Heemskerk – The Heemskerker American Mark Deren celebrated his 350th radio program on Sunday, December 9, 2001. Special guests in this much-heard anniversary broadcast included Steve Hackett (ex-Genesis), Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel), Ray Fenwick (Spencer Davis Group), Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine) Tim Jones (Rabbit’s Hat), Ruud Jansen, and U.S. guitar heroes Steve Adams and Paul Nelson.

The program began on March 5, 1995 under the great program director Jan Provily. Richard Sinclair played live on the first show. Phil Miller, Tim Burness, The Rabbit’s Hat, and The Whisky Priests also performed live in Heemskerk's high tech studio. Other guests throughout the years included John Wetton (Asia), Carl Palmer (ELP), Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson), Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Athony Phillips (ex-Genesis), Peter Hammil (VGG), Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman, (ex-Focus), Pete Best (ex-Beatle)….This lead to a feature article about Mark in Holland’s largest circulation newspaper the De Telegraaf. That lead to an invitation by John de Mol Productions in Hilversum to do screen tests for television.

Mark is a Hollander in two aspects. He comes from a town in Pennsylvania called Holland that was settled by the Dutch some 350 years ago. He came to the real Holland in 1993 with his Dutch wife whom he met in Palm Beach, Florida when he resided there.
Radio Heemskerk can be found on 104.5 Cable and 107.4 (Ether).

Mark C. Deren – Huibert Pootstraat 149 – 1962 HD – Heemskerk, NL
Email: mcd@wanadoo.nl https://www.angelfire.com/pa/progholland/


October 14, 2001 - Ric Sanders (Fairport Convention)

Fairport Convention violist Ric Sanders plays in England's most famous Folk (rock) band. He's a highly skilled violist who combines folk and jazz influences. He played in Soft Machine, Jethro Tull and Albion Band, before joining "The Fairports." Begun in 1967, F.C. has contained some 29 different players and have toured worldwide. The band hosts the famous Cropredy Folk Festival each year in England. They are England's premier Folk band. They are also very friendly folking folks too. New double cd contains tracks from the bands 35 year history, which will be celebrated early next year. Happy Birthday Fairports!

September 16, 2001 - Joni Sledge (Sister Sledge)

Joni Sledge called in tonight from her home in Phoenix, AZ. Perhaps everyone in the world has heard the famous hit "We are Family" that she made with her "Sister's Sledge." These Philadelphian sisters became a music phenomenon. They sold millions of records on every continent and were played at every American prom and high school graduation since 1979. Mark from Holland and Joni dedicated on this night to dedicate that famous song (We are Family) to the whole world in memorial of the victims of the WTC attack in New York. Not only is Joni a talented singer, but she is also friendly, "down to Earth," well-spoken, and caring. This became quickly apparent from our conversation. (lustig@lustigtalent.com)

September 2, 2001 - Chester Thompson (Genesis, Phil Collins, Frank Zappa Band, Weather Report)

Chester Thompson, world famous former touring drummer of Genesis, called in tonight and graced our airwaves. He was already a master of the trade at age 13. Within years he would be performing live with blues legend Ben E. King. While attending college in Los Angeles he got a call from the legendary Frank Zappa, whom he toured with, extensively. He then drummed his way into the famous Jazz Rock ensemble "Weather Report." In 1977, his phone rang yet again!!! This time it was Phil Collins, who had recently taken over Peter Gabriel's position as front man in Genesis. He drummed side by side with Phil Collins in major world tours until 1992. His fine work can be heard on the classic Genesis double live albums "Seconds Out," "Three Sides Live," and "The Way We Walk." Now living in Nashville, TN, he continues to work with megastars the likes of Niel Diamond, Donna Summers, Stevie Winwood..........and last but not least, Steve Hackett. His solo cd, "A Joyful Noise," is also, you know like...really cool. (www.chesterthompsom.com) Guitarist Vahan Artsruni also called in tonight from YEREVAN, ARMENIA (former Soviet Union) to discuss his band's Middle Eastern flavored progressive rock. (www.nab.am) ....such are the wonders of modern communication.

