tracywallis1400]

Snap!

[@TheFairyVoiceMother]

awwhhhh thank you so so so much xx

[@MrVukojeB]

Welcome to the club. 🥳

[@78zappaf]

That moment when you had to yell "BREATHE!" and the relief when he did it.

[@lifelover515]

Brilliant reaction. I gained a lot of technical insight into what Thys Van Leer was doing with hs voice here. It's true they sped it up considerably to fit their allotted time slot - they were that good. This song was a novelty and not really typical of their classically inspired progressive rock sound. It was a huge hit and a live showstopper - imagine closing with it every night.The guitarist, Jan Akkerman won the British polls for rock guitarist of the year in 1973-4, beating out Eric Clapton. He was a big fan of the lutist Julian Bream, and quit the band at their peak to pursue classical interests. One of Van Leer's musical heroes was Hungarian composer Bela Bartok and he was a ranking jazz flautist and.keyboardist. I was lucky enough to catch the band in Melbourne back in the day - unforgettable. Akkerman was still with them, later replaced by Belgian ace Philip Catherine, but their brilliant drummer, Pierre Van Der Linden. had by then moved on. They made a number of fine albums in the 70s which I treasure to this day. Thanks so much, Ms FVM. Your enthusiasm was palpable.

[@GeoffCB]

Yes, I saw them in Brisbane probably the same year.

[@micknordstrom2591]

Who is Eric Clapton???

[@FretsOnFire]

Wow, I didn't know Philip Catherine was in Focus!

[@lexxluthor2166]

This is by far the absolute best reaction to this I have seen!

[@AlbertZonneveld]

Impressed by your yodeling skills and your unexpected use of the flute!!

[@deangordon7783]

I have heard this song thousands of times but it was your analysis and personality snd natural reactions that made it so much better! Really loving your videos

[@muchkneaded]

I have not seen ANY OTHER REACTOR who surpasses your creative editing abilities. They're as entertaining as your reactions. I had to rewind a few times when your mind went blank while searching for the appropriate word, and the wind started to blow with a tumbleweed rolling across the screen. A PERFECT example to demonstrate complete emptiness! Thank you.

[@DougHanson2769]

Your reaction analysis upon hearing her reaction analysis was great and a bit funny

[@sweet65mustang]

I was wondering if anyone else noticed the true genius in even the editing. She takes a gap in the conversation or music and instead of just removing it. She does something else with it. She normally just zooms in to give it some interest, but at times, she gets more creative. It really is smart because it remains congruent while holding your attention.

[@adam45z]

This is by far the best reaction I've seen to this song. Incredible ❤ Love your work!

[@mrolsen6987]

I can't describe how awesome you are, not just the fun reactions but you also tell us how it's done. *AND YOU FRICKN DO IT YOUR SELF!!???!* Thank you for this.

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

Half a century ago, Thijs van Leer decided to blow Lolli's mind. It was well worth the wait. 😁😊

[@UnderDriven17]

I've only seen a fraction of the reviews on KZbin, but I am convinced this is the greatest musical review of all time. The delight, the awe, the facial expressions, the analysis, and the ability to demonstrate what Thijs is doing are truly amazing. I've watched this video at least 20 times, and it never gets old. Bravo, Lolli! You are spectacular! 🤩

[@stimannzz]

I watch this again every few weeks. This reaction video might just be one of the best on the tube. Your expertise helps us understand the prowess of the artists while being funny and entertaining. Thanks…

[@ljw5768]

I’ve seen them live probably 50 or60 times since 1974 the last time just a few months ago. Thijs has lost his upper register fot the ahhhh ahhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhh bits but he can still yodel. Funnily enough this was just a novelty hit that propelled them to stardom. Their album work is so completely different. Jan Akkerman is an extraordinary guitarist, the rhythm section is tight as a badgers bottom and Thijs plays the flute like an angel. I have an iPhone video of him playing Bach in a Bristol Church before a gig a few years ago. A true musical genius. Thanks for the bonkers reaction. Such fun. I laughed out loud a lot. I don’t do that often.

[@williamcody3415]

THAT has to be one of the GREATEST REACTIONS to any performance I have EVER heard. I I laughed and cried and even SNORTED. Your quirkiness is beyond adorable, but your knowledge of process and mechanics or the art truly blow me away. Very unique in chorus of voices doing reaction videos.

