Album Notes

This is the fourth solo CD from Peter Whitehead on the Out of Round label. It is his second collection of songs, the other two CDs being instrumental works for dance and film. This collection of ten songs includes several written for live dance and theater performances, the remainder being songs from his solo performances.
Three years in the making, the CD and its title reflect the times in which it was made. In the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center, the cycles of revenge fueled by conflicting ideologies and a God who is claimed by all sides, have placed us firmly in a world now dominated by militarism and the gun. This has proved once again to be a bogus path to peace. The use of violence has lead us only to further violence and the escalating cycles of revenge continue. The mood of these times is reflected in several of the songs.
This CD is sparser and less ‘experimental’ in its arrangements then his previous effort “Now This” but, as with his previous work, careful attention has been paid to lyrics and arrangements The result is a good balance between simple voice and instrument songs and the more fully orchestrated sound, and the inclusion of one spoken word piece.

As well as being a singer/songwriter, Peter Whitehead is also known as an instrument builder and multi-instrumentalist who often composes for film and dance. He is also a painter and visual artist. Much of his music features self-made instruments alongside many collected on his travels in South East Asia, Europe and North Africa. Conventional Western instruments such as cello and guitar also feature heavily throughout his work.
Originally from London, England he has lived and worked in the USA since 1975, mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has collaborated with a number of Bay Area dance groups including Sarah Shelton Mann’s Contraband and postmodern pioneer Anna Halprin, composing recorded scores as well as performing live music on stage. He has also worked internationally with directors such as Angus Balbernie. His film music credits include “City of Ghosts” directed by and starring Matt Dillon.