The Armistice Pals project brings together a huge number of voices from across the folk music scene including the likes of Peggy Seeger, Dave Swarbrick, Lucy Ward, Robb Johnson, Gavin Davenport, Chris While, Julie Matthews and many more to record the classic Pete Seeger anti-war song ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’ which should need no introduction.
According to the sleeve notes of the original Pete found inspiration for the song in October 1955, while on a plane bound for a concert in Ohio. Leafing through his notebook he saw the passage, “Where are the flowers, the girls have plucked them. Where are the girls, they’ve all taken husbands. Where are the men, they’re all in the army.”
It’s a song that knows no boundaries and is known across the world in many different languages. Here is Peggy talking about the Armistice Pals project which touches on how the project has drawn artists together in a united front which goes beyond the CD release, as well as being a fine tribute to the legacy of Pete Seeger who loved bringing people together in using the power of song which this most certainly does.
The project has already become a catalyst for folk clubs and groups to have Armistice Pals themed nights. Needless to say this also has the potential to also develop the awareness of the vital folk club and sessions scene across Britain and uniting the folk circuit with a common cause.
Here they are performing ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone ?’, our Song of the Day.
Background
“The name chosen for the project is intended to reflect both the agreement at the end of the First World War and the ‘Pals Battalions’, which were made up from communities around Britain where groups of friends and acquaintances from the same town enlisted together, fought together and all too often died together, leaving whole towns and villages shorn of a large proportion of their young men.
In releasing the song in the year of the 100th Anniversary of the start of the First World war, the project is intended to recognise the appalling and often senseless sacrifice of so many young lives and the suffering this brought to their loved ones in what should have been ‘the war to end all wars’. In choosing to record a version of ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’ we celebrate the life, songs, contribution and inspiration provided by Pete Seeger in his commitment to the cause of peace and the development of a better world for all, rather than a controlling minority. By bringing together singers from across the folk spectrum we aim to reflect the importance of community in bringing about positive change. By purchasing the download you will be making a valuable contribution to a worthwhile cause but there are many anti-war organisations who can benefit from your energy, spirit and belief.”
The Armistice Pals project brings together a huge number of voices from across the folk music scene that has become an important catalyst for so much more so please support it!
The four charities which are nominated for any profits from the sales of the song are The Malala Fund, The British Red Cross, The Foundation for Peace and Peace through Folk. It is released via Folkstock Records, the brainchild of Helen Meissner (www.folkstockartsfoundation.com).
Featuring: David Swarbrick, Judy Dyble, Linda Simpson, Johnny Coppin, Merry Hell, Lucy Ward, Reg Meuross, Jess Vincent, Ray Cooper, Flossie Malavialle, Said The Maiden, Eric Bazilian, Robb Johnson, Siân James, Richard Ryall (Littmus), Peter Robinson, Dave Mather, Kellie While, Kelly Oliver, Patsy Matheson, Gavin Davenport, Christine Collister, Ninebarrow, Luke Jackson, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Gren Bartley, Chris While, Julie Matthews, Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger, Edwina Hayes and the Armistice Pals Chorus.
Where Have All The Flowers Gone?’ will be released on Sunday 9th November as a cd single and a limited edition 7″ vinyl single.
Order it here: https://folkstockrecords.bandcamp.com/track/where-have-all-the-flowers-gone
More here: http://www.armisticepals.com/