[@vernhoke7730]

You're reaction is priceless young lady for the first time hearing this. Now imagine if you will, you're 15 years old watching this very episode of the Midnight Special. I don't have to imagine, I heard this on the radio first and then watched them on TV.

[@donaldpetersen3513]

I heard this on an "album oriented" FM station that put this in rotation. I remember that I laughed when Thijs yodelled the first time. Like the reviewers on YT, I was caught totally off guard. Still one of my favorites.

[@JoepdeJoepel]

We played this song on a tribute festival, with a group of friends, with a very talented keyboard player who also did half the vocals, and my sister who did the flute and the other half of the vocals. It was a blast playing Focus, and we realized how amazing it is to have all that come out of a single human being... We needed two to make it work. Your analysis makes me appreciate this song even more, and I really really enjoyed you being you in this one.

[@SumoRabbitOfDoom]

I got to see them earlier this year. They're all phenomenal musicians and each had several solo spots to showcase their skills, during which, Thijs van Leer would sometimes leave the stage and sit in the audience to fully appreciate their performance. I met Thijs after the show and he's such a lovely guy, too. He's got a real 'cool grandpa' vibe about him now! 😂

[@DarthTaco71]

Yesssss! Lolli, you GET IT! I've seen a couple reaction videos to this performance now, but you're the first to really see the skill and genius behind it. Being "classically trained" can make you ignore this kind of thing immediately OR make you really appreciate it and I'm glad you took the time to appreciate it. I know this video by heart; it has been my "get pumped up" go-to for a while now, and I love that you "got it" on the first go-round! I never much liked voice coaches because of the ones I knew in the past... and that has now changed. 😊 You rock.

[@ryansmallwood1178]

This was quite an extraordinary experience, thanks for all your insights and yodeling demonstrations!

[@roysharp6945]

I think this is the most enjoyable reaction and analysis I've ever seen!

[@STILL-KICKIN]

Good lord, your ability to immediately reproduce his wild vocal stylings and analyze the musical aspect of this song is fascinating to me… well done!

[@RetiredBrass]

This is the best "reacts to..." video on KZbin so far. Everything is just perfect: the subject is fantastic, your reactions everytime Thijs van Leer does something unexpected are genuinely amazed and you have something interesting to say about it as well!

[@redddo1]

This is hands down the best reaction to this song i have seen. I previously took this song as a bit of a novelty, but your professional breakdown was eye opening and has given me a new admiration for this piece. Thank you and well done 👍

[@bossfan49]

You're the first "vocal coach" reactor that I have seen actually DEMONSTRATE the technique they are discussing. I think there's a lot of pretenders out there. You, clearly are not.

[@RegisWilkins]

@bossfan49 - Some of these so called experts are simply posers as far as I am concerned. But you're right she knows her stuff!

[@bossfan49]

@@RegisWilkins Yes...they were likely vocal students in tbe past and just learned some basic terminogy.

[@alexandrebelair4360]

@@bossfan49 oooooooorrrrrr yodelling isn't a technique many trains.

[@alexandrebelair4360]

@@RegisWilkins oooooooorrrrrr yodelling isn't a technique many trains.

[@capecyn]

OMG that was so much fun! You are the bomb!

[@johnnilight]

Love watching her emotions and explaining the process of music

[@DanteStar7]

Fairy Voice Mother, you offered an evaluation of this musical experience that was actually worthy of the event itself. Though I am 69 years old and a musician I just discovered this song 3 weeks ago at which point my "Mind Was Blown". I have since watched many reactions to Focus some of them pretty good while others were not even worthy to comment IMO. Some were afraid to even touch the vocal with praise because this unique amazing vocal talent so intimidated them. They had never seen anything like it and couldn't appreciate what they were hearing. I think you did such a good job because you yourself are so very talented. This song will never be duplicated. I am so happy that this video recording exists. As you said in so many words, almost other worldly. I could go on and on and on but I just wanted you to know that your talent and ability to appreciate music has been seen. Signed, just another musician. 😘Just another musician.

[@pauleye1579]

Amen to all of the above!

