Interesting albums from the history of folk and roots music, by Marius Roeting.
He is sometimes referred to as the Dutch Randy Newman. Not because of the physical resemblance – Newman short and stocky, De Wilde tall and lanky – but because of their humorous, sometimes ironic or satirical songs with serious undertones. But Jan de Wilde is a Flemish singer-songwriter who discovered music while completing his arts studies at the end of the sixties. He became known for songs that are melodious, catchy, touching and occasionally a bit heavier, leaning towards acoustic rock. His lyrics are literary masterpieces featuring sharp rhymes and artful language, but also covert social criticism. De Wilde recorded three albums in six years, but with time the intervals between albums grew increasingly long. In 1990, he surprised everyone with the album Hehe (meaning something like: Finally…), the title of which might be a playful reference to the musician’s laborious writing pace. This album became his biggest commercial success. A special vinyl release on the occasion of Hehe‘s 30th anniversary in 2020 sold out in no time, and a second unique reissue followed, with similar results. This success was followed by an album featuring a collaboration with a string ensemble, but it would be years before De Wilde released any new work.
Despite his almost 79 years Jan de Wilde is still in excellent musical shape. Productivity may not be the word that defines him as a musician, but his work is never lacking in quality, care and enthusiasm.
Playlist:
Jan De Wilde – Zzrrrrôôô – Philips 6451 007
1. Hier komt Jan de Wilde 1:26
Jan de Wilde – He he – EMI Belgium 7955372
2. Naakte Man (Randy Newman, vert De Wilde) 3:58
3. Hè Hè 2:16
4. De Fanfare Van Honger En Dorst (Lieven Tavenier) 5:21
5. Een Vrolijk Lentelied 2:51
6. Eerste Sneeuw (Lieven Tavenier) 4:42
7. De Verdwenen Karavaan (Lieven Tavenier) 4:57
8. Pik Het En Slik (John Prine, vert De Wilde) 3:43
9. Walter. Ballade Van Een Goudvis 5:34
10. Hier In Aaigem 5:01
11. Spoor Van Vernieling 3:29
12. Golden Retriever 3:47
13. Schapen Tellen 2:50
Jan De Wilde – Knikkerterrorist – Philips 6451 101
14. Giechel 1:36
Jan De Wilde – Pvba Koekejoe En Cie – Philips 6468 055
15. Lieve Loemoemba, Klotepa 3:17
Jan De Wilde – Dag meneer De Wilde – Warner Music Group 5054196784256
16. Here Comes The Springtime 2:02
All music and lyrics by Jan de Wilde, unless stated otherwise.
