Focus is a one of a kind album. The strings do not sound as if they were added as a second thought. Their contribution is integral to the music that is "Focus". The composer, Eddie Sauter, who arranged for Betty Goodman as well as Getz, has successfully united both strings and horn into one joyous celebration of sound.
The sax and strings interact in a "call and response" which is why this music is unique among the "Third Stream jazz recordings. While Charlie Parker and his album "Charlie Parker With Strings" set a precedent, Gatz and Eddie Sauter's work abundantly fulfilled the third stream vision.