folk

Camino Wayside black frame

Camino Wayside Press Misc.

Album Releases, Press Releases, Reviews, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Er zijn mensen die niet hoog van de toren blazen, maar die over een heel krachtige bescheidenheid beschikken.Op zijn 35e album ‘Camino Wayside’ is dat zeker ook te horen. Door zichzelf gepokt en gemazeld in het schrijven van folk-blues-americana-countryrock songs is de op 21 september 1956 in Hilversum geboren Ad Vanderveen niet blijven steken in een stramien. Hij heeft zijn stramien niet uitgehold. Hij heeft zijn stramien verdiept.
Dit album? Een zoveelste zich onderscheidende rijpe vrucht aan dezelfde boom waar de boom alleen maar mooier van wordt.
Ronald Valstar – Real roots Café, NL
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Een mooi album met prachtige, vooral akoestische, muziek, uitstekend gezongen en gemusiceerd.
Harry Radstake – Bluestown, NL
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Vanderveen bezingt meer dan ooit dat het draait om wat Nescio’s Japi ‘versterven’ noemde, want het kiezen van een bestemming dwingt je ertoe die kant ook inderdaad uit te gaan. In ‘Old Camino Road’ zingt hij dan ook hoe de eigenlijke reis er niet een is die je met je voeten maakt maar een innerlijke en in het afsluitende ‘Too Many Words’ dat woorden het zicht wegnemen op hetgeen waarom het gaat.
Paradoxaal genoeg maakt Vanderveen in deze songs in muziek en teksten zijn filosofie juist heel duidelijk. Zo betoont hij zich een middelaar tussen het leven van A naar B en het hogere.
Ruud Heyer – Kippenvel, NL
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A mature voice, he achieved authentic folk songwriting in the autumn of his life. This album, just released, perfectly frames his line as a delicate and fascinating performer. Part of the album was conceived in places of inspiration such as the Spain of Santiago de Compostela and the hills of the island of Samos where Pythagoras worked. Ad’s writing is wise and quiet, full of scents and calm singing.
Francesco Caltagirone – Buscadero, IT
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Though Dutch by birth and heritage, his music is steeped in Americana, and with nearly 40 albums to his credit, it’s clear he not only knows his way around a melody but wholly adept at sharing songs that are enticing and entrancing in equal measure. His new album, Camino Wayside, is no exception, and if anything, it finds Vanderveen more fully immersed than ever into in the roots of storied American musical tradition.
Lee Zimmerman – Goldmine, US
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Ook bij de nieuwe (36ste!!) plaat van Ad Vanderveen vraag je jezelf af: waarom is deze man niet wereldberoemd, waarom plengen geen duizenden mensen een traantje bij ‘Old Camino Road’ (‘the search is over and the work is done’), waarom smeekt Neil Young niet om een gastoptreden bij de man die diens ‘Trasher’ tot nieuw leven brengt? Waarom huiveren geen legioenen mee met de ingehouden krachten van ‘Some Kinda Blues’ en de getokkelde puzzel in de akoestische nummers, veelal met filosofische textuur? Wij weten het niet, en Ad Vanderveen ook niet.
Herman Veenhof – Nederlands Dagblad, NL
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Ad Vanderveen voldoet weer aan de verwachting in meerdere opzichten. Zijn traditionele voorjaarsrelease, een goed beluisterbaar album met de gekende ‘Vanderveen sound’ en een plaat waarbij niet zomaar wat losse nummertjes bij elkaar geveegd zijn, maar eentje die je toch weer thematisch kunt noemen. Je kunt Camino wayside geen zuiver introspectief album noemen, maar Vanderveen stelt vragen die hij (deels) zelf beantwoordt. Een existentieel plaatje.
Marius Roeting – New Folk Sounds, NL
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Op Camino Wayside toont Van der Veen wederom zijn veelzijdigheid en speelt zelf gitaar, mandoline, banjo, piano. Met het korte akoestische en haast verstillende ‘Too Many Words’ sluit Van der Veen dit album af. Camino Wayside zal niet tot opschudding leiden, waarschijnlijk geen grote hit opleveren maar het is wel een fijn luisteralbum geworden. Veel luisterplezier!
De Muziekplank, NL
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Vanderveen’s style has always stood out for a clear folk and country rock approach that draws heavily from the season of the great singer-songwriters of the Seventies, from the sounds of the West Coast, from certain auteur country, carrying in the heart the lessons of Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young.
Davide Albini – Rootshighway, IT
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We leerden Ad Vanderveen waarderen als een voortreffelijk muzikant met een verhalend repertoire dat tot ver buiten de grenzen van zijn Nederlandse heimat reikt. Of het nu door ruig rockende  gitaren ondersteund wordt of meer subtiele akoestische snaarakkoorden betreft. Vanderveen weet de luisteraar telkens te raken.
Camino Wayside, de zesendertigste episode in het oeuvre, toont andermaal de veelzijdigheid van Ad Vanderveen.
Cis van Looy – Written In Music, NL
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Camino Wayside is weer een prachtig gevarieerd album, deels rustige mooie liedjes waar na de donkere dagen gelukkig alweer een heerlijk lentezonnetje doorheen schijnt. Maar ook wat meer uptempo songs zoals het Dylaneske Nothingness is All, maar hij waagt zich ook aan een heerlijke versie van Neil Young’s Thrasher met een lekkere gruizige gitaar erin. Daarmee laat hij weer zien dat Ad Vanderveen altijd weer garant staat voor een mooie mix van prachtige akoestische songs maar ook nog steeds af en toe lekker kan rocken.
Sandra Zuidema – Lucky Dice, NL
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One of Holland’s finest musical exports, Ad Vanderveen offers universal inspiration. True to  form, his new album rings once again with verve and variety. It’s long past time those unknowing come to discover what his fans and admirers have realized all along. Ad Vanderveen’s gift comes with his giving.
Lee Zimmerman – Writer/Reviewer/Scribe (Goldmine, No Depression, American Songwriter)
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Ad Vanderveen just keeps going; his productivity knows no bounds. Now there is Camino Wayside, the result of his musical journey of discovery through Greece and Spain where he laid the foundation for this new (36th?) album. And it is once again a magnificent record, because the Dutch cousin of Bob Dylan and Neil Young is not capable of making bad music. Here he is mainly the folk singer, and the wild electric guitar adventures are largely absent. Until the end, because he closes the album with a rocking version of Trasher, a song by the man to whom he is so often compared, Neil Young. A beautiful ending to a very successful record.
Klanderman Promotion, NL

