Vondelpark Soundwalk

Before I begin, just a quick plug for my son, Sam, who I’ve mentioned briefly on here. Today marks the release of his first single, ever; “Tides”.

Sam has developed really quickly in the last year. He started composing his own songs six months ago, and started making recordings just three months ago. He has a handful that are finished, but is in no particular hurry to release a debut album. “Tides” showcases his ear for melody, as well as the ease and expression he brings to the piano bench. Daily he fills our house with beautiful music, and now yours can be too!

He asked me to make a cover, and I obliged with a construction paper collage that embraced the sun-bleached edges:

Favorite, add, share, and smash that follow button wherever you stream music!

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Now, on to today’s soundwalk:

Amsterdam has several lovely parks. Vondelpark is not the biggest, nor the most serene, but it is the oldest and perhaps the most beloved¹. It’s just so comfortable. It vibrates with life. It’s distinctly beautiful.

The park almost feels like a series of outdoor living rooms. Every one is apportioned an open space, often a meadow, that gracefully embraces its visitors and beckons them to stay.

Visitors can also find a quiet corner, among stately houses; a cafe overlooking a pond; a contemplative honeycomb garden; a sunny wading pool; a bench in the shade.

On a summer night it seems like the park can accommodate thousands, affording the visitors a rich experience of togetherness without feeling crowded or overly noisy.

This soundwalk was recorded on August 13th, nearly a year ago as I write this, in the pleasant afterglow of a warm summer day. Park visitors were spread out on blankets enjoying each other’s company, amongst the boisterous calls of Rose-ringed Parakeets. Cyclists clicked past with a little less urgency than during the day. The register of ease and joy can be heard within indiscernible snippets of passing conversations.

To say I was charmed by Vondelpark is an understatement. I was bowled over. I wanted to do right by it with the music I composed for the soundwalk. I tried to incorporate intimate, convivial moments amongst broad sweeps; moments of steady tempo, and free time, moments that whispered and moments that welled up.

Thanks for reading along and listening. Vondelpark Soundwalk is available on all music streaming services today, July 31st, 2026

1. Vondelpark park was dedicated in 1865, originally named Nieuwe Park (New Park), later renamed Vondelpark, after the 17th-century playwright and poet Joost van den Vondel, for whom a prominent statue was erected in the park in 1867. Vondelpark bustles with around 10 million visitors annually.