neworld theatre CD

"Far From Home - songs of hope and courage in the spirit of Rachel Corrie"

- available at www.highlifeworld.com

The board of Neworld Theatre has taken on the production of a music CD to accompany the company's bi-national co-production of the play "My Name is Rachel Corrie" in the winter of 2007-2008.

All profits from the sales of this CD will be forwarded to the Rachel Corrie Foundation For Peace and Justice, set up by her parents in Olympia, Washington, USA.

This compilation CD reflects a wide range of musical voices, united around a single cause – support for the work and vision of The Rachel Corrie Foundation For Peace and Justice. All songs, and artwork have been donated by the artists involved for this project.

The Contents of the CD
The first track is a spoken introduction, by Billy Bragg, telling important facts from Rachel’s story, and the social context of the creation and production of the play. It comes from a live concert, in 2006, in the US.

"The Lonesome Death of Rachel Corrie" - Billy Bragg’s song is a re-working of Bob Dylan’s classic “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”. It has not been on cd anywhere before this, and was written and recorded in 2006. (Thank you again Billy Bragg.)

"I'd Rather Be Dancing" - Jim Page is a veteran singer/songwriter from Seattle. His song is written as a message back to her parents from Rachel, and examines her motivation and spirit.

"How the Poet Goes" - SOFIA is the latest musical project organized by Vancouver’s Allison Russell (previously of Po’ Girl), and their track is currently unreleased on album.

"The Death of Rachel Corrie" - David Rovics is a very committed political activist and singer/songwriter who lives in Portland. His song is one of many he has written about the complexities of the Middle East.

"Rise Up" - Jess Hill is a very well respected singer/songwriter who is active on the Vancouver musical scene. She has generously played at a few neworld theatre’s events over the last year.

"Lay it Down" - Stripmall Ballads is a project organized by Phill Saylor Wisor (from the band the Shiftless Rounders). This song was written for this compilation, and is currently unreleased on cd.

"King George" - The Beige are a dynamic Vancouver act that is exploring the edges of country music. This song was just recorded and is currently not on a cd.

"Song To Reconcile" - Geoff Berner is a rising international accordion phenom who is based in Vancouver. He is currently pushing the limits of popular music with politics, energy, humor and passion. He was a performer at neworld theatre's very first “Bite of the Underground” show.

"I Make This World" - D.O.A. is a Vancouver institution. They were one of Canada’s main standard bearers when punk music initially stood up. They are one of the most celebrated bands in Canadian history, and they tell it like it is, and put it all on the line … all the time.

Each of these bands, and the artists who compose them, understand what it means to give all you have for something you believe in. Their music and lyrics on these songs capture Rachel Corrie’s spirit in a full and unique way. Altßhough some songs are not about Rachel directly, they all speak of that very human urge to make a difference, and dig down deep inside to find out what you are prepared to stand up, and be counted, for. This project would have been impossible without their generosity, their patience, and their belief.

We thank and salute each one, and wish them much success in their future work.

Available at www.highlifeworld.com