Viggo Presents His Woman...And that would be me.

Hiya fans,

This is a combined effort from both me, Viggo and Song, his woman.

She likes to sing; I like to chill. We both like me ...a lot!
And now we like Bowie as well. Well, she does...I'm still undecided most of the time.

Anyway, we've made a video.
Here is the link:

Viggo presents his woman.

Hope you'll like it. It is caterwauling at its best, I think!

Happy 2017 to you! Any life-changing resolutions? Yup!

Good afternoon to you, where ever you are.
I hope this afternoon finds you well, and that you experience the same wintry sunshine that I am enjoying. Mind you, our habitual wetlands clouds are moving in - I have taken my ramble just in time!

So: let me tell you about my life-changing New Year's resolutions. There are two!

1st. 
I have stopped eating meat and poultry as from Dec. 25th.
Now, don't be disappointed! This is a HUGE thing for me, as I adore(d) poultry especially, but was partial to a nice bit of beef as well.
Why? Why now? Why this late in my life?

Well, I have been hesitating about it since July, because I experience a lot of stomach pains in the night and they keep me up. So naturally I looked at my diet first (before jumping to terrifying conclusions - these only assail me at night). And how do you act when you are a fully-fledged bookophile? You read up on it. 
Thus I banned wine, and this helped - some. Mind you, I happily switched to beer. I banned potatoes and bread for 6 months - this didn't make a blind bit of difference, so I've returned to eating them. I tried eating less meat and more veggies - no difference whatsoever. I tried eating only fruit in the morning - and got very grumpy about it, craving something more solid. I banned chocolate voor 99%. No difference.
A little further research said meat sours the stomach. And souring is just what I do not need. So...decisions decisions.

And then my old dog died from shock following intestinal bleeding on Dec. 22nd and I watched the vet give her his all by mouth-to-mouth and heart massage, to no avail. And that made me think. Why on earth go to these lengths trying to save a beloved smelly old mutt from Istanbul, and then slap a bloody slab of meat in the pan afterwards?
I ate the garlic chicken I had prepared for our Christmas meal, but it tasted strange to me, and that was it.

Sort-of-Veggie, I am now. My son-in-law was in shock (he exists on meat and beer) - but since I love him to bits, I promised him I will not be the meat police. He was very relieved.
My son and daughter-in-law applauded me; she's a vegan and has turned him into a vegetarian. My daughter was quietly in awe and supports me.
Plain sailing, eh?
I had my first meal out last night and was very pleasantly surprised by the goats cheese package with spinach, mushroom risotto and asparagus. Watched my son-in-law inhale his hamburger and didn't feel a snippet of regret!

2nd
I have stopped boozing-alone.
So what? (I heard you think that!)
But again, this is quite the decision for me. I do not have any other vices, you see. I have never smoked, I don't do drugs, I do not covet other people's husbands, I don't steal, I don't lie, I'm never late, I pay my taxes with a bleeding heart, in fact drinking alcohol is the only pastime I could try to call risky business. And I do love my beer and whisky.
But.
I noticed myself going from one beer on coming home from work, to two, to three. My waistline noticed as well...
In order to have at least some fun in my life, and because I am a musician and musicians drink beer, I allow myself to drink whilst being in the company of others. But I always have to drive, and our laws prohibit me from having more than 1 beer when driving. Sorted! 
Think of all the money I will save (hm?). I will put that towards a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.

And there you are. Now, you either thought this boring; so sorry when you did. Or you liked it; good. Or you want to tell me about your resolutions; feel free.
I will share my veggie recipes on my collections page.
Oh.. and thank you for being here! You are now in the illustrious company of more than 53,000 people! They can't all be wrong.
To show my appreciation, I have a link for you to the latest YouTube upload of my music.
Garage Band Blues.

To FB Or Not To FB?

Hey there.
Some years ago I (one of the first generation FB users) quit FB, after getting very tired of the trolls and slanging matches and look-at-me-what-a-wonderful-life-I-lead photos and unsolicited and very unwanted tags.

BUT.

