de drechtstreek-lp

In 1978, De Drechtstreek-LP was released thanks to Stichting Amateur Muziek Dordrecht, the Cultural Council and contributors such as Fred Tollenaar (Salisbury Sound) and Peter Mason. In 2024, Sheephead Records brings this record back to life – this time digitally – so that the music from Dordrecht’s 1970s scene is once again available for future generations. Together with D’r echt (P)op from 1984 and Rondje Dordt – Pop uit de Drechtstreek from 1998, this release offers a wonderful overview of the vibrant pop scene that Dordrecht was and still is rich in. We wish you much listening pleasure!

– Liner notes from the original LP –

Why the Drechtstreek LP? Perhaps a somewhat peculiar name for a vinyl record. But not so absurd when you consider its origin story. The record was made on behalf of the Stichting Amateur-Muziek (SAM for short), the organization where the reason for this recording should be sought.

SAM, supported by the Youth Council and Cultural Council of Dordrecht, was founded on the initiative of a number of individuals from the Drecht region who believed – and still believe – that modern amateur music has been pushed too far into the background compared to commercially released music. Amateur music is different, must be listened to differently, but is certainly not of a lesser quality. On the contrary, when you consider how much effort and joy goes into making it.

To promote modern amateur music, SAM chose to release an LP under its own management, on which amateur musicians could express their ideas and thereby reach a (hopefully larger) audience.

– Stichting Amateur Muziek Dordrecht

Special thanks to guest musicians Leo van Rooyen, Henk Jugwels, John Reisig, Herman Muller, Peter Mason. Production and mixing by Peter Mason and Fred Tollenaar. Recorded at Salisbury Sound Studio. Thanks also to Anja and Teus Zantman for carefully archiving the original newspaper articles.