[@Suldog29]

The first reaction when Thijs sings is almost always the same - eyes widen, then jaw drops, then big smiles and laughter. The performance brings JOY to almost everyone who hears it. It is absolutely magical. A mega-talented band. This is awesomely manic, but they were equally adept at classical stylings, jazz, etc. Enjoyed this a lot. Thanks for the great analysis!

[@steveclark8962]

Watching you is an absolute joy. Please change nothing.

[@NesconProductions]

Anyone who can pull off three octaves in a verse has something special going on.. 😘! The fact Thijs van Leer was not only singing, yodeling, whistling, while playing a keyboard & flute and while the songs tempo was greatly sped up, simply an incredible performance by all involved..

[@DimeCrisBag]

This must be the most joyous video I’ve ever seen, but not just because of the music, the analysis and reaction were just marvelous too. Thank you!

[@drskull9]

you yelling at him to breath made my morning.

[@mikerant4135]

Saw them do this live back in the very early 70's in a tiny club (1925 Club Coventry). This version was 'accelerated' because they told them that they only had a three minute slot for a track that normally ran into 5 or 6 at least. Their tracks 'Sylvia' and 'Hocus Pocus' both topped the charts in the UK and they were one of the first 'underground' (progressive) bands to break the commercial embargo on freestyle rock. They were stupendous live - 'shredding' before it was a thing, and switching between genres, rock, folk, and even midieval (Elspeth of Nottingham) with ease. Great reaction to a great and irreverant band.

[@dougmphilly]

love elspeth!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2msY5-wpMqVq6csi=jAl6_EYOEclXSg9O

[@bobpeters2701]

I have never enjoyed a review so much. Thank you ❤

[@andrewpetik2034]

14:58 '.....what a spectacular individual....' Exactly what I thought the first time I saw Thijs...

[@dameonwalker8994]

I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Thijs van Leer a few years ago (he was in Manchester's Woodwind Workshop for an emergency on-the-road flute repair). Not only an amazing vocalist, flautist and player of keyboards but I can confirm he is a true gent. Focus are/were all virtuosos, one of the truly great bands of their time and sadly overlooked by too many people.

[@vasotoe]

Crazy stuff!! Amazing analysis and of course your ability to replicate all of this so flawlessly is impressive! Bar has been raised! Thank you Lolli!

[@geesaladino]

I am now convinced that there is nothing you cant do. Yodeling, fluting, reacting, and making me laugh. I think i love you!❤

[@rockriverash3120]

Hi Lolli! 🙏 I love your facial expressions/reactions 🙂 I've never seen this "live" version before, only heard the studio version and this is very different...it's awesome! You're smile is gorgeous! You have a beautiful voice too and I love when you sing! Thanks for another super cool video!🙏❤️

[@osovagabundo1]

The Midnight Special was known for it's live band appearances and no lip syncing. Most of their shows are on KZbin with some great performances by legends early in their careers

[@taylortyler1867]

I loved the big smile😃 that broke out on your face, when you saw the flute. "He's go a bloo y flu e on there!"

[@marcarsenault7585]

I love how when he starts whistling, we can tell your mind went to 'get the f out of here'.

[@TheKurtHamilton]

This is the first time you have popped up in my feed, and how lucky I am to see it. My dad absolutely loved Jan Akkerman (the Focus guitarist), and growing up playing guitar I also learned to love Focus and their - quite frankly - insane approach to making music. Here I am many years later with my dad no longer around and watching you fall in love with this great band brought back many great memories. I will be sure to follow your channel from now. Thank you!

[@pinkstarphoenix6182]

I am so happy that you chose this video rather than the shorter one that most reactors have used! The difference is the sequence where he keeps repeating the doyedo over and over is cut out of the other. All the more to love. I have loved this for decades. You so clearly appreciated the singer, group and song. Thank you so much!❤❤❤

[@alexhicks5889]

This deserves millions of views! Best thing I've seen in years... you two are soul mates!

[@gwydion56]

What a delightful reaction to an amazing live performance. The Midnight Special was something I watched every week back then, and I still remember this episode! Focus played the song at double speed in order to fit the entire song into their allotted time. It was a unique performance, and you should hear the regular version as well. But this one was awesome, and your reaction made it ten times better!