There's a huge but. A bit like that white elephant in the room. Remember? You agree not to see it and yet it's there larger than life and knocking your Gran's treasured Hummels to the floor?
I've found that in this day and age, there is no getting round being on this medium. Not only do I miss 99% of the birthdays around me (have bought a calendar but that doesn't work as well), but I miss out on people getting together as well, which is a bother.

What clinched it for me though, was the fact that a music collective that I really really really do want to become a member of, only communicates through Facebook.
Right.
Long story short (I did sleep on it!), I have uploaded a profile. Strictly for music communications purposes (with one exception: I do like stuff on my kid's pages. Heck, I can do that, can't I?)

So. If you see Song Smith's guitar floating past your timeline, you'll know it's me. Stars passing in the night, sort of.
Have a lovely day! 

UPDATE Jan. 8th, 2017.

Happy to be able to say that, so far, I haven't regretted it.

I have joined that music collective, and quite a few others as well, so that's wonderful. 

And although yes, (deep deep sigh), I do get invites for Candy Crush and assorted lame stuff (sorry if you are a CC addict), I have not been accosted that much by people screaming their heads off about things. The occasional Trump thing comes along, but I quickly avert my head and then that's sorted.

So, all in all, I am not disappointed.

Matt Steady - My Plug

Good morning over there, where ever you are.
A couple of weeks ago one of the bloggers I follow, Tim Clark, pointed out an English singer-songwriter, and curious biddy that I am, I looked him up.
And consequently did something I have never done before - I signed up for an album, Matt's second album, that hasn't even been made yet.

I know, I know, an album gets produced, keep your socks on.

After listening to Tim's tip "The Roamer" on YouTube and liking it, I searched out Steady's  website, and was joyed to find many samples of his songs there, so I could have a leisurely listen. And I liked what I heard! So much so, that I left a comment (I am one of those commenters, can't help myself). Much to my surprise, he answered.
So I listened to some more of his music, and found myself pledging to his new album "Feels Like Coming Home".
Never done such a thing before, I need to be careful with my money.
But what a great way to get to know a new musician! Look up PledgeMusic if you are interested - it is a wonderful concept. The link to PledgeMusic.

Right: Matt Steady! This is the gorgeous piece of music that hooked me. I have very thoughtfully provided a link for you.
Zakaras Lament
But he does a great cover as well. Just listen to this Johnny Cash cover - cover ;-)
Hurt
71 Views, it said just now. Guys and Girls, this man deserves at least three 000s behind that number within a week!

Thankfully his pledges have reached the 100% mark; meaning that the new album will be actually recorded and shipped to his followers.
And he is so approachable...We, his pledgers so to speak, have had a say in the album cover. Love that sort of thing! Refreshing to see a guy who doesn't think he's a star after 2 YouTube uploads.
So. Do you need more encouragement?
Visit his website and listen to the many songs up there.
www.mattsteady.com
As simple as that. 
Enjoy yourselves!

Music For Semi-Insomniacs

For a laugh, but rather seriously meant anyway, I took up fellow blogger (this is her link) Susan Joy Clark's challenge to write my own "music for when you simply cannot seem to drop off" list.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I cannot shut up those damned chattering monkeys in my head for long enough to be able to fall asleep. I know from long experience that getting up is counter productive, so I stay in bed and toss and turn and grit my teeth (this has cost me four molars...). Long suffering as I am, I've found that putting on my headphones (I'd prefer none, but I have paper thin walls and a daughter sleeping in the next bedroom) with soothing music will usually do the trick before I get halfway through a song or ten.
And sometimes not...But then at least I have listened to great music. Sigh.

Right, here we go, not in any particular order, preference, genre or theme. Oh, the songs are almost all by female singers. So...If you are a misogynist, you'd better skip this list. If you are a woman who hates women, I fear there's no hope for you, dear.

#1; from The USA.
I discovered this trio some years back, and use this song (karaoke) to warm up my vocal cords before singing. They used to be massive in the USA until some controversy. I still think they are massive myself.
The Dixie Chicks:  Lullaby

#2; again from The USA. Oh, soooo1960s! But a beautiful song.
Jefferson Airplane:Comin' Back To Me

#3; from The USA. This woman has written so many great songs! I hope someone somewhere will write her a song as sweet as this one.
Stevie Nicks: Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?

