Search - Van Dyke Parks :: Arrangements Vol. 1

''Here's Volume One, dating from my earliest studio adventures in the '60s. Come To The Sunshine was the first such arrangement. It was written about my dad and his band 'The White Swan Serenaders' (who played at the White Swan Hotel in Punxsutawny, PA.) This single on MGM gave me my first real adventure at the dawn of multitrack recording (although it was done in just 3 takes). Throughout, you'll hear what I learned about arranging. Bear in mind I went on to scratch out my own hard-scrabble life as an underpaid arranger, yet able to propel three offspring through their collegiate careers. They learned enough to avoid my occupational mistakes, pursuing other careers. Volume Two will be a different matter, with an exponential craft improvement on my part. Still, this must be my confession, as a review of my past work may offer great instruction to others who move the recorded arts beyond my wildest dreams. Clearly, my best work lies ahead''. - Van Dyke Parks Pasadena, CA, March '11.