May 27, 2001 - Lee Kerslake (Uriah Heep)

Caught up with Uriah Heep in De Kade in Zaandam (Holland). Remember songs like "The Wizard" and "Easy Living?" These were songs that thrusted this band into international stardom. "The Heep" toured extensively with the likes of Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Kiss, Black Sabbath, Foreigner...even Earth Wind and Fire. Lee hung out with all of the boys from Led Zeppelin, and has worked with Paul McCartney, Cliff Bennett and of course Ozzy Osbourne. His first big band, "The Gods" featured Greg Lake (E.L.P.) and Heepster Ken Hensley. Lee is a friendly man with untold interesting stories! Their new cd "Acoustically Driven" with orchestra and guest appearance by Ian Anderson is hmmm, "f..ckin' beeeeeeautiful!"
See: http://www.uriah-heep.com

May 20, 2001 - Colin Masson (The Morrigan)

Colin called in from Salsbury, England tonight to discuss his new cd "Isle of Eight." He's an English folk rock standout who plays Mike Oldfield-like guitars, Keyboards, drums, and horns. Striking are the memorable melodies he produces. This man has serious potential (s.p.). Calling all International Folk Festival Organizers - "This is the real, new kid on the block."
(enquiry@hi-note.com).

May 13, 2001 - Paul Sears (The Muffins)

The term "Progressive Rock" has grown to include psychedelic and fm pop/grunge music that we have here in the U.S. The way I see it, it's an abused term," said drummer/percussionist Paul Sears tonight. Mark from Holland saw the Washington DC based Muffins in 1978 at the Intermedia Theater in NY. New York Gong, Bill Laswell, Yochko Seffer, and many others also played that night. The Muffins jammed frenetically! Happy the Man who hears this band. New studio cd "Bandwidth" in the works. European tour? Contact: (pjsears@earthlink.net)

May 6, 2001 - Ton Scherpenzeel

Ton, from the Dutch band Kayak, is best known for his world hit "Want You To Be Mine" out of 1977. He also did keys for the English band Camel and toured extensively with them in 1984. His dazzling keyboard work can be heard on amongst others, Camel's "Pressure Points" cd. Kayak is now reformed and on tour in Holland. They made a new dubble live cd called "Chance of a LIVE time." As the journalist in Aloha Magazine says, "It sounds rediculously good." This is Dutch recording technology and musicianship at it's best. Dank je wel Ton! http://www.proacts.nl)

April 15, 2001 - Phil Miller (In Cahoots)

Phil and I spoke about the early origins of the Canterbury Scene. In 1970, Phil and his brother Steve were playing in "Delivery." They met up with Robert Wyatt and Soft Machine at Ronny Scott's in London. So began his long and fruitful association with the world famous "Canterbury Scene." The interview was followed by tastety cuts of Delivery, Matching Mole, Caravan, Hatfield and the North, National Health, and In Cahoots. Phil played in all of these formations of unique styled unboxable English prog. along with such greats as Richard Sinclair and Robert Wyatt, Elton Dean...and even Bill Bruford. Phil's latest cd is "Out of the Blue." see: http://www.philmiller-incahoots.co.uk

April 8, 2001 - Jaye Foucher

Nice to receive a call from Boston, MA from one of America's best (female) guitarists! Jaye graduated with honors from the prestigious Guitar Institute (GIT) in Hollywood, CA. She recently produced her second solo cd "Contagious Grooves" which is widely available around Europe. hmmmm. She plays in a sort highly skilled progressive, jazz rock style. Good taste, thus.... http://www.jayefoucher.com

March 25, 2001 - Martin Orford (IQ, Jadis, John Wetton Band)

Pleased to have received this call from one of Britain's best keyboardists/composers. Martin did five cd's last year, including his first solo album "Classical Music and Popular Songs." He recently wrote music for IQ's new CD "The Seventh House." This is one you'll want to hear over and over again. (iq@dial.pipex.com)

March 18, 2001 - Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)

Ian Anderson called in!!! Apparently him and his band have sold 40 million records and have performed more than 2,500 concerts in their 34 year career. If that wasn't enough, he has now done the Mark from Holland thing. hehe. Ian spoke of the new 20 track compilation cd (EMI records) which he has been working on lately. The release date is in May. The band will play in the Vredenburg in Utrecht, Holland on June 12. Mark was invited (on-the-air) to the post concert party. Yahoo! Ian is a man who has done it all; great musician, world traveler, accomplished Salmon farmer/businessman in the west of Scotland. Well done Squire Anderson! Thank you for giving so many of us so much musical joy. U da man! More info: http://www.j-tull.com

11 February 2001 - Gordon Giltrap/Hugh Hopper

Gordon's appearance on Mark from Holland made a big headline in the local Dutch newspaper. Rightly so, because this man is one of the world's best 12-string guitarists. He has worked with a "who who's" of famous musicians such as Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman (Yes), John Entwistle (The Who), Brian May (Queen), Al Stewart, James Taylor, and John Renbourne (Pentangle). His album "Eyes of the Wind Rhapsody" was premiered by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He played last year in New York and is working on a U.S. Tour. He's reeeeeeeeal good! gordongiltrap@aol.com). In the same hour, Hugh Hopper, the legendary bassist from Soft Machine called. He's been producing many fine solo works found mostly on Voiceprint and Cunieform Records (hhopp@ukonline.co.uk). Pfffffffffff. This was a great radio program!!!

