3 X 3 = Disco - In een groen, groen discoland (featuring Luv') : 40th anniversary!!!

The cast of « In een groen, groen discoland » (3 X 3 = Disco) including Luv', Big Mouth & Little Eve, Trinity and Veronica Unlimited

Following the success of Luv's breakthrough hit "U.O.Me" in the Netherlands and Flanders (see article posted on February 12th, 2018), TROS TV channel/Nederland 2 aired 40 years ago exactly, on April 18th, 1978, the special «In een groen, groen discoland». The music show featured artists from Hans van Hemert's roster (including Luv', Big Mouth & Little Eve, Trinity and Veronica Unlimited) performing Dutch children's songs on a disco beat. 

Luv' sang a medley of four songs: We Gaan Nog Niet Naar Huis - Klein, Klein Kleutertje - Hop Marjanneke - 3 X 3 = 9

Video uploaded to YouTube by Karin Angeleyes

Luv's performance included subtitles giving short information about the trio:

"Luv' is a group which has existed for one year and a half. Patty was in charge of styling for photo reports, José sang with her sisters before the formation of the group, Marga is a photo model".

At the time, the Dutch and Flemish public just started to be familiar with Luv' as their fame was recent.  

The girls also performed "U.O.Me" on the same program. 

On "In een groen, groen discoland", Luv' targeted a young audience. What a difference with the racy TV series "Het is weer zo laat!" which drew adult viewers and made them a household name in the Low Countries!

Prior to the broadcast of "In een groen, groen discoland", Philips Records released the soundtrack of the TV program on vinyl and entitled it "3 X 3 = Disco ( A Children's Opera)". One single of the same name and taken from the album came out simultaneously. 

One of the singers involved in this project was Dutch TV host Ron Brandsteder who later married Patty Brard.

The earliest mention of "3 X 3 = Disco" in the media dated back to March 10th, 1978 in De Telegraaf in its "Platenspeurder" section. 

Track listing

A side:

1. All Together: 'k Zag Twee Beren - Witte Zwanen, Zwarte Zwanen - Op Een Grote Paddestoel

2. Big Mouth And Little Eve: Zeg Roodkapje - In Holland Staat Een Huis - Rijen, Rijen In Een Wagentje - 3 X 3 = 9

3. Luv': We Gaan Nog Niet Naar Huis - Klein, Klein Kleutertje - Hop Marjanneke - 3 X 3 = 9 
4. Ronnie: Moriaantje, Zo Zwart Als Roet - Sari Marijs - Altijd Is Kortjakje Ziek - Poesje Mauw - 3 X 3 = 9

B side

1. Eastwood: Oh, Wat Zijn We Heden Blij - Boer Wat Zeg Je Van Mijn Kippen - Schuitje Varen, Theetje Drinken - 3 X 3 = 9

2. Trinity: Catootje - Zakdoekje Leggen - Alle Eendjes Zwemmen In Het Water - 3 X 3 = 9

3. Ron Brandsteder In Den Haag Daar Woont Een Graaf - Twee Emmertjes Water Halen - Lang Zullen Ze Leven - 3 X 3 = 9

4. Veronica Unlimited: Zevensprong - In Een Groen, Groen Knollenland - Zagen Zagen Wiede Wiede Wagen - Schipper Mag Ik Overvaren - 1, 2, 3, 4, Hoedje Van Papier

Credits:

Produced by Hans van Hemert

Arrangements: Janschen en Janschens

Arrangeur / Conductor: Piet Souer

Front cover

Back cover

3 X 3 = Disco (released as a single and taken from the LP)

Meanwhile, record producer Peter Koelewijn assisted by Will Hoebee (who later became José's husband) supervised a rival studio project called "De Diskoo-Kits". It featured anonymous children who performed a medley entitled "3x3=9" that had similarities with Van Hemert's production. Koelewijn and Hoebee's version entered the Tipparade (a list of singles that didn't chart on the main hit parade) at #29 on February 18th, 1978 and later peaked at #21. It failed to break into the Dutch Top 40. 

Source: YouTube, Delpher.nl, Discogs.nl, 45worlds.com, Blog archives