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Frans
- Marie-José - Henk
- Joost
- Wim
Lanny
Smouter
Born
in Apeldoorn, raised in Rotterdam, got wiser in
Amsterdam, started to work in Brussels, studied
classic guitar in London, drank far to much beer in
Munich, lived like a god in Paris, fully enjoyed the
California sun in San Francisco and now with both
feet on the ground in Brussels again. In addition I
have worked for extended periods in Asia and Latin
America and I must admit I do miss those regions a
lot, but on the other hand
Belgium
has a lot to offer in terms of cities, cozy bars and
excellent food. I sometimes philosophy that
Belgium
is one of best kept secrets in
Europe
.
Marital
status
I
am married twice, hence polygamy.
First marriage was to my music, collected a few
guitars, basses and some recording gear and for sure
to my wife Natysha. We have three children, Kim born
in
Munich
, Grace and Youri both born in
Paris
.
Hobbies
Music
is with no doubt number one, followed by having
drinks in bars with live music, wining and dining
and enjoying the beauties of Mother Nature. I’ve
tried to put this vaguely
J
One
liners
What
I don’t like:
the word "hate"
What turns me
on: nice objects, certainly when covered by
strings
What I look
forward to: to play with the B-sides, came2play
& The Rocking Thunders
What I would
miss: friends
My strong
points: tolerance
My weak
points: tolerance
The
musician
I
must have been eight years old when I received my
first guitar, my first song was Wake Up Little Susie
en my first band was called The
striped rascals. After this I played lead
guitar, together with Henk Kloppers, in a band
called The
Rocking Thunders, songs by Cliff
Richard and The Shadows en we had a real fan
club, hard core followers, radio performances, etc.
Those were the days my friend.
After my move to Brussels I entered the folk scene
with a lead singer, playing in all the restaurants
and coffee shops around the Grand Place, songs from
Melanie, Joni Mitchel, Leonard Cohen, Bert Jansch,
Sandy Denny, the real folk scene. Meanwhile I
also played in a band which played songs from The
Band, we performed in
Rotterdam
and
Amsterdam
, all members, with the exception of myself, passed
away using the needle of death.
In
Munich
I tried to establish a recording studio, but
musicians are poor people and no way could I have
made a decent living out of this. I did make some
recordings from
Flame, a band in which Henk played the bass
and later in
Paris
a reunion recording from the long, long gone Tony
Leckard & The Rocking Thunders, pretty
cool after all those years.
In California I was primarily busy with my own music
and after eight years of sun and beaches back to
Brussels, where one evening I received a call from
Henk… whether I could, for one evening only, just
play the bass to salvage a party and from that
evening on I am still
Mr.Bass in came2play.
To be honest, this is the best thing that has
happened to me in years, great musicians, nice
people, good music and super vibes. In short, I have
no regrets that Henk has brought me those new
friends and my new buddy the Bass.
MEET THE OTHER MEMBERS...
Frans
- Marie-José - Henk
- Joost
- Wim |