[@TheAtheistWarrior]

Old guy here. Thanks for analyzing this. I'd forgotten about Focus. But I saw your video pop up and thought "Oh yeah, she's about to be amazed." However, I hadn't planned on someone schooling me on what exactly is happening in the song Hocus Pocus. I now have a new appreciation for Thijs van Leer's unmatched talent. Terrific analyzation. The song is so so much more complex than I originally remembered. I am thrilled that the music I grew up on was indeed something very special, and not 'That's just god damn noise so turn it off!!' as our parents thought it was.

[@Meine.Postma]

You're really a natural how fast you pick music / singing styles up

[@jaaph5155]

Yes, finally a review on this "song" that cuts wood. Most reactions are about what drugs they had taken, or the sheer madness of the musicians. I don't think they'd taken any drugs at all. They just did something so new and exciting that the virtuosity was overlooked. Grrreat review, thanks!

[@troybee7815]

Love this! The Dutch are lunatics, and Thijs van Leer has still got his yodel (and flute) on at 75.

[@gerttjildsen5612]

I`m so glad you loved this, i`m an old muso and this has made me smile for decades! Your reaction as a musician was wonderful, it`s totaly nuts but brilliant and you got everything in one go. You are very talented. Please do more! Love from Brum. x

[@jamesayers5182]

Finally, a voice coach who isn't afraid of using the F*** word in appreciation of great talent. I have been a fan of Focus since I heard 'House of the king' by them. I quite understand totally losing yourself in 'Hocus Pocus', it is one of those tunes that picks you up, turns you inside out and puts you back together again, and this is just from the vocals that come from Thijs van Leer. This is truly the one voice reacts video that will stay with me for all time.

[@DaedalusRaistlin]

Been on a binge watching live performances of this song and the algorithm suggested your video...loved it. Your editing is more on point than other vocal coaches I watch, and the experience far better for it. Thanks for the analysis, very enjoyable. Seeing your reaction to the flute section was awesome.

[@glennroach5792]

Hello from across the pond! That is, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The song is really not supposed to be that fast. Here's the explanation. The album version is 6:42. This recording was done on the Midnight Special U.S. T.V. show. They were told they had a limited amount of time to play but they insisted on doing the whole song. The network said no and they decided among themselves that they were going to go the whole song so they agreed to speed it up. I like both versions!!

[@PaulHavrylak]

May I say the fairy voice mother is absolutely gorgeous

[@RickINFJ]

The musicianship in this band was off the charts. The guitarist was revered as the best in the world at one point. 😂 Your reaction had me rolling! 🤣 The whistling shook you so bad. I haven't laughed this hard in too long. This was a musical milestone. Brilliant and hilarious reaction Lolli. 🤘🔥🤘

[@Jeroen_K]

I've known this song for a long time, saw some reactions on it, but on yours I learned a few things! Thanks! Offcourse the vocals are the 'focus' of this channel, but this is 1973 and Jan Akkerman, the guitarist is shredding harder than 99% of 80s hair metal. Doesn't get enough credit, that man.

[@MoldyOldy]

Well, he did get some love from Frank Zappa: 'There are two guitar gods in this world, and the other one is named 'Jan Akkerman'. Comma :)

[@buzzbomb67]

Im not even sure how many times Ive watched this, but it cracks me up every time. Your reactions to this song are absolute gold… and platinum… and emeralds and rubies and sapphires and diamonds etc etc blah blah blah. As extraordinary as this performance is, so is your reaction to it. Amazingness. :)

[@leroyal2759]

Beyond amazing, this is your very best reaction so far!!! You are awesome

[@christopheryochum3602]

I know you talk about the voice, but it was refreshing to me when you noticed Jan Akkerman flying in and out of numerous jazz and modal scales, as he gave a clinic on guitar playing. By the way, just having discovered you tonight, I'm going to force myself to stop watching your videos tonight so I can get some sleep, but it's an effort, as your knowledge and delivery of it are very captivating. Very enjoyable. :)

[@LJSpit]

You are the one of best vocal analysis presenter on KZbin. Bravo! You can talk the talk and walk the walk.

[@allenjones7722]

"AH HELL YEAH!" Best response to this tune.

