I once read a quote that I'll use here, taking "poetic license", if you don' t mind. But I think you'll find it to be a truth, not often told. "The greatest knowledge that one generation of musicians can pass on to the next, is that 'honor and respect for the past, will insure your successes in the future'. Read that over carefully, folks, and think about it.hard. Because I believe that you will see the truth of this philosophy, in each artist's contribution to the world.with each album he records, and with every performance he gives. And I think Ron VanDenboom has done just that, with this new album, called "HOW I LOVE THEM OLD SONGS".

What a wonderful experience, just to sit and listen to this wonderful music. And how it takes one back, to a day when music was simpler, life was simpler, and people really knew how to dance.with EACH OTHER! (smile) This CD is filled with old music that you'll recognize, and new ones that even SOUND like old ones!

And who, I have to ask you, would EVER think to include his family AND friends on his album? No, not just as subject matter.but as actual performers! Well, Ronnie VanDenboom, that's who! Yep, when you get to track #9, "Out Behind the Barn", you'll probably be inspired to sing along, laughing all the way! And if you're NOT laughing before this song is finished, somethin's VERY wrong with you! But lets not get ahead of ourselves here.

The very first track, "Joanne Polka", (which happens to be his wife's name.Joanne, NOT polka!) will get your feet tappin' and have you wondering how long its been since you've heard THIS kind of music! It's great! It's a surprise! And it's definitely a pleasure to listen to. (and here I thought Polka was gone.how wrong I was!) And with songs like "Send Me the Pillow" and "Four Walls", you'll feel the warmth of country music that fills all our hearts. Ron has never given up on this kind of music, influenced heavily by his years growing up around 9 aunts and uncles, all playing musical instruments. He learned to play the guitar, concertina, piano, fiddle, harmonica and accordion, at a very early age, and always had fun on Sundays at Grandpa's farm, where the picnic never failed to become a full-blown musical experience. He got his first paying gig at age 15. It was Labor Day, and he was paid a whopping $5.00 !!

Ron VanDenboom served his country, got married, raised 3 children, and did various jobs throughout his life. But he never stopped playing the music he loved. And he managed to get the kids involved, as well. He worked as a sideman for lots of bands, after an illness required him to "retire", from the "regular" jobs he held. It was 1977, and that was when Ronnie decided to start his album. In January of 2000, it was released! A long time coming, huh? But it's received tons of praise, being played in France, the Netherlands, and Australia, too. Lots of love and dedication made it happen, and it all shows when you listen to it.

There's wonderful and talented accompaniment on the album, including Nashville artists: Jerry Loughney (fiddler with Kevin Sharp), and Clint Snell on steel guitar. He also has the help of local musicians (Ronnie's from Wisconsin): Tom Brusky, Bryan O'Donnell, Ed Hause, Larry Pfeil, Bob Schamber, and many others. Put all those professional artists together with Ronnie's family and friends, and you have something VERY special. Don't miss "Sunset Years of Life", one of my favorite tracks. It's a beautiful tribute to his parents' 50 years of marriage. You can hear the love and respect in his voice, as he reminisces about the days growing up on "the farm" , and although he doesn't include those WORDS in the lyrics, some of his favorite memories are of driving (at the age of 5!) the old 1930 Chevy truck around the fields, while the farmhands loaded it up with corn, and of eating those delicious homecooked meals, served up by his mom and the other farm wives.pies, ice-cream, cakes.gosh, it makes MY mouth water to think about it!

"HOW I LOVE THEM OLD SONGS", by Ron VanDenboom and Family & Friends, is on Briarhill Records, and you can contact Ron by emailing him at Vboomer1@cs.com. Ron's music gets lots of local air play and his name is well-known to DJ's around the world. I hope you'll try to find this great new CD, and maybe, start a whole new category in your music collection. Hmmm, is there such a thing as Country/Polka? SURE, there is!! You know, Polka and music like it, was always the happiest way of bringing families of all ages together. Isn't it time... again?? I sure think so. But of course.its only ...