4 February 2001 - Gary Chandler (Jadis)

Gary Chandler (guitar & vocals), Steve Christey (drums), Martin Orford (Keyboards), John Jowitt (bass) are Jadis. They're fine musicians who also produce the types of catchy melodies that make prog famous. Gary called from his home base in Southampton, England to discuss the bands upcoming tour of Holland. (info@jadis-net.co.uk)

21 January 2001 - Clive Nolan

Clive Nolan, keyboardist from the English bands Pendragon, Shadowland and Arena called tonight. Nolan and Arena produce some of the best "progressive rock" available in the world today. Check out their new cd "Immortal" (arena@verglas.com) It's loaded with tempo changes and catchy melodies that you want hear over and over. Arena's working on a new live album recorded last year in the Paradiso in Amsterdam. The band also contains super drummer Mick Pointer from Marillion. It's a powerhouse!

7 January 2001 - Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree)

Mr. Wilson, from the highly polished English rock band Porcupine Tree called-in tonight from London. We discussed the bands latest classic cd "Lightbulb Sun." The band is widely known throughout Europe and will hit the shores of America this spring. The music is a tight mix of pop, prog, psychedelic. These men could be construed as Pink Floydian subjects of King Crimson.

17 December 2000 - Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation)

Sharon called to talk about the new cd "Mother Earth" (INFO@DSFA.NL). Within Temptation is a unique Dutch band who mix original sound with prog, metal, folk, and classical. The ballads are beautiful! Sharon has a "one in a million" voice, the likes of which Mark from Holland hasn't heard since (for example) Joni Mitchell.

10 December 2000 - John Etheridge/Blackthorn

John Etheridge called from a pub in London. The sound effects were great! John was the guitarist in the last three Soft Machine albums. Tonight we featured his cd "2nd Vision" (Voiceprint) which he made in 1980 with Ric Sanders (Albion Band). Mr. Etheridge recently made an album and world tour with Andy Summers (Police) and is now working with world famous classical guitarist John William. We're talkin' "high caliber." Blackthorn from Beverwijk was also impressive. We played songs from their new rock opera "Pile on the Agony." Good job!!

1 October 2000 - Rod Clements (Lindisfarne)

Rod Clements (bass, slide guitar, mandolin) was one of the founding members of the legendary band Lindisfarne (named after a small island in Northeastern England). Lindisfarne became world famous in the early seventies through their hit "Fog on the Tyne" (Number 1 in Britain in 1972). Lindisfarne toured extensively in Europe and America. They billed with bands such as early GENESIS, Frank Zappa, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys to name a few. Rod recently made his first solo album called "Stamping Ground" (Market Place Records). Well done Rod!

24 Sept. 2000 - Ronnie Tober

Mr. Tober is a very famous Dutch singer who happened to read about Mark's radio program in the Holland's largest newspaper "De Telegraaf." He paid a visit to the studio and talked with Mark about how he grew up in America between 1948 and 1964. As a teenager he sung on the Ed Sullivan Show! He also did a song duet with Perry Como on the Perry Como Show. Once back in Holland, he became a musical hit factory, and was also a participant in the very popular Eurovision Song Festival.

20 August 2000 - Kevin Ayers

This beloved Canterbury man called in tonight from France. Kevin was one of the original members of Soft Machine with Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen, Hugh Hopper, Mike Ratledge, enz. With his smooth as silk voice Kevin later embarked on a successful solo career.
Greats such as Mike Oldfield, Andy Summers (Ex-Police), and Brian Eno played in his bands.
Kevin will soon be doing concert dates in California and recording a new cd the likes of his seventies world hit "Joy of a Toy."

9 August 2000 - Roine Stolt (Flower Kings)

This Swedish singer/guitar maestro called-in from Upsala, Sweden to discuss the new Flower Kings album "Space Revolver." Great album! Flower Kings played recently at the Bospop Festival in Weert and will be back to Holland again in November. Stolt also recorded a "dream team" cd called Transatlantic Project with Neil Morse (Spock's Beard), Pete Trewavas (Marillion), and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater.) Yahoooooooooooooo!

