BACK                                                                                     Notes

 

 

 

Ta Panta Rhei

 

I'd like to think that the helix or snail is the true hero in this world. They move around on shores and through woods  as easy on the ground as on the bottom of the sea. They also climb razorblades without hurting themselves and they are the only type of animal that could survive nuclear disasters. Okay, too much salt is a problem, but that's a problem for every living creature. So why does most people disgust them ? Is it just the trace they leave when they pass our ways ? We all leave traces, don't we ? It's the proof that we're alive.

 

I was born in 1957 and live on the coast in the Netherlands, Europe with my wife and guitars. So, what can I say about my musical background ? Well, in his younger days my father played guitars. He wrote his own songs and the Dutch lyrics were great. So, slowly, I took an interest in the instrument and started playing guitar at the age of 19.

 

In music I am kind of a loner but  I have played in acoustic bands: a main one being Desert (1980 - 1984 with John Mittendorf, Marjolein van der Hoeff and later Annelies de Jong). Another band was SB-4 (1989-1991): three singer-songwriters (R. Danny Lodder, Jose Beentjes and me). My latest band was ELSA (2001-2009 - Elsa Pruis, Arno Koel, R. Danny Lodder and later Chantal van Keulen), which was the most successful and professional band of all.

 

A second thing I'd like to think is that I'm a fingerstyle-guitarist. I take a special interest in the 12-string guitar. Most guitarists avoid a 12--string. They find it heavy to play. I've owned many 12-string guitars, brands like Guild and Furch, but now I mostly play on Taylors.

 

I always write my own music and lyrics and started doing that because of my lack of skills to play songs that other people wrote. It also has another advantage: In live performances I could easily forget notes or words from songs: nobody will notice. Actually, my main problem is remembering lyrics (even (more) the ones I wrote myself). Most of my lyrics I wrote are completely subdued by the melodies I write. Maybe writing is not the word. Melodies just come and go. 

 

We all have to move on, so always look forward. But when it has rained, look down sometimes and try not to step on the little heroes. Thanks.

 

Rob

 

 

Desert (1980 -1984)