[@BobMinelli]

Always and am so GRATEFUL that Hocus Pocus FOCUS came into my consciousness when i was 6 years of age, and right on up to this very day. Thank you "internet", for allowing us ALL to SEE and feel this amazing music! (They really gel around the 2nd/3rd go-thru) 🌱✌ PS: Bravo...BRAVISSIMO! Excellent start to finish.

[@suzzicat]

This is my favourite of your reactions so far. Thank you, lovely! xx

[@scottrbloom]

As I'm sure others will point out, they were very popular in most of Europe and wanted to make some inroads into the American market, but couldn't write in English, so van Leer wrote this so he didn't have to worry about the language gap. As you can see he was insanely talented and very weird. Exceptional drumming and steady bass, but Jan Akkerman was one of the great wizards of guitar and although it's hard to hear him sometimes he absolutely shreds on this song. Watch his fingers move when they cut to him. Also, the song is about seven minutes normally, but the TV producers said they couldn't run more than three and a half, so they doubled the speed rather than cut the song. An amazing performance.

[@chrisbarnes35]

Wow. That was the most entertaining reaction video ever. The song is brilliantly bonkers and jan Ackerman is off the scale. Can’t stop watching this ❤

[@RelUnrelated]

It makes me incredibly happy to see your joy at experiencing this tune! There are some other live versions that are also worth checking out, too!

[@joshsteinmetz]

"...but all underpinned, by an indestructible foundation of respect and admiration..." Those...are PERFECT words. I don't fully understand what I'm hearing, but I know it's beyond my capabilities and understanding.

[@GusFu22]

This is a brilliant reaction to an absolutely joyful performance.

[@MrBedZeppelin]

The Fairy Voice Mother and Hocus Pocus are a match made in Heaven! Lolli you are an absolute gift from the Heavens!! Well Freaking DONE!

[@zeldyrrolorin9962]

Thank you for this! A long time ago I heard this on a classic rock station and, well, bewildered was a great word choice in your analysis. I ran out and bought the CD and to this day I can just say Hocus Pocus by Focus and people who know just smile and nod.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Both guitarist Jan Akkerman and his band as well as keyboard player Thijs van Leer and drummer Pierre van der Linden in present day Focus still perform. Thijs van Leer also contributed as flute player a few years ago in one the Ayreon live shows. He recorded some semiclassical flute albums (Introspection) in the seventies.

[@peteriscelotajs5181]

A sublime reaction! It is a pure pleasure to watch youngsters listening to the songs of my youth, understanding them, and even explaining them to me! And they can sing! I savored every moment of your video, thank you!

[@MyKetogenicLife]

"BLIMEY!!" You are so freaking likable. Subscribed.

[@rogerwhitacre8247]

Just when I thought I couldn't enjoy your reaction videos more...... I was in hysterics! I've been listening to this song for over 50 years! I even had the original 45 rpm record when it was first released. What made you video even more enjoyable was knowing what was coming up next and anticipating your reaction. Thank you all the fun you give us!!

[@EightPieceBox]

This may be the greatest thumbnail on KZbin.

[@wimreynders4856]

Legendary song from a legendary band and what an incredibly fine and funny reaction to it! I'm in awe ...

[@laurienewman6826]

They are still going strong...my friend in London goes to see them regularly.

[@Torgo63]

just stumbled onto your channel.. . I really like reaction videos from talented professionals,... You exceeded all expectations.... Yodelling, and playing the Flute.... Thank you, I really enjoyed watching this video

[@jonsey156]

Wow !! - What a great reaction , almost as entertaining as that great band - always loved Focus and Thijs was amazing here !! - subbed !

[@richardtaylor6187]

Just found you, Fairy Voice Mother! Ohhh, to fly up to the stars with you one day, listening to Focus, Tull, Boston, et al. Great, great review of this number - the best I've ever seen!

[@BrendonChase_2015]

The whole band was on fire! And on a tv time schedule that gave them way less than the song needed, so they sped it up a bit ;) Thijs van Leer is still going strong btw. So if you're one for the flute and stellar vocals, I recommend AYREON. Here's a fairly recent performance with Thijs on flute: "Ayreon - Amazing Flight (Electric Castle Live And Other Tales)". Cheers from Amsterdam!