30 July 2000 - Link

Link is a rather large band (six people). The studio was jammed with instruments and an octopus of wires. Due to space restrictions, Mark layed comfortably on the floor as the band played seven very tightly played songs in a sort of funk/rock style supported by saxophone. The interview was light and playful in amusing Dutch. While there, the band was approached by the annual Heemskerk Music Festival organizers about coming to play in the town next year. The band was, needless to say, "very, very happy." In Dutch: "heel erg blij."

18 June 2000 - Bob Harvey (Jefferson Airplane)

The "Airplane's" original bassist, Bob Harvey called-in tonight from Riverside, CA to describe his new cd "Idiot's Vision," which he plans to release independently this year. Like an American Pete Best (Beatles), Bob got launched from the band just before they made their millions.
He enjoyed "the trip" though. Amongst other honors, "Bay Area Bob" used to hang out with a "just starting out" 1960's Jerry Garcia. The other original members, Kantner, Balin & Kaukonen were later joined by Grace Slick, to become one of America's most successful bands....now known as "Starship."

22 May 2000 - JINN

JINN from the classical Dutch city Den Bosch drove a couple of hours NW to Heemskerk to play four songs live from their new cd "Promises." Femke Lambrechts, the talented and charming new singer/songwriter in the band, actually does show promise of becoming one of Holland's best known singers. Patrick Verhoeven and Robert Smits played on acoustic guitars, making this unplugged special "erg gezellig" or in English "very cozy."

12 March 2000 - Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention)

Simon was one of the founders of this legendary English Folk Rock band established in "the summer of love" 1967. "The unchallenged inventors of British Folk Rock have struggled through tragedy and change." (Colin Larkin, Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music)....and the band still cooks today. Mark premiered their new cd "The Wood and the Wire," plus played heavenly songs from live Fairport and the late Sandy Denny (God Bless Her). This band was and is a band that everyone can like. They're at the top of their genre! Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), there's a special with your name on it too here in the "Lowlands of Holland."

5 March 2000 - John Young/John Jowitt - Mark Robotham (Five Year Anniversary Program!)

Mark caught up with Young and Jowitt in the Dutch city Alphen a/d Rijn (river). John Young played solo, but did good promo for his new band Qango (w/ John Wetton, Carl Palmer and David Kilminster). A live album from Qango is coming soon! Bassist Jowitt celebrated his birthday with JADIS. Gary Chandler, Martin Orford, Steve Christey, and John Jowitt cooked up tuneage and churned out numbers from, among others, their new cd "Understand." Jowitt has also played on classic cds such as Arena's "The Visitor" and IQ's "Subterannea."

Drummer Mark Robotham (ex-Grey Lady Down) from the new band "Thieves Kitchen" also called in from England to discuss the bands smokin' debut cd "Head."




13 February 2000 - John Du Cann/Tim Burness

John Du Cann is "da man"! A retrospective double cd of his band Andromeda has just been released on Angel Air Records. John has played along with the big boys in rock! With his band "Attack" he played alongside "The Yardbirds" and became personal friends with Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin). He toured for almost a year with Carl Palmer (ELP) in the world famous band Atomic Rooster. The brother of the late Jimmy McCulloch (Wings) played in his band. Andromeda was the top bill above Black Sabbath concerts......need I say more. Tim Burness is a brilliant singer/guitarist from Brighton, England. Listen to his cd "Infinite Ocean" and you'll hear infinite potential.

6 February 2000 - Nick Clemmons

Nick is the son of the famous American saxophonist Clarence Clemmons (Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Brown, Aretha Franklin...) Nick has a New Jersey band with a soul the likes of Jimi Hendrix, but then with soft jazz, rock blues, and progressive edges. Nick's girlfriend went to the same University as Mark (Rider University) and read a feature story (by Dr. Tom Simonet) about the program in the glossy quarterly publication "Rider University."

7 November 1999 - Dave Greenslade - Ashley Franklin
(BBC Darby)

Spoke with one of the greatest keyboardists of the 20th century, Dave Greenslade. Mystic Records has just put out "Greenslade Live" as well as a new solo-cd from Dave called "Going South." Ashley Franklin made a dubble cd set to raise money for the school of his daughter Claire who has "Down's Syndrome." "The Sky Goes All The Way Home" (Voiceprint) features songs from some of Britain's favourite musicians such as Rick Wakeman, Robert Fripp, Peter Hammill, John Wetton, Anthony Phillips, and many more. Beautiful melodies! A job more than well done.

