WE ARE ALL WORLD CITIZENS THIS IS OUR ALBUM

The front cover, perhaps, says it all. John Webster stands in front of a bank built to defend the Norfolk coastline from the sea. In the background is a windmill, symbolizing the hope that solutions can be found to environmental and other problems.

‘Songs for our Time’ is a melodic album with an accent on the positive, and engages the world of the 21st century with a lightness of touch and spirit. The collection of 11 songs is fronted by World at the Crossroads, which refers to global warming - ‘There’s a change in the weather/There’s a change in our lives’ - and calls for wisdom in politics, and action for ‘laughter not tears’.

Shining Towers deals directly with the events of 11th September 2001. Drawing on an extraordinary story told by a New York art therapist, Shining Towers reinforces the growing awareness that such atrocities are accompanied by a balancing power of sympathy, love, and solidarity.

The Pantheist Song points to the universality of love, and locates true spirituality there, rather than in an ‘old man God, with anger in his eyes’. Creatures of the Air warns that the freedom of migrating birds is shared by industrial pollutants, and From the Centre advises – be positive, no matter what !

Asian Highway draws on John’s experiences traveling through Afghanistan and northern India, and Deliverance Day, written in anticipation of the fall of apartheid, zeroes in on the feeling of political ecstasy found when national independence and political freedoms are gained.

The next two songs turn to more personal themes, with Ship in Distress and Haven hinting at the possibility of personal redemption and happiness. Mayday, a song written about Mayday hospital in Croydon, pays tribute to the British National Health Service and the ‘sympathetic impulse’ within people and society, and the final song, sung by Ruth Murray, The Hills of Tuscany, ends the album on a cheerfully nuanced utopian note.

‘Songs for our Time’ grows out of John Webster’s long-time recording partnership with Dave Eastoe, a deft and versatile musician who has increasingly taken over responsibility for the sound behind John’s songs. Their collaboration, augmented by vocals and flute provided by Ruth Murray, is reflected in the texture of the album, which includes songs recorded in the 1980s, 1990s, and 21st century.

Order (UK, Europe, worldwide) from Booksystems Plus for £9.95 + p&p

Sales line: +44 (0)1223 894870 (9.30-1.30 GMT weekdays)

Email: bsporders@aol.com
Fax: 01223 894871

Hear tracks:

World at the Crossroads
Shining Towers
From the Centre
Asian Highway
Mayday
The Hills of Tuscany

Also available: posters (while stocks last)

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Details: Contact Pathfinder Audio on 01865 765436 / info@pathfinderaudio.co.uk