#4; from Ireland. Lisa always makes me smile. She uploads quirky musical videos, check her out! I have blogged about her, so look up the post if you like.
Lisa Hannigan: O Sleep

#5; from England. Mama are Zoe Young and Sarah McQuaid, and unfortunately their co-operation stopped after only one album. They both feature in the video. I love that album (Crow, Coyote, Buffalo) and think it is such a waste that they've stopped making music together.
Mama: Sunshine On A Rainy Day

#6; from The Netherlands. My favourite Dutch band! Check out their videos, they've uploaded loads. This one is live (they are wonderful live!!!) and I love it. I've blogged about them several times, so look up the posts if you can.
Jodymoon: I Could Wait Forever

#7; from The Netherlands. Again a home-country singer. Marike is held in esteem by the djs, but somehow she cannot seem to break through properly. Mind you, she has a faithful following, as this live Lowlands concert video proves.
Marike Jager: Like You

#8; from Norway. And lives in Sweden now, but to me all Scandinavians are different from the rest of us Western Europeans anyway. Intriguing people, beautiful song.
Ane Brun: Worship

#9; from The USA. Her album Currency of Man (see my review elsewhere in my blog)is my most played album of 2016. This song never fails to comfort me.
Melody Gardot: Once I Was Loved

#10; from England. Kate captivated me when we were both 18 and has inspired me ever since. She stays away from the limelight, and it's years in between her projects, but whenever she does produce something new it is always worth the wait. And if this song doesn't put you to sleep, nothing will (in a good way!).
Kate Bush: Snowflake

Non-toxic Sleep aides for emergencies:
- lavender pillow spray
- camomile tea
- a purring kitten on your breast
- a stiff drink (beware though, this will help initially, but makes for troubled dreams and other assorted nasties)
- an orgasm
- dark chocolate

Well, Susan, I hope I have not let you down?
Oh, and if there's anyone out there who wants a list with (more) males on it...let me know. There's lots more of where this came from.

Sleep tight!

How Come Scandinavians Are Such Good Songwriters? (Ane Brun)

Forever a poor sleeper, I use music to help me drop off. My headphones are essentials in our house - not only do they keep me from disturbing my housemates, but they keep said living companions from disturbing me taking into account our thin wooden walls...
Searching for relaxing music has taken me to obscure places on the www I can tell you!
A couple of years ago I stumbled across a performance on Pinkpop by a Norwegian singer called Ane Brun. It intrigued me, and I looked her up on YouTube.

There's plenty material there, in all manner of forms, from official Vevo to short three-song concerts to fan-video stuff. And what struck me was that Ane is somewhat of a chameleon. Different hairstyles, different clothing style (although always eccentric - so that's a constant I suppose) but consistently good music. Not all quite to my taste, but most of it is. And she happens to attract damn good other singers/musicians.
Her full name is Ane Brunvoll and she's born in 1976 in Norway, but residing in Sweden these days. According to my trusted source Wikipedia she's brought out 11 albums to date.

Ane's English is quite good, albeit sometimes quaintly grammatically weird, but that only adds to her performance. She has the Scandinavian s and a, but not so that it becomes annoying. And she has the voice of an angel. Mind you, the songs in Norwegian ring out to me, they are wonderful, even though I do not understand a word of it.
And she does a good cover as well. Use the link: Ane Brun with Halo

For my Dutch readers: Ane comes to TivoliVredenburg Utrecht on Sept. 4th.

Now, since almost all entries to the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 were written by Scandinavians, I would like to pose the following question to you:
How come Scandinavians are such good songwriters?
Could it be the isolation? The climate? The huge quantities of fish they consume? The disposition? The fact that booze is so expensive? The growing up in an IKEA room?
Help me out here!
Daring to Love (her original song)

Limbo!

Good evening to you, my fellow Bloggers and assorted world-citizens.
What do you do (rhetorical question here - but feel free to answer it when the urge strikes you) when you are in limbo whilst waiting for other people to (finally!) do their work?

You write a song about it.
Well, I did...