31 October 1999 - John Wetton - Clive Nolan (Arena)

Great Sunday out to Utrecht. Mark discussed a 30 year anniversary King Crimson special with John, who has worked with all the greats. Yes, even Ringo Starr. Mark also chatted with Clive Nolan and new Arena bassist Ian Salmon. These men cooked in concert "The Visitor" is a great cd, but to see it live again was a mindblower. Mick Pointer (ex-Marillion) said he broke a cymbal or two in this concert. It was wild!

10 October 1999 - Steve Adams & Roy Clay

Steve and Roy came over on a 24 hour ferry whirlwind trip to premiere the new Steve Adams cd "Vertigo." Promote + promote = success. Mark then proceeded to almost electrocute himself with the toaster, while attempting to pour four cups of coffee simultaneously, with one hand. Steve and Roy did a two-hour special with Mark. They not only highlighted Steve's amazing guitar skills, but kept the host laughing in stitches. Funny guys! The new cd cooks from beginning to end. Steve admits, he had to put his guitar in the hospital after this work out. Andy Ward (ex-Camel and Marillion) did the drums on this all instrumental album. It's fresh and exciting. See Steve, Desha Dunnahoe, Susan Lyster, and Andy Ward on their Europe 2000 tour this March. PS. Faxing of Pepperoni not recommended.

3 October 1999 - Pete Best (Beatles) Interview

40 years ago today, the Quarry Men (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ken Brown) played in the "Casbah Coffee Club." The club was established by Pete Best's mother Mona two monthes earlier (August 1959.) A tribute cd called "Casbah Coffee Club 40th Anniversary" (distributed by Ozit Records) appeared in Mark's mailbox with an invitation to interview this living legend. Pete spoke of his wild two years with the Beatles (1960 to 1962), especially in Hamburg, where the band supposedly played hours on end for the staggeringly small amount of L12 Pounds per day, split between four. These were the formative years of the world's beloved super group.
Your Excellency Sir Paul McCartney, Please give us a call. Pete and I would both love to hear from you. Danka!

18 July 1999 - Tim Bowness (No-Man)

Tim called in from Norwich, England. Begun in 1987, with the help of Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson, No-Man has already produced about eight great cd's, mostly on 3rd Stone and Voiceprint records. One of Mark's favorites is "Close Your Eyes," on Carolina Skeletons (3rd Stone). Ex-Marillion Fish is a fan of No-Man and plays them often on his radio program "Fish Head Curry" on BBC Radio 4. Tim wrote "Say it with Flowers" for Mr. Fish on his 1997 Sunsets on Empire cd. Mel Collins and Robert Fripp have recorded with Mr. Bowness, not to mention Richard Barbieri, Steve Wilson, Colin Edwin from Porcupine Tree. Tim Bowness is an HM (Hit Maker), who also incidently "doesn't suck" on guitar.

25 April 1999 - Colin Bass

The dynamic Camel singer/bassist came to De Kade in Zaandam with members of the Polish bands Quidam and Abraxis. They cooked up a delicious stew of Camel numbers, instrumentals and songs from Colin's new CD "An Outcast of the Islands." Colin was friendly, intellegent and accomodating. The interview and the concert were brilliant. The song "Goodbye to Albion" gave MfH the goose bumps! Such evenings make all of the hard work worth it.

28 February 1999 - Steve Brooke

His "Down To Earth" CD was premiered here in Heemskerk. Steve, a drummer played four songs on guitar and keyboards. Brooke from Nijmegen has a voice the likes of Peter Gabriel, Peter Frampton, and perhaps Peter Pan. He's good. He sings with emotion and has a great personality for interviews. Find Steve's new CD in the stores or contact Bee & Bee records in Den Haag.

20 December 1998 - Jinn/Soft Machine

The band JINN from the beautiful city of Den Bosch came to play two songs live on Radio Heemskerk. Marlieke Wijnakker sang as the band played "Book" and "Catch Me" from their debut CD "Jinn." The day before, Jinn played these songs to a nationwide television audience on the program called Veronica "Live Line." In the second hour of the program, Hugh Hopper called in to talk about the history of Soft Machine's "Virtually" recorded back in 1971 on Radio Bremen and recently released on Cunieform Records.

16 November 1998 - Ian Mosley, Marillion - Ahoy, Rotterdam

Mark Kelly phoned Mark from Holland and rewarded him with two back-stage passes for this mega-concert. After the band's sound check, Mark had an exclusive interview with Ian Mosley, drummer for the band since the "Faguzi" album back in 1983. He was gracious and friendly. He told Mark all about the world tours he made with Marillion, one his favorite concerts being Rio de Janiero. It was like the Beatles! The audience never stopped screaming. He mentioned his mates: Fish, Steve Hogarth, Steve Rothery, Pete Trewavas, and Mark Kelly. He also put in a good word for Steve Hackett, who he worked with before joining Marillion. This man is an I.C.D. (Intensely Concentrated Drummer).

