Elly Roberts reviews
River Records
- January 2008
- Rating: 10/10
With a little help from his famous friends, Frank Baijens cuts the mustard – and a debut CD.
So, when Paul McCartney is reported to have said “nice tunes”, you simplyhave to take notice.
When Frank gave Macca the basic cuts on CD at the Virgin Mega Store in London onNovember 22, 2006, he was later sent a FAX from a representative of Sir Pauls,claiming the great musician had heard the basic tunes, and liked them.
“Dream of dreams” can come true, even if they take much longer thanyoud expect.
This is exactly whats happened to Dutchman Frank Baijens as he finally realisesa long-standing ambition to put his undisputed talents on disc. According toFrank, it all goes back to the halcyon days of pop: “it was the pop music ofthe sixties that definitely shaped my passion for music.” It doesnt stop there though.
The long overdue result is the excellent Odd Man Out which is setto be one of THE albums of 2008. Using a host of internationally recognisedmusicians including compatriot Jan Akkerman (ex-Focus) and Brit Bob Weston (ex-Fleetwood Mac)we get an album giving a strong nod to his childhood idols The Beatles, Maccaand others. The “nice tunes” tag is an over simplification of whatsreally going on here, and as flattering as it is, it doesnt do justice to it.
His keen observational skills combined with personal matters make this a verypotent album. Truth is, theres a lot of stylish and sophisticated music happeninghere. We get solid pop ballads juxtaposed with jazzy outings, a la Steely Dan.Where The Heart Belongs, an undeniable nod to Macca (especially the vocalsby Eric van Dijsseldonk who does most of the vocals), opens this box of delights,though the album isnt a Beatles tribute per se.A similar later Macca template runs through Welcome To My Life, a personalsong about escaping the rat race to Tobago.
Theres a dramatic shift of style and singer (Jo de Roeck) on Jakes Own Personal Demon.Adopting a loungy urban Jazz style executed by the likes of Steely Dan. Despiteoozing Californian warmth, it tells the tale of a boy who leads two lives, showing adarker side to his personality. Then comes a masterful instrumental Call For C.B.A. This jaunty tune is dedicated to one of his heroes ChetAtkins.
Floating In His Mothers Palm reprises Macca once again. This ballad isone Franks favourites as it reveals the sad tale of a boy whos the black sheepof the family. Witnessing a friend who encountered a control freak partner,it gave rise to Words To Live By “She laid her hands on everything /He even lost his toys / How could she be so cruel to him / For he was such a lovely boy.” – This exquisite jazzy ditty is highlighted by somevirtuoso trumpet from Eric Vloeimans.
The Void is a deeply emotive song, introduced by sublime piano-work, recountsthe tragic murder of a child near Rotterdam: this menacing song brings home thereality of psychopaths on the loose. Theres also a blistering bluesy guitar solothat adds drama to the piece.
Inspired by a Steve Martin flick, Home Agains almost jazzy/music halltouch relates the funny side of domesticity for the typically married man seekingto escape, temporarily. Another instrumental On Your Bike – shows theplayful side of Franks versatility, dipping into Kurt Weills theatrical territory,then a switch of code for the lush Song For Greg that tells the sad storyof Ernest Hemmingways eldest son.
For Back To My Childhood Years, his most personal song, Frank reminisces abouttime spent with his beloved mother, being the youngest of three children, herelates his fond memories with great sensitivity and empathy, given added melancholyby some divine splashes of pedal steel. Lovers torn apart decide the ownershipof their pet dog, Max.
The man is tricked by his ex, with Max relegated to a animal shelter, but iseventually re-united with, “…a hug to express / a lifelong devotion to him”
All the songs are self-penned, but so confident is Frank that hes happy tolet a rotation of lead singers to deliver the lyrics and even opts out on somesongs, which is a brave move.
Holland has a major songwriting talent. Embrace him.
What the musicians say:
- Sir Paul McCartney “Nice tunes.”
- Bob Weston “My instant impression was that I was really taken by thisalbum. Its very emotional showing great depth. Frank has put a lot of soulinto it and has achieved a tremendous amount of quality and all from the heart.
Odd Man Out is a beautiful piece of work. Theres a wide spectrum of work: onefor everybody, and Frank should be proud of it.”
- Jan Akkerman “I got involved with Odd Man Out because Frank called me andasked me if Id play guitar on a tribute to his youth. He sent me some tracksto choose so I played on Out Of Breath. The album is very pleasant and influencedby The Beatles, 60s and 70s with a broad range of music.”
File under: Another Dutch master.
Weblink:frankbaijens.nl
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Where The Heart Belongs
2. Welcome To My Life
3. Jakes Own Personal Demon
4. Call For C.B.A.
5. Floating In His Mothers Palm
6. Words To Live By
7. The Void
8. Home Again
9. On Your Bike!
10. Song For Greg
11. Out Of Breath
12. Confessions Of An Artichoke
13. Back To My Childhood Years
14. Mondays With Max
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.