Give Me a Dream

Many folks have asked us, “When did you first get the idea for a Peace Album?”

Emily:
It began at age 12 when I bought my first guitar, a Takamine nylon 6 string, and borrowed my dad’s “Great Songs of the 60’s volume I” songbook. By age 17, I had a steady gig jamming with “old” thirty something’s who still remembered the unrest of the 60’s and the music that described it so well. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “Imagine” were regulars on the set list at the Pub in Buzzard’s Bay, MA. and they are still requested by audience members today.

Lynn:
I was coming of age in the 60’s, and these songs were the soundtrack of my life. The Vietnam War was in full swing, there were race riots in our city streets, and our most promising leaders were being assassinated. I continue to play the same songs years later while wrestling with the “why” of it all. “When will we ever learn?” The goal remains the same, “Oh to be in a peaceful world of certainty.” Our true enemies are not people, but ideology, ignorance, and hatred.

Our mutual interest in songs of the Peace Movement has been rekindled in recent years with world events and audience requests for Songs of Peace.

We were also reminded of the importance of the Peace message when colleague and friend Nash Basom passed away in August 2011. At his memorial service, we learned of the depth of his peace mission in the early 1970’s.

Armed with a camera and journal, on a mission of peace and freedom, Nash documented and supported relief efforts in Malawi and Tanzania during the Mozambique movement towards independence in 1972. One of his photos became the inspiration for our poem “Peace Offering” and the title of our album.

The documentation of his peace mission 40 years ago helps us to understand how important it is to use our voices through song, photography, and poetry to carry the message forward. We are reminded that time is precious and we have a responsibility to continue the work so that the efforts of those who go before us are not in vain. We thank Nash, his partner Mariel Hess, and their daughters Reeve and Kit for sharing his story. Integrating Nash’s story and photos into our peace album gives the music and message authenticity. For this we are eternally grateful.

This album is dedicated to Nash and all those who strive for peace within and across all nations. May each song reflect the ideals, the struggles, and the hopes that we all share as part of life’s journey, and help us keep the dream of peace alive.