November 8, 1998 - John Young

John Young found out about "Mark from Holland" while surfing the net. This English keyboardist/singer/songwriter currently tours with the Bonnie Tyler Band. He also toured with Asia and German guitarist Uli John Roth in the past. John wrote songs on John Wetton's solo cd's "Battlelines" and "Arkangel." He has his own band and a shiny new demo called "Life Underground."

October 18, 1998 - Verden Allen

Keyboardist Verden Allen of Mott The Hoople Fame calls to talk about his new solo cd "Long Time No See." He described his three major tours of the states back in the seventies. The band in its heyday played in front of 250,000 people in Atlanta. Everyone remembers "All The Young Dudes" We all heard it constantly on the radio and still do. Verden rules!

July 26, 1998 - Hugh Hopper/Frank van der Kooy

Hugh Hopper called in from England for a ten-minute interview. He talked about how he got interested in music 35 years ago "by listening to the radio like everyone else." A delightful fellow, Hugh currently has a "Franglodutch Band" consisting of one French and several Dutch players. Frank van der Kooy, the saxophone player in the band called-in to praise Hugh's talents. According to Frank, Hugh is a "unique" player. That's good. That's what we're looking for.

July 19, 1998 - Ray Fenwick, Polle Eduard, & Lenny Bouman

F.E.B. came and performed about six songs live on-the-air. It was the first time that world famous musicians were in to actually play. Fenwick has played with a who's who of musicians, but is best known for his work with the Spencer Davis Group. Eduard was an original member of the Tee Set and now plays in the Rob de Nijs band. The Tee Set was best known in America for the hit "Ma Belle Amie." In total the band sold 15 million albums worldwide. Bouman, the bassist also has played in a range of so-called "Nederpop" bands who were in their heyday in the late sixties and early seventies. Among topics discussed with Fenwick were the tours he made with Focus and the untimely death of drummer Cozy Powell, with whom he appeared on four albums in a band he formed called "Forcefield."

June 28, 1998 - Sharon den Adel

Sharon den Adel is lead singer for the Dutch band "Within Temptation." The band plays of mix of Symphonic, Progressive, Story Book and Metal-based music. Mark saw them at the Paradiso in Amsterdam and had a chance to speak with Sharon, a 23 year-old with a high, heavenly, folkish voice. The combination of styles in this band is unique and pioneering. Unfortunately, Mark got rudely booted out of the concert after the first song for carrying a portable mini-disc recorder with a little red light burning on it. After all, how was I supposed to know?

June 21, 1998 - The Trembling Highbury's

This local band really shined on the night of their performance on "Mark from Holland." The Trembling Highbury's are: Marco Nicola (Vocals & Guitars), Arie van den Outenaar (Guitar), and Ed van Ettekoven (Percussion). Oddly enough, they sound a bit like "The Traveling Wilbury's." They played delicious acoustic music between humorous segments of talk. Of course, all of their families and friends tuned in for an hour of sheer entertainment.

April 19, 1998 - Tim Burness

Tim Burness had a group called Burnessence in the 80's. He double-billed then with such bands as Pendragon and Pallas. He came to Radio Heemskerk with Martin Franklin, a brilliant English percussionist. Tim sang and played guitar. He performed beautiful songs he had written, most notably "Infinite Ocean" the title track from his new solo C.D., Tim and Martin also played some kind of unique intrumental music reminiscent of advanced Frippertronics. Let's call it "Trippertonics."

April 19, 1998 - Jean-Paul van der Meij & Dirk & Anneke van der Meij

This group of local musicians earned the program a front-page cover on the local Sunday news. Jan-Paul was also featured in the July 1998 issue of OOR, Holland's most read music magazine. They played about six songs live, including a few very pretty Beatles covers. Of course we chatted in Dutch about Jan's own recording studio "Jongensstad" where he produces hits for national radio.

April 5, 1998 - Arena

Mark's interview with Arena at the "Stairway to Heaven" cafe in Utrecht earned him a great deal of press in the local papers. The press release was printed at least 140,000 times which really brought in the listeners. Spoke with drummer Mick Pointer (ex-Marillion) and lead singer Paul Wrightson about their new and very exciting CD "The Visitor." Interview included a good history summation of early Marillion. They're a great band.