See that spider? That spider is fulfilling its purpose. It is doing its work, so to speak. It hangs there, gently swaying in the Autumn breeze, waiting for a juicy fly to land.
I am not like that spider. 
I am waiting, yes, waiting until I am blue in the face. But that's the only similarity.
Unfortunately I am not good at waiting, unlike the spider. My type is the pro-active type. The 'let's put our shoulders underneath it and shove that thing out of the way' type. The 'hell yes, divorce, well, let's get it out of the way as soon as possible so that we can move on' type.
The 'I want to get on with my life' type.

Pffffffft.

So. As I said. A song.
Enjoy! 
The link:  Limbo

Review: Rattle That Lock - David Gilmour.

Mr Gilmour has been an unknowing witness to my coming of age.
At 14 my first (Gilmour look-alike!) boyfriend introduced me to Pink Floyd, the smell of pot and Lapsang Souchon and an ever-lasting affinity with people who stay true to their first musical loves whilst enjoying all the latest bands.
So it won't come as a surprise to you that I awaited the latest Gilmour with growing anticipation. I am a subscriber to his YouTube channel, so I knew the album was in the making.
Boy, did he make me wait a long time! Years, years, and years. Two months ago he released a preview, which soon had 1,778,225 views and sparked great discussion between Pink Floyd fans and Gilmour fans and their opponents. Then, on September 18th, the CD/album was released.
I've heard quite a few vinyl snobs say that the only true way to listen to it is on vinyl. 
Bollocks! I enjoy my CD very much, thanks.

Is it any good, you want to know...
Ehm...
It has its merits.
(Ooooh, damn, what an awful on-the-fence-thing to say!)
I'll start again.

Is it any good, you want to know...
Well. I have listened to it approximately 30 times by now, and my initial disappointment has warped into a reluctant realization that it has wormed its way into my sub conscience. And I have caught myself humming the title song whilst on my bicycle, and in-between lessons. The four note signature intro (with immediate flashbacks to le Gard du Nord in Paris) has turned into a not uncomfortable worm-in-my-ear, I can tell you! 
There are many musical reminders of Pink Floyd; nothing strange, obviously. And I adore the old Pink Floyd, so they are easy on the ear.

But what I miss are the poignant lyrics. Mr Gilmour himself is quite content with the lyrics on the album, so he tells us in his 'the making of' video and with Polly Samson who wrote most of them, but...I am not. They meander on. Not a bite in sight. Nothing that comes even close to my all time favorite PF line: "Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way".
Perhaps I am being unfair here. And okay, 'The Girl in the Yellow Dress' is an exception. Still no memorable lines, but comfortable ones, nicely rounded off. And the jazzy music is wonderful, love it.

So...I will continue to play this album often, absolutely. Favorite track? 'Today'.
Was it worth the money? Sure. It is a well-crafted comfortable piece of music by a musician I  will respect until his (and my) dying day.
Here's the link: Rattle That Lock
Great artwork, by the way!!!

This photo has nothing to do with the above-mentioned artwork; it simply is evoked by the music. And I'm Dutch. Hence the cows...

Blood Moon over The Wetlands? Jodymoon Rules!

Good afternoon (well, it is here), my music lovers everywhere around the world.

Whilst our moon is gearing up for her Blood Moon phase later on this weekend, we here in The Wetlands have another moon worth watching. And especially worth listening to!
I have blogged about this band before, Jodymoon, but I am presently going to blog about them again.
Why?
Because they are bloody (moon) good, that's why! (pun intended)

Whilst searching out one of their songs on YouTube to link to for you, I came upon one of their own videos from a couple of years ago, and since it is in English (how convenient!) I'll link this underneath this post.
They have moved on (a bit) since then, but their music is consistently brilliant and original. The funny thing is that the people in the know (radio djs, critics) all agree that they are brilliant and original, and still they are relatively unknown in The Netherlands.
Weird, that! And a shame. All my fellow countrymen are missing out.
We are clustered in front of The Voice every Friday evening, where unknown singers are bombarded to "Stars"  overnight, when all this time we have a little diamond in our midst hardly anyone cares about.