Camino Wayside

Album Releases, Press Releases, Reviews, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Camino Wayside – Ad Vanderveen.

Spain and Greece were the scenes for laying the groundwork of a surprise album in summer 2024, when songwriter-singer Ad Vanderveen took a guitar, a field recorder and some microphones to accompany him on his musical adventures.

Intending to make some sonic souvenirs and writing demos, the songs flowed one into another and took place and shape just playing for fun in inspiring environments, giving these recordings something that wouldn’t happen in a studio.

As Ad tells it:

“We were asked to play in San Sebastiàn, Spain in spring ’24 and struck up a friendship with the promoters there, who then invited us to stay at their house in the summer. It was a place with one side overlooking the ocean and the other the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrim route. I had always been curious about the Camino and every day I would sit and play watching the pilgrims walk by, backpacks and all, headed for their destination. 

I was thinking about when you have a destination the search is over and the work begins, putting in the miles. Not knowing where you’re going is the hardest part of a spiritual journey. And although I don’t have that many miles to walk myself I could relate to them, only it’s a camino within that I’m on. 

I would talk to some pilgrims and walk with them a while and it transpired into a song called ‘Old Camino Road’. 
I made a recording of it in a room with nice acoustics and a scenic view. Listening back I thought it had a special feeling and sound and I decided that I should record my other new songs in there as well.