February 15, 1998 - Bill Bruford

Mark met Bill at the Museum Hotel in Amsterdam. He had just finished an interview with Jip Goldstein from Holland's largest newspaper, de Telegraaf. Mark and his radio colleague, Jan Provily got a chance to speak to Bill about 30 years of music. Bill described how it was to be on the top of the charts with Yes back in the seventies. A musician's musician, Bill has always had integrity and has developed his playing without the compromise to commercialism. On this tour of Holland, Bill played music from his new CD with Ralph Towner and Eddie Gomez "If Summer Had Its Ghosts."

December 21, 1997 - Jan Akkerman

Mark caught up with Jan in 't Vervolg Cafe in Beverwijk. They spoke about Jan's five major tours in America with Focus. He described his almost fatal car accident five years ago on his way back from a concert in Germany. He made a miraculous recovery and plays as amazing as ever!

December 14, 1997 - The Whiskey Priests

One of England's best folk rock bands! The twin brothers Glenn and Gary Miller drove the whole day with their band to come and play for the first time anywhere on-the-air songs from their upcoming new CD "Think Positive." There rendition of "This Village" was sung this time about Heemskerk. The listeners got goosebumps! In all the brothers played about seven songs live. Dazzling!

November 9, 1997 - Peter Hammill / Anthony Phillips

Another series of great interview opportunities arose when Mark was invited by Rough Trade Records in Holland to come and meet Peter Hammill in the American Hotel in Amsterdam. We chatted for about 24 minutes about his entire music history. Mark broadcast the interview on 9 November and followed it with a live interview with Anthony Phillips, the original guitarist of Genesis. This was a night of legends and a rock historian's dream.

October 12, 1997 - Martin Orford calls in

Martin talked about his amazing tour of Argentina with the John Wetton band and explains in depth the new double IQ CD "Subterranea," is a smokin' CD. No doubt a future progressive rock classic.

October 5, 1997 - Ruud Jansen Live

Ruud is widely known in North Holland as one of Holland's premiere keyboardists. He has played with the likes of Jan Akkerman and Rick van der Linden. He can sing too. And sung he did, songs from his new anniversary CD "30 Years: A Battle of the Keys" with accompanying him on vocals were Arienne Groenewoud and Georgia v.d. Leede.

Sept. 27, 1997 - Pip Pyle, Elton Dean, Jim Dvorjak & Fred Baker

In Cahoots supported Caravan in a recent tour of Holland. Mark did a series of short interviews after the concert for a Canterbury Scene Special. Boy that Pip Pyle has a sense of humour! Of course Phil Miller, the band's leader, was there, but by then Mark had pushed the wrong button and lost his place on the DCC tape he was recording on. Oh well.

August 30, 1997 - Thijs van Leer

Mark from Holland visited Thijs van Leer only hours before the first concert by Focus in many years. Thijs, the friendly and charismatic keyboardist/fluitist of "Hocus Pocus" fame, delighted the listeners with tales of Focus. A photo of Thijs and Mark appeared on the front cover of the local newspaper, Kennemerland Op Zondag. The interview was exported for publication in the California based "Expose" Magazine which is to be found, amongst other places, in the Tower Record stores of North America and Canada.

August 17, 1997 - Nick Barrett

Pendragon guitarist/singer Nick Barrett called in to talk about the band's new video "Live...at last, Krakow, Poland." We also discussed "Masquerade Overture." Having been recorded in a large TV studio, "Live...at last" is arguably one of best concert videos ever produced.

August 10, 1997 - "The Rabbit's Hat"

Tim Jones and Terri B. travelled a long way to come play in The Progressive Rock Program. They were not only kind people, but had loads of talent to boot. If Genesis ever again needs a singer who also cooks on guitar, Tim Jones gets Mark's vote.

June 29, 1997 - Carl Palmer

Mark met Carl Palmer at the famous Paradiso Concert Hall on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam. They had a great chat. Mark's picture and story was on the cover of the local newspaper Kennemerland op Zondag. The interview was broadcast in an incredible ELP special on Radio Heemskerk. It was also published in the jubilee issue of Acid Dragon in France.

June 9, 1997 - Jerney Kaagman Live

Besides having made 20 Top 20 hits in the Netherlands with Earth & Fire, Jerney also sang on the classic progressive rock CD "Song of the Marching Children" from 1971. Now manager of public relations at Radio Noordzee Nationaal and longtime partner of Focus bassist Bert Ruiter, Jerney graced the microphone this time at Radio Heemskerk.

