Review - Van Gogh by van Eck

The famous Dutch TV-host Ivo Niehe dedicated half an hour of scarce broadcast time to Diederick van Eck, a special Dutchman who wanted to make music with the paintings of Van Gogh. A hazardous project, because as Van Eck says it best himself; ‘Van Gogh is Holland’s national treasure’.

However, in the interview became clear that van Eck wanted to make something really special of his devotion to Van Gogh. Has Van Eck sung earlier? Yes, and no. Not embodied by Van Gogh. Therefore, it’s a unique concept, with a unique singer. Fortunately for Van Eck the principles still apply in America; live the impossible dream…

Van Eck brought it all together and started the battle. Something he could probably not accomplish, nor succeed, in the Netherlands. Luckily Americans love special and inspiring people. Thank God for that!

In the booklet you find quotes on van Gogh: ‘I cannot help it that my pictures do not sell. Nevertheless the time will come when people will see that they are worth more than the price of the paint…’ Hopefully this does not count for Van Eck. According to the CD it doesn’t, because his ‘Musical Journey’ has become a masterpiece of itself.

12 ‘other’ masterpieces of Van Gogh have been selected for inspiration. Varying from the self-portrait, the sunflowers to the potato-eaters. Each track tries to capture the nature and the essence of the painting. And that succeeds marvelously well! As you listen, the painting unfolds itself to your eyes. Thereby must be said that Van Eck is a storyteller. 

With regard to his music and intonations, he sounds something like Sting. The Dutchman has a very pleasant voice: no withy washy. He let’s the music play for itself. A breathtaking feeling in today’s music world, there where it all has to be either fast or ‘horny’. Or as Van Eck sings it himself: ‘In this fast-moving, slow-aching, life giving, heart-breaking, wonderful and terrible world’.

Entirely impregnated with this artwork concept is the CD packaging. It’s not just a CD case; it’s a whole book of art! All paintings are represented with accompanying text and lyrics. Real spectacular songs are: ‘Self-Portrait’, ‘Sien With Cigar Sitting On The Floor Near Stove’, ‘The Bridge In The Rain’ and ‘Wheatfield With Crows’. Each track has its own sound and emotion. You don’t find any bad tracks on this album. It’s the ideal music for a laidback evening on the couch, with a delicious glass of wine of course.

For who is this album intended? In any case for each Art Lover, but also for those who like story telling music and universal music. The tracks are a mix of pop and folk and are, with the superb melodies, very pleasant to listen to. We say buy this CD. See for yourself. In the meantime, we at muziekrecensies.nl, dream away with this fantastic CD.