DVD plus CD containing Dutch gospels in country style 'BRENG DANK' (Give Thanks), HONOR TO GOD
American country music combined with the Gospel of Jesus Christ: that was the objective when the Country Trail Band started their ministry based performances in 1986. It resulted in several CDs, performances throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and even performing in the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee (USA).
A few years ago record label manager Jan Quintus Zwart urged the band to record 'Tel uw zegeningen' (Count Your Many Blessings) in their native tongue (Dutch). This album contained songs from the 'Johannes de Heer Songbook' and turned out to be in favor; therefore it is decided to release a successor, not just on CD, but also on DVD!
This time we have chosen a wider approach. The new project 'Breng dank' includes not only songs from the 'Johannes de Heer' Songbook, but also hymns from the 'Liedboek der Kerken' and the contemporary 'Opwekkings' songbook. "But the songs always have a country music flavor because of the arrangements and instruments we use", singer Wim Pols says. By now the well-known Dutch songs gained a place in the Country Trail Band's program in addition to the country gospel songs in English. "When we started to practice the 'Tel uw zegeningen' repertoire, we felt the power of the lyrics of these old songs and noticed that the message today is ever actual."
The Country Trail Band's vocal soloists - Astrid Langeland, Hans Steeds en Wim Pols - play a key role on the successor 'Breng dank'. Next to them you can listen to several guest singers, artists like Harry en Marijke Govers, and Thecla Rutting, who also contributed to 'Tel uw zegeningen'. But you on 'Breng dank' you can also listen to Arjan en Efi Knevel, duo Twice, Marescha van der Stelt, and Iris de la Bey.
Through the years the Country Trail Band recorded several CDs, but working on a DVD was a whole new experience! The 11Life Video Produkties team did its level best to present the singers and the band to the audience who favors Dutch gospel songs. The shots were taken in beautiful locations in Hoek van Holland, Ter Apel, Emmen, Loenen en Apeldoorn. Gerrit Heinen made the wonderful cover design and the booklet, that breathes perfectly the same atmosphere. That box not only contains a DVD and the booklet with all lyrics and information of the artists, but also an audio CD.
The songs tell about the awesome love of God, who sent His Son, Lord Jesus, to this earth to reconcile our sin. For this Grace the Country Trail Band, all guest musicians and singers want to thank God. That's why the album is called 'Breng dank' (Give thanks). Their mutual desire is that these songs bring joy, comfort, strength and encouragement to the listeners, and will support them in their faith.
With the album 'Breng dank' the Country Trail Band is going to support the Dutch foundation 'Hart met Missie', that raised a refugee center together with a local Pentecostal church for homeless, sick and elderly people in Benin City, Nigeria.
'Breng dank' is released on the new IRIS label of JQZ Muziekprodukties from Kampen.
For more information:
Wim Pols
Hoefslag 64
3151 GM Hoek van Holland
tel. +31 174 385 676, cell phone: +31 650 263 210
fax. +31 174 ? 384788
e-mail: wim.pols@countrytrailband.org
Op de opvolger 'Breng dank' spelen uiteraard de vocale solisten van de Country Trail Band - Astrid Langeland, Hans Steeds en Wim Pols - een belangrijke rol. Daarnaast zijn er diverse gastsolisten te beluisteren. Daar zijn artiesten bij zoals Harry en Marijke Govers en Thecla Rutting, die ook meewerkten 'Tel uw zegeningen'. Maar op 'Breng dank' zijn ook de vocalen te horen van Arjan en Efi Knevel, het duo Twice, Marescha van der Stelt en Iris de la Bey.