Focus Biography - Thijs Van Leer
THIJS VAN LEER: Organ, flute, vocals
¨ Born: Amsterdam, March 31, 1948.
¨ Relatives: Father:
Ed Van Leer, Brother: Maarten Ophiël Van Leer
(born 1960)
¨ Educated: Hilversum Grammar School and Amsterdam University, where he studied History of Art.
¨ Musical Training: Studied flute and composition at Amsterdam Conservatorium. Guidance on flute from his father, a classical flautist. Awared degree on flute at Geneva Conservatoire, private piano lessons, Orchestral and arranging tuition from Dutch freelance arranger/composer/conductor Rogier van Otterloo. Organ lessons from Dutch classical organist/conductor Anthon van der Horst, Led his own jazz group on piano during his schooldays.
¨ Carrer: Close-harmony singing and playing flute with the Ramses Shaffy cabaret group. Formed a trio to back other artists and perform solo, playing compositions of their own and by Traffic and Canadian group, the Collectors.
¨ Musical Influences: Steve Winwood and Traffic, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.
¨ Favourite Composers: Bartok, Bach.
¨ Favourite Musicians: Keith Jarret, Chick Corea, Miles Davis and his colleagues in FOCUS.
¨ Favourite Singer: Van Morrison.
¨ Favourite Single: "Along Came Betty", Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
¨ Most Influential LP: "Kind of Blues", Miles Davis.
¨ Instruments: Hofinger flute in C; Julliot piccolo in C; Armstrong B-flat flute; Grassi alto flute in G; Fender Rhodes electric piano; Fender JBL amplifier, one Fender JBL speaker cabinet; Hammond L-100 with three Leslie Tone cabinets, Can also play recorders and church organ.