When I was finished by the end of our stay I felt that there was something special about the unity and atmosphere of this group of songs. We took it to the studio and did some dubs like harmony vocals, an old Spanish guitar, bass, percussion, electric guitar, cello, piano, and banjo.

Two more songs were added to the selection, the serene ‘Music Of The Spheres’ , written on Samos island in Greece earlier in the summer – and a gritty electric version of the Neil Young song ‘Thrasher’ . This gives the record an arc ranging from intimate acoustic to rocky electric, a contrast that’s always been with me.

The result is that I find myself with an album that happened sooner than I had time to think. The previous one ‘ Rise In Love’ was much more elaborate and is still making the rounds, but this one overtook it by surprise. 

Well, the Muse won’t wait and when it comes knocking I have to answer, that’s how I’ve always lived my life and I’m very happy to keep following that.”

Camino Wayside will be released on jan 31 2025. Stay tuned for details.

Camino Wayside black frame

Camino Wayside Ad Vanderveen – Song by song

1 Catch Lightning 

When the atmosphere is charged you can feel it. When you reach up it can come crashing down. That’s how it felt at the beginning of this record.

2 Old Camino Road

I was always curious about the Camino de Santiago in Spain and by chance ended up staying at a house situated right on it. This song came from watching the pilgrims walk by and talking to some of them.

3 Crazy Dreams

Doing what I do went against how I was brought up. I was supposed to head for the world of establishment, whatever that meant. I often felt foolish and uncertain about pursuing a professional musical life but there was a strong dream. I thought I stood a chance to live it and I ‘m grateful that I did.

4 See What Love Can Do

A social commentary as a variation on Woody Guthrie’s song. I was with some Ukrainian people who fled to my country and this is what I thought and felt.

5 Act Of Love

My dad and I were not on speaking terms when he died. He disagreed with my choices in life and had harsh words to say about it.
But when I was young he brought me a guitar from Mexico, I don’t remember ever moving it but somehow it has stayed with me until now. I picked it up the other day and remembered that as an act of love.

6 Nothingness Is All

Blowing bubbles is a great metaphor. It appears as reality while it lasts. Inside is the same as outside. There’s only a thin film that makes it look separate, until it bursts.

7 Music Of The Spheres

The great mystic Pythagoras spoke of this music that is audible in the cosmos. He was born on the island of Samos where I wanted to record this in the foothills of the mountain where he once practised it.

8 Nothing Written In Stone

Music is always in motion, it’s hard to say what the definitive version of a song might be.

9 Some Kinda Blues

This started out as a kind of trance chord progression in a bluesy vein. Words filled themselves in improvising along. 

10 Thrasher

I went to Neil Young’s news page and it was black for some time. It gave me a shock and I thought he had left his favorite planet. I wanted to pay tribute and was happy to do it while he’s alive. An electric version of this song didn’t exist as far as I knew.

11 Too Many Words

Self explanatory. Words only go so far. Fortunately there’s music.

misc.press quotes

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Press quotes US/UK/CAN

Having roots rock artists coming from all over the world is not an uncommon thing these days. The problem quite a few of these artists usually have is the deep understanding of the musical sources they are using. 

Yet, when they do reach that understanding, they can come up with some outstanding music. When they do so, it is often because they don’t stick strictly to the cannons of folk, country or rock, but mix those elements freely, adding touches of pop or their native background to the mix to come up with something truly interesting. 

That is exactly what Ad Vanderveen, native of Amsterdam, Netherlands has been doing for the last 15 years of his career.
Sure, Vanderveen takes cues from such greats as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, but obviously feels no genre restrictions when he’s making his music, drifting freely between country, folk and rock.
(Rock At Night – by Ljubinko Zivkovic)

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The beauty of Ad Vanderveen’s artistry is it never feels like he is out of his depth musically. No matter what influences he incorporates, Vanderveen is firmly at the helm. And that is the true genius of this record.
(Screen Legion, US – by Spencer Elliott)

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Folk troubadour Ad Vanderveen sings songs of the human condition with a wistful lilt and a perceptive voice. Culled from the preeminent folk influences of the 20th century, his tracks are heartfelt, vulnerable, and have an unfettered sense of sincerity and real-world exposition.

