All that has happened since I first received a review copy of this album makes Will’s chosen title seem profoundly prophetic. Which was not his original intention. The title is a Victor Hugo quotation made in 1849-and Hugo was talking then about a United Europe. In the advance publicity Will explains “this was never a pro Remain or pro Leave project-it’s about identity music and the subject of home.” And that's what this album is. An homage to what we seemed about to lose at the time of recording.
Time to fess up here. I know harmonica and melodeon player extraordinaire Will Pound in person. Only to nod to, but he's a Facebook friend, I've seen him "live" a few times and I own some of his previous albums. He's a complex guy who doesn't always find it easy to remain politically neutral. Music stirs him greatly. I know he loves Europe especially travelling and performing abroad and they love him there too. Like many of us Will didn't find Brexit easy,nor does he wear his heart on his sleeve much. He is blessed to be a fine (no,a gifted musician) and so is in the fortunate position of having the armoury to make a statement without words.
Because he has (on demand and consequently of necessity), over time mixed and performed with an International Who's Who of European musicians, he already had the basic subject matter in his head Will stores music in there like many of us keep photographs or memories. In performance he appears sometimes to pluck tunes riffs,licks,etc out of the ether,adding them to a piece as he goes along. But what is evident in this case is that he has also done considerable background research, adding to what was already a remarkable memory bank.
And here is the end result for all to listen to. The burgundy coloured album cover cleverly resembles an EU passport with a booklet inside explaining the background to each tune. (Those of you familiar with him will recognise this attention to detail). The content is an album representing traditional music of the countries which represented the EU at the time of recording. It's a fair bet that Farage,Tim Martin, Gove et al won't listen to it much. (Worth buying perhaps, for that fact alone?).
He had to learn 27 tunes from the member states and then work them into a recording. They were compacted down to 14 tracks,most of which are paired. (Only Ireland gets a solo track). For some this would have been a daunting nightmare. For Will,it is a dream come true and a labour of love. The music itself burns with the intense passion that is his trademark. It is impossible to hide the way he feels about each of these countries.
The guest list, as one might expect, is remarkable.( Who wouldn't jump at the chance to accompany someone like Will Pound?) And yet. as I know from direct experience, even though he is an Internationally famed musician, when at a loose end he is just as likely to turn up somewhere in his beloved Warwickshire and listen,or play along with,local people. I remember on one occasion taking to the stage in one venue and being intimidated by seeing Will in the front row. After we'd begun, my heart sank as he rested his head on the table. I thought that was despair but someone told me later this is how he likes to listen to music. I took comfort from that!
Probably the biggest name additionally involved is percussionist Evelyn Glennie. She evidently recognises a fellow genius and makes no secret of her admiration for Will's music. Also part of the ensemble, (one formed specifically for this album) are Bodhan Piasecki, Patsy Reid, Jenn Butterworth, the ubiquitous Jude Rees and John Parker. Guesting occasionally are Liz Carroll, Gudrun Waither and the Stream of Sound Youth Orchestra.
The project,understandably, had the backing of the Arts Council England. If you are expecting a stream of pithy, acidic protest songs about Brexit, forget it. There are no lyrics apart from Piaseckis poems, but this is as eloquent as any wordy songwriter's epic. More so probably, because the music and the imagery it invokes does the talking.
The gatefold sleeve contains a detailed leaflet giving individual track credits and details of all the tunes and songs involved. A Day Will Come was originally intended for release on May 8th 2020 and was to coincide with a brief tour taking in Somerset, Yorkshire,Suffolk and Oxfordshire before concluding on home turf at Warwick Arts Centre. Obviously,that won't now be happening,but plans are afoot to tour next May instead. Clips are available on You Tube and you can download the whole album at https://willpound.bandcamp.com With a running time of 70 minutes plus,it will give you plenty to listen to.
