4-3-2-1 Hot and Sweet, Musiksendung, Deutschland 1970, Gaststar: niederländische Band Shocking Blue.
Arthur Grimm/United Archives via Getty ImagesOf the four members of the Dutch classic rock group, Shocking Blue, just one is still with us: lead guitarist and chief songwriter Robbie van Leeuwen, 79. The band was a sensation worldwide, with hits like “Venus,” “Never Marry A Railroad Man” and “Send Me A Postcard.” Curiously, though, only “Venus” made it big in America.
Recently I wrote two stories about Shocking Blue (links below), but most of my research for them was from secondary sources. Here, I was able to search out, and reach Dick Bakker, 77, the group’s original sound engineer and co-producer, for some firsthand information.
Bakker is a lot more than just Shocking Blue. He has worked for more than half-a-century in the music business, mostly classical, not just rock. In 1974, he launched The Dick Bakker Orchestra, then worked in England with musicians from The London Philharmonic. Bakker was also musical director for Metropole Orkest in The Netherlands for many years. An excellent book about his life, “Behind The Scenes Of Music,” was published in 2016. Following are edited excerpts from a fascinating conversation with Bakker.
Dick Bakker’s Dick Bakker Orchestra celebrates its 50-year anniversary this year.
Courtesy of Dick BakkerJim Clash: All bands have points of contention. What was it with Shocking Blue?
Dick Bakker: Shocking Blue had a manager named Cees van Leeuwen, no relation to Robbie van Leeuwen. He had a domineering personality and interfered with everything. It was very unpleasant to work with him. Robbie was a very calm and friendly guy who was eager to get the best out of his compositions with my help. I always supported him, trying to achieve a great sound. I would sometimes make musical adjustments and arrange extra instruments where necessary.
Clash: How about Mariska Veres? Many in America liken her to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, but without the extracurricular wild lifestyle.
(Eingeschränkte Rechte für bestimmte redaktionelle Kunden in Deutschland. Limited rights for specific editorial clients in Germany.) Mariska Veres (Shocking Blue). Bei TV-Auftritt. (Photo by ARTCO-Berlin/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
ullstein bild via Getty ImagesBakker: Mariska was a very kind and sweet singer who did her utmost. However, if something went wrong, Cees would make incredibly nasty remarks like, “Stupid bitch, sing it properly!” We all found that horrible. Mariska was a beautiful woman, and, if I recall correctly, had a relationship with Shocking Blue’s road manager.
Clash: How were Shocking Blue’s songs recorded back then?
Bakker: The recordings were usually done quickly. At that time, we used two or four tracks, so everything had to be done right the first time. I worked extensively with special compressors and EQ to get the best result. Mariska always sang very well, and the vocals were recorded separately from the band. The long list of hits can be found on my website [link at end of this story] under “Hit Files, Single Hits.”
Shocking Blue’s No. 1 single in America, circa late 1960s.
Courtesy of Jim ClashClash: “Venus” was the big hit in America, of course. What are your memories of recording that particular song so many decades ago?
Bakker: When the mix of “Venus” was finished and everyone happily went home, I received a call from Cees a few days later. He said the mix wasn’t good and had to be redone: “It sounds like crap!” Unfortunately, or fortunately, the master tape had already been sent to America and was in production. When “Venus” reached No. 1, Cees said in every subsequent production that it had to sound like “Venus.” Apparently, he had forgotten that he didn’t like that original mix!
Clash: The band broke up in the mid-seventies. What did Mariska end up doing?
Bakker: Yes, the group broke up mid-seventies. In 1979, they tried to work together again, but it didn’t really succeed. After a few years, they stopped. I wasn’t involved in that reunion. Later, Mariska performed again with a new lineup of Shocking Blue, but without Robbie. She also performed with the band The Clarks, made up of members from the well-known Dutch pop group Golden Earring. She continued performing until her passing [from cancer] in 2006.
(GERMANY OUT) Shocking Blue - Musikgruppe, Rockmusik, Niederlande - Mariska Veres (center left), Robbie van Leeuwen (far right), Klaasje van der Wal (far left) und Cornelius “Cor” van der Beek (center right) (Reihenfolge unklar) - 01.09.1969 (Photo by Peter Timm\ullstein bild via Getty Images)
ullstein bild via Getty ImagesClash: How was it working with Shocking Blue’s excellent bassist, Klaasje van der Wal, and drummer, Cor van der Beek? The latter had a substance-abuse problem as I understand it. Did that ever manifest itself in the recording studio?
Bakker: During the time I worked with Shocking Blue, Cor and Klaasje were always very professional and focused. There were no drugs or heavy drinking. We were all focused on creating the best possible arrangements. I often worked with Robbie on musical adjustments to make the songs more beautiful and commercial. Promotion in America suffered from poor management. Otherwise, they would have had more hits there.