Vanderveen again proves his folk chops by writing a welcoming album that brings you to that home on the range. On this effort, he seems to have coalesced more of a signature sound relying less on the tropes of his forebears while still honouring the lineage. 
(Music-News, UK- By Jon C. Ireson)

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Superbly wrought, mirroring the exquisite aromas of Bob Dylan and Neil Young – a monumental work of art.
(Tattoo US – by Randall Radic)

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For most of this LP Vanderveen simply contents himself with majestic acoustic guitar sounds, so perspicuous in their tracking and manifestation they’re a delight to hear without any vocals whatsoever—although vocals certainly enrich them.
(Breaking and Entering, US – by Duece)

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A beautifully thought out record that pulls on the heartstrings when necessary, but overall is a warm and inviting listen. His vocals are able to portray the emotion in the lyrics with ease and because of his years of songwriting, he knows when a track needs to hold back or let loose a little. A lovely listen.
(Vinyl Chapters, US)

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With a legacy that’s easily traced back some 35 years, Ad Vanderveen has earned a reputation amongst his knowing devotees as an excellent and articulate journeyman, a man whose meditative musings find him respected on both sides of the folks/roots divide. Born in Holland but partly of Canadian heritage, his music transcends any singular tradition courtesy of his deeply melodious music, his deft instrumental interplay and a rich, resonant vocal.
(Goldmine, US – by Lee Zimmerman)

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Ad Vanderveen’s reflective musings give his songs a quiet charm that’s all but irresistible, one reason his work makes him the absolute epitome of an accomplished acoustic bard whose tools of the trade come in the form of a guitar, a melodious voice and a songs flush with heartfelt sentiment.
(No Depression, US – by Lee Zimmerman)

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Ad Vanderveen is Dutch. He lives in Amsterdam. And he sounds like a guy who has spent his life wandering around coffee shops in Madison. The accent probably comes from his Canadian parents (though I still think he sounds American, if possibly North Woods), and the music mainlines from 60s Neil Young.

These almost-acoustic pieces are enhanced by an electric lead guitar that often provides a melodic counterpoint to Vanderveen’s vocals. That, too, is a Young trademark, though Vanderveen’s playing is much more supple than the ragged wails of his hero.

These songs spin stories that are told both musically and lyrically. All of the pieces dovetail into some truly lovely and arresting climaxes. Vanderveen builds his songs with care and very little wasted motion. These well-oiled pieces satisfy immensely.

I’m always intrigued when sounds come back after spending some time overseas. In this case, Vanderveen’s take on this sound presents very few mutations. The fit with late 60s folk rock is exceptional. And while Vanderveen doesn’t experiment much with his influences, he shows a sure-handed mastery of the material. This is a work of remarkable beauty.

(Aiding and Abetting, US – by Jon Worley)

Rise In Love

Album Releases, Press Releases, Recensies NL, Reviews, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Rise In Love (P)review NL:

Net als zijn helden Neil Young en Bob Dylan, houdt ook onze Nederlandse trots Ad Vanderveen zich niet aan de algemeen geldende muziekwetten. Dat leidt ertoe dat hij inmiddels al meer dan dertig albums heeft uitgebracht. Die variëren in kwaliteit van oké tot goed tot ronduit briljant. Nu is er Rise In Love, een woordspeling op Fall In Love, en het titelnummer is een klassieker in de dop. Ook de overige acht hoopvolle liedjes mogen er zijn. Het geheel doet, qua geluid, soms denken aan de hoogtijdagen van Buffalo Springfield. Hoe dan ook, Rise In Love is een prachtplaat en een welkome aanvulling op het imposante oeuvre van de zwaar onderschatte Ad Vanderveen. (Door Frans Lomans)

Album notes ENG:

Instead of falling, let’s rise in love. 
When I heard this it stuck with me immediately and it wasn’t long before it turned into a song.
I think we say fall in love because when this happens we forget about ourselves, only the other exists. That’s what the power of love does, it makes us want to give and forget about getting.

