Ad Vanderveen - One on One

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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Although he has yet to establish himself in Britain, Ad Vanderveen is one of the most successful singer-songwriters in Europe of the last decade. Over several groups he has built up a body of work that has drawn comparisons with Neil Young and all the usual reference points. This import release marks his move into the British and American markets, and serves as an excellent introduction to his music. A solo live show, recorded in the Netherlands, 'One on One' the outcome of Ad’s desire to strip his music down and present it as it was originally written, with guitar, vocals and harmonica. Ad himself describes this show in Amen, one of his favourite places to play as “pure and honest in all his strengths and weaknesses”. Unfortunately, “One on One” does have a number of weaknesses. Firstly, whilst I’m sure that the show created an intimate atmosphere, it isn’t recreated by the recording. Although the audience are heard between songs, the actual music sounds as if it may have been recorded in a studio. Considering that this is a live album, the listener doesn’t expect perfect quality but wants a feeling of the Ad Vanderveen live experience, and that isn’t really reflected. Also, it is perhaps a little too long at fifteen tracks as there isn’t really enough variation. Making it through this album in a single sitting when you aren’t that familiar with the music is a bit of a struggle. . Taken in smaller doses the album is, however, rewarding, because Vanderveen is a gifted songwriter and performer. He does sound remarkably similar to Neil Young at times, inevitable without backing instruments, but the Dutch twang in his accent gives the vocals a nice edge. Lyrically, this maybe isn’t hugely original, as titles such as “Blues So Bad”, “Calm Before The Storm” and “Water Under The Bridge” testify to, but because Vanderveen’s performance is so honest and powerful it doesn’t matter one bit. Vanderveen is a strong believer in the craft of songwriting, and there are enough surprises to keep it interesting within a simple setting. As a greatest hits style set, it doesn’t really have any weaker moments, and is basically a showcase. In fact, it’s perfect to try and launch a career in a new country. “One On One” is best appreciated in an intimate setting, where you can concentrate fully on the music since it really doesn’t work as background music. You just lose interest. Whilst, fully appreciating this record takes a bit of effort, it is well worth it in the end. I hope to hear some studio releases from Ad in Britain in the near future, and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys music from the likes of Neil Young or Doug Hoekstra. All these songs sound like they could have been written in any era of popular music.

Track Listing:-

1 Place where Time Stood Still
2 Emigrant Family
3 Blues so Bad
4 Calm Before the Storm
5 Living for Today
6 Continuing Stories
7 Be your Own Best Friend
8 Looking on Down the Road
9 Old Man (Live On)
10 First Feeling
11 Water Under the Bridge
12 Leave Each Other Room
13 14 Turns to 41
14 Stuff that Works
15 Train (On a Dead End Track)

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