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A Night Out In Alphen aan den Rijn, October 7, 2000

(by Marja van Sonsbeek and Ronald van den Maagdenberg)

Following up on a tip for a night out we read in the Country Trail Band newsletter, we drove to Alphen aan den Rijn (near Gouda). Despite of the route planner we got lost and finally found the Salvatori church.

Trying to enter the church quiet as a mouse, we and found out that (luckily) the program had only just started. The church was pretty full with about 150 people and there was a camera crew from a local (Amsterdam) television station who where filming the show. On the well lit podium Wim Pols and Thécla Rutting just started to warm up the audience with some new songs of Wim.

Then the Country Trail Band came on stage. It felt good to see Frans van Herwijnen (electric guitar, singer, songwriter) was present, because he is to leave the Country Trail Band and also Johnny Holman the steel guitarist was there (all the way from Groningen). Johnny, we don't know how you do it, but it's always good to have you with the band.

They started off with some songs of their latest album with all kinds of country (bluegrass, rock, hillbilly etc) mixed with the new songs like Drifting Too Far From The Shore sung by Ruud in such a way that we could not sit still. All band members combined their voices to what almost sounds like close harmony. Did you know that Mijndert plays 5 different instruments during these performances? Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, fiddle and harmonica.

Before we knew, it was time for a break so we went down to get some coffee and tea. I think they planned this just to cool us off.

After the break Wim, Thécla and the Country Trail Band got together in a 'jam session' and they played highlights of their mutual repertoire. Hearing them like this brought back memories of the times Wim sung together with Thirza (a wonderful group Thécla was part of) and the Country Trail Band, because their voices blend so very well.

Although I should not get stuck in the past it was heartwarming. A totally new sound was the voice of Astrid Langeland, a new singer from Drenthe.
Together with Thécla she sung a duet which promises a lot for the future and tastes for more.

Even having been to numerous shows, it is always an inspiration to see how much effort these guys (and girls) put in to bringing the message of Christ to everyone who is willing to listen.

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