This album marks 25 years as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. I cannot image a better way to celebrate such a jubilee than by making a record with good friends about the greatest gift that God has given to the world: salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

On this CD you will hear the three friends (Paul van Dongen, Wim van Eldert and Ralph Vinjé) whom I started out with in the band Calyx in 1973. They are joined by Ton van Leeuwen, Leo van Reeven and Cor Verhaegh, who worked with that band at a later stage. Mijndert van der Beek, Hans Steeds and Ruud van de Meeberg of the Country Trail Band, with whom I spent 10 wonderful years, add their powerful vocals to a number of songs and fortunately Mijndert also brought his banjo along.

Bea ten Hag, Anja Kuiper and Myrjam Pot of Outbound grace the album with their incredible harmonies and Thecla Rutting’s crystal-clear voice appears in three duets.

Watching my 10-year old son Wouter play the drums in ‘Go tell it on the mountain’ was a touching moment which I will never forget. Each of these players and singers put so much love and dedication into Country Christmas that in my opinion it has become the finest album I have ever recorded. I am confident that you will sense the special atmosphere as you listen to the songs.