So. I've decided that I will single-handedly do my best plug here. Just think - you will appreciate this band which is under-rated in their own country...oooooohhhh....good for you!
Do give the video a try, and if you want more they are on YouTube with some of their songs, often live. 

Introducing Jodymoon

Music Makes My World Go Round (so here's a song of mine)

My life being in upheaval and turmoil at the moment, has made me turn to the two constants in my existence: writing (right?) and music (right!).

I don't know about you, but I can map my past 57 years exactly by listing music I listened to at the time. Certain songs bring back detailed memories of certain moments, often complete with smells.

Example? My first three years were dominated by Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald. I sang "Non, je ne regrette rien" as easily as the Dutch equivalent of twinkle twinkle little star.
Another example? My pre-teens were dominated by The Beatles. First by the simple "She loves you - yeah yeah yeah" songs, and when I got a little older than 10 by the "She's so heavy" kind. That was before my massive crush on David Bowie, which lasted until my first major break up, which was accompanied by U2. The recuperation was helped by Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and Melissa Etheridge, and so it goes on and on and on.

In the thralls of my latest break up, I have turned not only to existing music (Kate Bush is still helping out, but also Jodymoon, Selah Sue, Elbow, Jake Bugg and Muse lend a hand), but to writing and singing my own.
This is an exciting but daunting task. Is it good enough to subject other people to it? Now, there's a question for you...
One simply does not know, does one?
Only one thing for it: take the plunge.

So, it is with not a little trepidation that I'll present you with the gift of a link: Not Mine

Viggo's Blog - Same Old Same Old

Hi fans, Viggo here.
It's been a while, mostly because nothing happened which was worth commenting on.
Sometimes I wish I could simply go walkabout.
I mean, my old dog Gina is on painkillers now, bloody expensive they are, and now she has stopped moaning but has started farting a lot. I don't know what is worse.

My woman tells me I should not be so harsh, as Gina suffers from arthritis, but frankly my own problems are so much more important.

That Maine Coon jumped me again last night, and I swear he has gained weight!

It took all my effort to shake him off, and my woman got upset with me because I shouted some choice swear words after him. She says I shouldn't do that in the middle of the night, as it sets off Gina's barking and upsets the neighbours.

As if I care about those neighbours.

They kept the entire neighbourhood awake again last night with their partying. The thing that annoys me most is their predictability. They start off with salsa (that's bearable, us cats like salsa as it reminds us of bumble bees in the garden), progress to disco and end up with shout-alongs of football songs and the Dutch André Hazes classic Bloed, Zweet en Tranen (blood, sweat and tears) which indeed brings tears to my eyes because they sing abominably and abysmally badly. 

My woman has spent the evening in the kitchen (the only place where it was bearable) with her GarageBand, and I must say she is singing much better. I sat on the counter with her and gave tips. Although she got pissed off when I tried to take over the recording button. She tends to have a short fuse these days.

Anyway. There's some new stuff coming up on her YouTube channel soon, mixed by me, but for now I'll leave you with an oldie by her. HeyHeyRenée

Life's So Heavy...

My macho cat Viggo has been doing the honors for the last couple of posts about little very old boring me, so I thought it prudent to tell the ones of you who are interested in person how I am getting on in the quagmire  of broken marriage vows.
Well...sinking fast, I must admit.
Thank Frith for those colleagues and friends who are doing their best to throw me a lifeline in the form of practical, philosophical and social aid!
Ever the one who is searching for that Ray of Light, the cliché silver lining, I am...
Sometimes I get a glimpse...

I always turn to music. The one constant in my life. So I've looked up an oldie, but goodie.
There's a link: The Beatles
Do not make the (understandable) mistake of thinking that it's about departed hubby, 'cause it isn't!
But I love it. Love it. Love it. Viggo lets it be known that he still isn't that impressed.

Viggo's Blog - The Wednesday Evening Blues

A link to Together - by Selah Sue

Hi fans, Viggo here.
Since the school year has started in The Wetlands, and my woman is rushing around like a demented hamster to get everything in order for her new classes, I have taken it upon myself to give you an update on our situation.

