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 Photo: Justin Edwards
There are presumably experts and completists amongst the bit-chomping crowd in this intimate room aloft The Powerhouse, but from overhearing conversations in line, many here are the same as me and probably you – respectful of Van Dyke Parks’ reputation and (until recently unreleased) work on the Beach Boys’ Smile record, but generally unsure of what we’re going to experience tonight. As soon as the elderly, moustachioed, deeply articulate, funny to his core VDP thanks us for his rapturous arrival, it’s clear that this is going to be a fun, fun, fun show. His immense knowledge of American music through the ages, his rapid-fire witticisms/Dad jokes and his glowing warmth that makes his insight into obscure topics completely accessible, means the entire room instantly wants this man as their Gramps.
Starting with three songs from his Brer Rabbit themed Jump! album, Parks’ jolly tunefulness from his baby grand gives him a touch of a more diverse Randy Newman. He’s joined in a small, inward-facing triangle by an upright bass player and guitarist. This odd set-up means some of the audience needs to move to see him, while sitting behind the bassist, it’s the pluck of the strings rather than their notes that are sometimes more obvious, but sound issues improve through the set. Parks needn’t mention his love of societal satirist Mark Twain, as he speaks generously between songs of both his own and America’s musical history, with his repertoire stretching from “the very first popular American song” from 1820 and 19th Century minstrel songs, to ragtime and delta blues, Caribbean calypso and his 1980s Brian Wilson collaborations. Yet for this ridiculous range of styles, Parks anchors everything in the same rosy spontaneity, as if we’re all old family friends in his guest room. You feel special just being here, and by the time he’s said goodnight a few times, signed autographs (and flirted with Peaches who’s in the crowd), it’s smiles all the way home, where we’ll all investigate further this Van Dyke Parks character.
SIMON TOPPER
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