April 27, 1997 - "The Tribe of Cro"

The Tribe are a psychedelic band from Brighton, England, currently touring with Hawkwind. They came, along with Crohinga Well Editor Andre Bosbeke to do a two-hour psychedelic special. Boy did they deliver. It sounded like the aliens were invading when they played live. At times they sounded like Soft Machine and Pink Floyd, but then in a tribal way. Between Mark's American accent and Andre's Belgian accent, they did a great job of bastardizing the Dutch language.

April 13, 1997 - Steve Hackett

Steve and Mark had a very interesting 14 minute chat about his new CD and Video "Genesis Revisited." The conversation not only amused the listener range, but was also published in Dusk, The Official Italian Genesis Magazine.

April 8, 1997 - Fish

Mark met "Fish" at the famous American Hotel in Amsterdam, where all of the great rock heroes stay whilst performing in Amsterdam. Interviewed him about "Sunsets on Empire." Their picture together not only appeared in the local press, but also in a national magazine called OLON Journaal. The interview was also published in the French magazine "Acid Dragon."

March 30, 1997 - John Wetton

John called in the week before a solo concert at the Paradiso. Having yet another world-famous musician on the line was a great treat. Mark and John discussed among other things the UK concert he did at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River in Philadelphia back in 1979. Before thousands of unlookers, Wetton, Bruford, Holdworth, & Jobson put on one of the most amazing rock spectacles ever. As the sun dropped in the sky, a sugar factory behind the stage took to flames, creating unparalleled smoke effects in the history of concert making.

March 16, 1997 - David Cross

David talked about the King Crimson reunion in London that occurred the day before. He mentioned that there was an acute shortage of pretty young women at the event. Try looking way in the back next time David. Mark did an hour-long special about Mr. Cross starting with his great King Crimson violen solos and on through his brilliant solo CD's such as "Testing to Destruction" and "The Big Picture."

March 9, 1997 - Fantasyy Factoryy

Guitarist Alan Tepper and percussionist Dr. Cosmos play "unplugged" numbers from their newest CD "Tales to Tell" between much other great music from the "Krautrock" scene.

January 30, 1997 - Andrew Booker

A very futuristic English musician, Andrew made a ground-breaking CD called "Ahead." This man can compose beautiful melodies in the tradition of Mike Oldfield.

January 12, 1997 - Pat Sanders

This French Englishman or vice versa keyboardist for the band Drifting Sun has been a regular contributor to the program, and has dazzled us with his uncanny ability to be French and imitate the British accent. Calling from a phone booth in England, we talked about the crisp, new debut CD Drifting Sun on Musea Records.

August 26, 1996 - Hugh Hopper

Hugh calls-in two-weeks before the Canterbury Music in Harlingen Festival and talks about his current Fr-anglo-dutch formation featuring Englishman Hugh on bass, Frenchman Patrice Meyer on guitar, and Dutchmen Frank van der Kooy and Martin Kruiswick on saxophone and drums.

June 11, 1996 - Rick Biddulph

Rick played in Richard Sinclair's band "Caravan of Dreams." Mark met him at the Melkweg in Amsterdam during a Caravan of Dreams concert. Rick also played in the first "Mirage" formation which consisted mostly of former Caravan and Camel members. Rick made a solo CD on Voiceprint Records called "Second Nature." They talked about the CD, which is beautiful from start to finish.

March 10, 1996 - Pete Bardens' Mirage

Pete came with Mirage. Mark guided them to the studio on his bicycle. Pete found it quite surreal. They had a funny conversation between Mirage songs on DAT made in the week before. The songs are now on their newest CD "Mirage, Live in Germany."

September 15, 1996 - R.Sinclair (2-hour live special)

Richard and Heather were kind enough to come back again and grace our airwaves. He played four songs and entertained us with his special wit. They were also house guests. Mark thought he was hallucinating when he heard a former singer of Caravan and Camel singing in his shower the next day.

September 1, 1996 - Fish

Fish shocks North Holland when he calls in from Scotland. Most people thought it was a fake. Fish and Mark discuss the music industry.

May 23, 1995 - Phil Miller & Fred Baker

Phil Miller and Fred Baker played their hearts out to the Radio Heemskerk listener range, in between numbers from Hatfield and the North, National Health, and In Cahoots. During their last number the entire building was vibrating. Mark thought they were having a mild earthquake.

March 5, 1995 - Richard Sinclair live

To have one of Mark's all-time favorite singers playing live in his very first radio program was a real headrush. After that first hour on-the-air with this Canterbury legend, Mark thought, "hmm, If I get kicked off the air after this first broadcast I will still have achieved one of my dreams."

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