For Cor, music was as basic as food and drink (just like language, by the way). It was inextricably linked to everyday life. The fact that the café was made ‘sound proof’ by Grolsch was one of the most important if not the main reason to buy the bar. Not to turn it into a music-café but a café without the possibility of live music was just not possible.
Most of the music in Cor-rupt consisted of folk, contemporary folk, singer-songwriters as we would say now, but also traditional folk, rock, blues and many other types of music. There was live music at parties, on Queen’s Day of course, and Monday night was reserved for well-known and lesser-known artists. Furthermore, a lot of jam sessions and spontaneous performances, often with Cor as instigator!
We made an album together; Kleintje Folk. I wasn’t really involved so I don’t know much about the making, except what I overheard when I took care of the refreshments in the many meetings about royalties and immortal fame. The album tried to capture the range of folk music being played in the pub and around Amsterdam at that time.
We were delighted that, thanks to Jelle, even a part of the Dutch/Amsterdam Philharmonic orchestra came in for a drink. This led a couple of times to a cross-over between the traditional folk musicians and members of the orchestra. What can be more fun if you are a music lover.
Music was really Cor’s thing. It would be nice to hear some stories from the musicians and the audience. And the same goes for the countless stories and (language) jokes. If you remember some we’d love to hear them.