You know that line from the CD by Carlos Santana, where he has all those friends contributing? No, of course you don't, sorry. So. Anyway, there's this guy singing about pain, and he says (and I quote) "Pain never makes me cry, but happiness does".
I'd like to paraphrase this and turn it into: pain never makes her cry, but anger does.
Still. It's extremely fruitful in one aspect, and that's the writing angle. She's turning out the blues like a maniac.
Now, it's a public secret that people who are into music are avid listeners to other people's music (what a strange mechanism that is - as if I would go and watch that poxy Maine Coon when he's trying to catch a mole. I'd rather catch it myself. I'm better at it than him anyway!)
And my woman is listening to all sorts of stuff, mostly blues, but also Dutch artists like Jodymoon and Marike Jager. And that Belgian cutie called Selah Sue.

I've provided a link on top, for your perusal.
Meanwhile, as there's a huge thunderstorm blowing in, I'm going to love you and leave you. My belly is rumbling almost as hard as that thunder and lightning.
Cheerio!

Viggo's Blog - My Woman Suffers From Rock Star Delusions!

Hi fans, Viggo here.

See this cap? It's Daniël's.

Who the heck is Daniël, you may wonder? Well, he is the boyfriend of the darling daughter of my woman. So far so good. I like his caps, they smell good, as does he.

BUT.

Said Daniël has done a terrible thing! He's convinced my woman, who is approaching her dotage as far as I'm concerned, that she can still be a rock star.

Honestly!

I've tried everything to dissuade her. I bite her when she but looks at that red bass she has bought last week. I go and sit on her, so she can't play. I cry. I wail. I howl. I ram my nails into her legs. Nothing works!

Yesterday they wrote a song together. I ask you! He's done the guitar, she's written the lyrics and she sings them, and today they've spent hours trying to find an appropriate drum- and bass-line for the monstrosity.

I pity our neighbour (mind you, that woman shouts so loud into her phone that the entire hood can follow her fights with her Mum...not nice at all).

What can a cat do to get his woman to behave in a manner suitable to his status? I don't know... I think I may be getting a tad depressed now.

The Wetlands Are Mighty Mighty Wet...

Sitting on my sofa with on the one side a view of my dripping garden and on the other side the lilies I bought today, I can't help thinking once more that I was born in the wrong climate...

Although my temperament is decidedly Northern European (thoughtful, phlegmatic, slow to anger, prone to melancholia, capable of sudden bursts of wild exhilaration and a constant need for music) my actual physical body craves warmth and sunshine. And I have this Italian-Mama thing: nothing better than eating in the garden in the company of my loved ones.

So, it shall not surprise you that the prospect of another week of rain-every-day does nothing for my present mood.

As usual, I turn to music for help. And listening back to my dilettante efforts at creating my own music through GarageBand has inspired me to write a Wetlands Haiku:

beefy slinky strings

creating melancholy sounds

wetlands delta blues

Oh Frith, oh my, oh woe is me, oh where is that sun I need so desperately?

So far I haven't got down to the lyrics, but I bet you they will be something like the line above...

Anyone of you out there using GarageBand to make music? I call it 'composing for dummies'. But I love it.

Once, some 40-odd years ago, my Mum suggested I apply for music college (Conservatorium in Dutch). I was playing the guitar and making my own songs even then, but was such an introspective, shy, unconfident thing that the thought alone made me certain that they would never ever accept me.

Silly me!

I should have taken the plunge. Eyes closed, fingers crossed and try out.

But I did not. I went to work at an advertising agency instead, 16 years old, fresh out of school. As I said: silly me.

My son-in-law said to me the other day that 57 was not too old to become a rock star, bless his sweet heart.

Oh well. I feel another line coming on...

Moorcocks screaming pain into the night

or is it love? oh, what's the difference

high winds moaning wet, wet, wetlands blues.

I wish you all a lovely, warm, sunny weekend!

Dutch Quality Music from Jodymoon. Walhalla Concert.

When a band's music has been your constant companion for over two years, and you can dream every movement, every note, every tone and every breath, going to their live concert is tricky to say the least. The chance that it will be a disappointment is definitely there.

