Protest song...

In 2003, Dutch comedian Harrie Jekkers wrote a song against the Government of Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. The singer was Peter Groot Kormelink, and Ton Scherpenzeel played "all instruments". Probably, it was keyboards only, trying to sound like a fanfare orchestra. Ton doesn't see this recording as a highlight in his career. In fact he sort of wiped it from his memory. Having just bought and played the single, I can understand why...

Dutch/American singer Lori Spee released her album "One Step" in 1986. The album has 10 songs, and the "Kayak-connection" is that it was co-produced by Gerrit Jan Leenders. And oh yes, every now and then an ex-Kayakmember appears:

1. One Step: Pim Koopman (drums, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, co-produced, co-arranged), Max Werner (co-arranged), Ton Scherpenzeel (keyboards)

2. The Chain: Johan Slager (guitar), Max (drums, percussion, backing vocals, arranged), Ton (keyboards)

3. Reduced To Tears: Pim (drums, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, co-produced, co-arranged), Ton (keyboards), Max (co-arranged)

4. Win Or Lose: Max (drums, co-arranged)

5. As Heroes: Max (drums, percussion, arranged), Ton (keyboards)

6. Two Fools In Love: Max (drums, percussion, backing vocals, arranged), Ton (keyboards)

7. Halfway: Max (drums), Ton (keyboards), Edward Reekers (backing vocals)

8. Enlightened: Max (drums, percussion, co-arranged), Ton (keyboards)

9. These Things Happen: Max (drums, percussion, arranged) Ton (keyboards)

10. Those Faces: Max (drums, percussion, co-arranged), Ton (keyboards)

Edward Reekers

Don't ever think that you have collected each and every note that Edward Reekers ever recorded. His voice can be heard on Kayak's and his own albums. But you can also hear him on many other people's songs, in cartoons, jingles, commercials, etc.. Impossible as it is to give you a complete overview, here are some rarities in which Edward was in some way involved...

In 1981, Dutch band Swan had Edward as one of the two lead singers (the other one was a girl called Joan Clauson). Also in this band: Okkie Huysdens, who worked with Pim Koopman in The President. As far as I know, Swan released only one LP: From Swan With Love.


In 2003, Edward worked on a CD that was a bonus with a Dutch Book: "The Brendan Notes" by Rob van der Linden and Gert Jan Sterk. Edward can be heard in 4 of the 18 tracks on the CD.



In 1991, Edward sang a duet with Sandra Reemer: 'Listen To The Flowers' was the title track of a CD which was dedicated to the "Floriade" flower exhibition.


Edward often lent his voice to commercials. Flowers, chocolates, sweets, you name it. In Germany, the Langnese company hired him to do a commercial for their icecream. The song "So Schmeckt Der Sommer" was released as a single in 2005, and even became a hit in Germany. The CD-single also has an English version: "The Taste Of Summer". Inspired by the success, they recorded a winter-version in 2006: "So Schmilzt Der Winter".


The series "Luister En Leer" ("Listen And Learn") was meant for children in the age of 3-6 years. With themes such as 'wild animals', 'the farm' and 'pets', the simple songs and stories tought them about animals, but also helped them with counting. Edward was the producer of the voices on the CD's, and sang the songs together with Gaby Kaihatu.


Tiger: I Can't Stop Loving You (single, 1982, written by Edward)


Maribelle: Ik Hou Van Jou / Maar Vanavond (single, 1984, b-side written by Edward)

The Cats: I'll Find My Way Back To You (single b-side, 1985, co-written by Edward)

TO BE CONTINUED...