A QUICK CHAT WITH CHRIS JONKER (MANGROVE)

 

It’s been three years since Mangrove released their thrilling and smashing ‘Beyond Reality’-album.

The four Dutchmen played countless live gigs to promote their album, including an acoustic show that’s been released on dvd. This year Mangrove celebrated their tenth anniversary with a another special dvd release. Mostlypink.net had a quick chat with keyboard maestro Chris Jonker to find out if and when we can expect some new material.

 

When will there be a new album?

Chris: “Nobody knows! We are busy working out new things. The song that’s  almost completely shaped runs about twenty minutes. Severall other songs still need some finetuning.  Mangrove ain’t a band where songwriting depends on just only one person. Our way of working is very ‘old school’ related. Every member has it’s contribution, and that takes time. So I really can’t proclaim when there will be a new album. I guess that something will see the light of day in the next springime.”

 

Is this delay due to the release of the two live dvd’s?

Chris: Yes! Especially the production of two live dvd’s was very time-consuming. Shortly after the release of ‘Beyond Reality’ Remco Engels became our new drummer when Joost Hagemeijer suddenly left. To get things back in shape and keep on moving simply takes a lot of time and patience.”

 

With ‘Beyond Reality’ Mangrove made a giant leap forward in songwriting, musicianship, and production. Is there some kind of pressure for reaching another high level with the next album?

Chris: “I’m not aware of that. Certainly ‘Beyond Reality’ received a lot of overwhelming reviews, but in the end we’re writing music that pleases ourself.  It’s just a question of our tendency:  let’s hope that people are fond of our music, because we surely are. It’s also a matter of taste, of course.

You always desire that your next record is better than it’s predecessor. That’s a course pursuit.  It’s good to have that ambition.”

 

Mangrove supported the Carl Palmer Band in april this year. Must be great, wasn’t it?

Chris: “For us it was a great honour to be his support act. We really enjoyed that experience. It was a great gig!”

 

Thanks for your time and anwers, Chris!

 

Michel Scheijen for www.MostlyPink.net

A great live review in Dutch at " www.progwereld.org/.

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