So it was with great anticipation that I travelled to Rotterdam, to visit the intimate  theatre Walhalla in the old red light district Katendrecht.
Walhalla was new to me, and I had to look for it. But as my search took me past the Fenix loods, with a new food market, I didn't mind at all. What a nice venue. And they do wonderful fresh organic potato chips.

Walhalla turned out to be tiny. As singer Digna Janssen remarked: she was almost in my lap (she said 'on my lip', which is a Dutch expression meaning the same).
It was sold out, and chilly. But the atmosphere quickly turned to pretty hot, from the enthusiasm of the public.

Jodymoon, with new addition Annelieke Marselje on violin, started with a song from their new album. They played quite a few of the new songs, but many of my old favourites as well.

And... was I disappointed? Not at all! Digna Janssen is very sure of her voice, and has the ability to make it whisper or soar at will. And Johan Smeets, accomplished guitar player that he is, oozed fun and made his solos breathtakingly moving. Add Marie-José Didderen's cello  and the violin for drama and you have a heady mix. 

It's hard to catch the feel of Jodymoon's music into words. Quality pop music comes close, but the word 'pop' is far too shallow in my opinion. This is nowhere and never close to any middle of the road pop music. But not heavy, either.
I heard a man behind me (by the way: there was a very large women content in the audience; could it be that Jodymoon appeals to women more?) remark that he was surprised that it wasn't sombre. Due to the use of a cello he had expected heavy stuff, apparently.

The concert set me alight, and I left Walhalla glowing with delight. And vowing that I would start practicing the guitar again, straight away.

What a pity that Maastricht is 3 hours driving from my hometown!

Jodymoon Has Done It Again! Another Rough Amethist of an Album.

Hiya, my Internet friends!
When you have been waiting with baited breath for a new album for over a year, and "All is Waiting" finally plops into your letterbox, the anticipation is almost too much, isn't it?
My delight couldn't have been greater when I discovered the CD came with a handwritten post it from Jodymoon (or whoever packs and sends their CDs) to enjoy it. What a lovely touch!
(Told you I am a soppy old cow)

I had to wait a couple of hours for some peace and quiet, but then, at last, I could pop it into my docking station, put on my headphones, snuggle up in bed (my favorite music listening hideaway) and listen.

(Photo found on Google)

What struck me immediately is the great variety in the songs. Although there seems to be a kind of theme this time. Houses and places feature frequently. As they have chosen to record the music in their own Woodroom Studio in Maastricht, instead of in some foreign studio, this seems to have been an (unconscious?) leading motif. And emotions feature greatly, but this is nothing new for Jodymoon.

Take, for instance track # 7, 'The donkey dance'. It became my instant favourite, simply because I am a junkie for Johan Smeets' guitar playing, but also because of the way their voices blend and the poignant humor of the lyrics.

(As an English teacher my 'ear' for English sometimes trips me up where the lyrics are concerned. Digna Janssen (responsible for the lyrics) makes original use of my professional first language. But who cares if there is the occasional grammatical roughness? It's charming.)

This album is another rough amethist from a too-little known band. The single 'The long way round'  gets played on the radio this time, but I do not envisage an explosion of media interest in their fifth CD either, and that is such a shame! I suppose the reason is that Jodymoon is just not commercial enough.

On the other hand, perhaps they themselves aren't remotely interested in commercialism. I cannot pretend to know.

And it does give one a nice exclusivity at gatherings to be able to state that Jodymoon is simply the best Dutch duo around.

(Jody Who? Well, if you don't know who I mean...Are you sure you know anything about good music? Plug in your Nick & Simon and sweet dreams, my friend.)

The thing is, all jesting aside, I would like to urge everyone to get acquainted with this wonderful music. It speaks directly to your soul. Well, to my soul anyway!

(original photo by Perry Schrijvers)

So check out  "All is Waiting". You can find samples at their website www.jodymoon.com, but also on the Paradiso site (concert today!!! Wish I could be there) and through other concert venues. Simply Google.

I am looking forward enormously to the concert on March 15th in Walhalla Rotterdam.

And for all you international readers of Rays of Light: if there is just one Dutch band you would like to have music from in your music collection, just one, Jodymoon is a great buy.