Mostly we associate it with one particular person, but over time this power can transform and grow from a personal level into a more universal one. 
When this happens it can start encompassing all and everything, from near and dear ones to neighbors, to country, the planet, and beyond. It is a spiritual process that is individual and undoubtedly it also helps to make the world a better place.

This is like a thread running through the songs on Rise In Love, the album’s core content.
As for outer forms, it’s hard to say how it translates through the music and spheres. 
I’ve heard people say the tone is melancholic and moving. I’ve also even heard it said there is a hit-single quality to some of the songs, though I think we can keep that secret. 

Rise In Love is a colorfully orchestrated album and the basis of it is clearly rooted in folk, keeping the song with vocal and acoustic guitar or piano center stage. 

Release on April 19th on CD and streaming platforms.

Rise In Love NL:

Instead of falling, let’s rise in love. 
Deze regel kwam binnen bij singer-songwriter Ad Vanderveen en het duurde niet lang voordat het een song werd, de titelsong van een album dat gaat over liefde in vele facetten en fases.

Meestal associeren we liefde met één bepaalde persoon maar het gevoel kan ook een universelere vorm aannemen en veel meer gaan omvatten – naasten, buren, land, de planeet en misschien zelfs daarbuiten.
Volgens Vanderveen is het een intern proces van groei dat, hoewel het zeer individueel is, ook de wereld als geheel ten goede komt. Dit thema loopt door Rise In Love en komt door de songs heen terug.

Qua muziek en sfeer is het album afwisselend – er zijn stemmige ballads en langer uitgesponnen werk, en er zijn ook compacte songs die volgens ingewijden zelfs een hitsingle kwaliteit hebben.
Niet dat op zoiets overigens ingezet zal worden – er is in deze niche geen uitgebreide marketing en promotie campagne en de ophef en tam-tam die daarmee gepaard gaan passen volgens de singer-songwriter ook niet bij de inhoud. “De plaat kan het beste voor zichzelf spreken en de rest laten we over aan de natuurwetten van aantrekking – like attracts like”, aldus Vanderveen.

De muziek op Rise In Love is kleurrijk georkestreerd maar blijft dicht bij huis, geworteld in de folk traditie van stem met akoestische gitaar of piano. Zoals we gewend zijn van Ad Vanderveen staat de song centraal en de muziek dient de inhoud.

Rise In Love staat gepland voor release op 19 april 2024, met CD distributie via Coast To Coast en streaming via alle platforms. 

Rise In Love short:

New album coming April 19th 2024. 

Songs about love in many facets and phases.

Ranging from personal to more universal levels.

Colorfully orchestrated around vocal and acoustic guitar or piano in compact songs and longer pieces.

Rise In Love tracklist:

1 Rise In Love

2 Can’t Cross Over

3 Why Wonder Why

4 Good life

5 Where Does Love Belong

6 What Is It

7 One More Goodbye

8 Homesick

9 Forgiveness

10 Best for Last

All songs by Ad Vanderveen © 2024 Songsense Music

Produced by Pete Fisher and Ad Vanderveen

Ad Vanderveen: vocal, guitars, piano, harmonica, banjo, mandola

Kersten de Ligny: harmony vocal, percussion

Jan Erik Hoeve: pedal steel, harmony vocal

Rene Kaay: mellotron

Michael Kay: drums, percussion

Pete Fisher: bass

Per Hu: strings

Photography by Kiddo and Benjamin VanderVeen