Van Dyke Parks to release collaboration with Frank Holmes…

[The Shift]

and to play one-off in London!

Smell the Smiles coming our way!

http://www.clashmusic.com/news/van-dyke-parks-one-off-show

Here's the story, but do support the link, pop lovers!

Posted by Robin Murray Mon, 07/03/2011

American composer Van Dyke Parks has announced a one off show in London.

Perhaps best known for his collaborations with Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks is one of America's most unique composers. Strongly entrenched within a songwriting tradition, his work nonetheless pushes back the boundaries of where the tradition lies.

Famously assisting Brian Wilson on the Beach Boys' doomed 'Smile' album, Van Dyke Parks has gone on to have a long and varied career. Announcing details of a new project, the composer has followed this by confirming details of a one off London show.

Van Dyke Parks is set to perform in London on May 16th. The special show is set to be held inside Islington's Union Chapel, with the composer drawing on the full force of his lengthy career.

Aside from work with Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks has also teamed up with Joanna Newsom, Ry Cooder and more. Now the composer intends to burst back into action, after launching a plan to release five singles.

Each release will be a collaboration, with Van Dyke Parks sharing the single with a respected artist. Amongst the confirmed visual artists for the project is Frank Holmes, who produced the unused sleeve for 'Smile' back in 1966.

Elsewhere, Charles Ray is due to work on the project while Pulitzer Prize-winning artist/ author Art Spiegelman will follow his life affirming 'Maus' series with a Van Dyke Parks collaboration.

The list also includes appearances from Billy Edd Wheeler, Ed Ruscha and Van Dyke Parks wife, Sally Parks.

The first single to be released from the series is set to be titled 'Dreaming Of Paris' with Ed Ruscha providing the illustration. “They are from highly different genres, each of them. They don't cohere. They belong somewhere" explained the composer. "But the emphasis on the visual art is a big, big deal. These are the pre-eminent American artists of our time. We’re calling it Nouveau Niche.”

Van Dyke Parks is set to play the following show:

May
16 London Islington Union Chapel

[bgas]

Love to know the Van Dyke mind-set; how does one decide to do a one-off show?
Wonder if he plans to be in the UK anyway, or was asked to play; tho, presumably, mounting his show only requires his appearance and a Grand Piano, so the logistics aren't as grand as for, say, Brian or the BBs. 

 Will it be a sell out?

[buddhahat]

Very interesting. Thanks for the link, Wee Helper!

[Andrew G. Doe]

Love to know the Van Dyke mind-set; how does one decide to do a one-off show?
Wonder if he plans to be in the UK anyway, or was asked to play; tho, presumably, mounting his show only requires his appearance and a Grand Piano, so the logistics aren't as grand as for, say, Brian or the BBs. 

 Will it be a sell out?

When he played the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1999, it was sold out.

[The Shift]

Love to know the Van Dyke mind-set; how does one decide to do a one-off show?
Wonder if he plans to be in the UK anyway, or was asked to play; tho, presumably, mounting his show only requires his appearance and a Grand Piano, so the logistics aren't as grand as for, say, Brian or the BBs. 

 Will it be a sell out?

When he played the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1999, it was sold out.

That was the night someone called out for him to play Cabinessence, to which he replied that he was merely opening the door for Brian Wilson.  Boy, was he accommodating after that show.  Lengthy "meet & greet"-style autograph session afterwards that cost me a small fortune on CDs and books!  All worth every penny – and that from a Yorkshireman.

[hypehat]

This is going to be ace, btw. I can't wait...


Not to mention five new singles!

[Dove Nested Towers]

Really exciting!