The folk icons have embarked upon a new chapter in their lives as they continue to spread a decades-long message of humanity, hope and activitism - engaging new generations of fans in the process - while returning to the studio to record their first new album in nearly a decade. Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers have spent years together communicating personal, political and social imperatives through their songs and unmitigated passion. Having their music associated with causes and solutions is as natural as breathing for the trio.The singer/advocates, with their spirit and sense of purpose undiminished over time, recently released a career retrospective, the five disc (including one DVD) boxed set, "Peter, Paul and Mary: Carry It On," as well as a new studio album. Spanning the years 1960-2003, "Carry It On," is a "definitive" look at the group's musical life and times, with more than 80 tracks. It includes previously unreleased solo performances by each member made prior to the group's formation. The bonus DVD presents footage of a live performance of "If I Had A Hammer," from the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, which the trio, by the way considers the highlight of their career. Their new CD, "In These Times," features 12 songs,written by themselves and others, including newly discovered writers. "We've always been involved in encouraging and appreciating the work of other writers, particularly those who are undiscovered," Yarrow explained. "We are very pleased, as we have been from the get go, to sing songs by writers who are virtual unknowns, like Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and John Denver were at one time, where we love the songs and we're pleased that we can have a role in being a vehicle for a wider audience of people to hear the music."Peter, Paul and Mary come to Westbury Music Fair, Friday, for what has become an annual concert here with their legions of fans. The Herald caught up with Peter Yarrow, en route from Boston, where the group had appeared at the Democratic National Convention, to lend support to their old friend, John Kerry.
Herald: You've just been to the Democratic Convention. What was that experience like for the group?
Peter Yarrow: It was very inspiring to see a multi-faceted recognition of a point of view. We are looking forward to a time when the country will not be further divided between the haves and have-nots and we look forward to a time when we will be embracing our allies rather than reading about how much we are hated and feared. We are proud to be a part of a national statement and we will not shrink away from identifying things that we care about.
Herald: Will you take an active role in the presidential campaign?
Peter Yarrow: We will be visiting three swing states. The group has campaigned in every single election of Kerry's, and he's lost only once. We ardently want to change the course of the nation and we will do everything we can to help Kerry in that task. We know him to be thoughtful, clear and thorough in analysis, powerful in leadership and fearless in executing policy and affecting change. We admire him as a great leader, which we have known him to be since 1991.
Herald: Peter Paul and Mary have weathered many changes in the music business, while others have come and gone. What do you account for your staying power?
Peter Yarrow: Part of it has to do with the fact that we sing music that matters to us. We feel like we're reflecting the spirit of what's truthful, poetic, beautiful, and good. We have a sense of carrying on a great legacy. It draws us together as friends, with joy, sincerity and interest.We don't deny that we have disagreements, but we find common ground and resolution. Also we make sure to have a good balance between the time that we spend together and the time we devote to our personal interests. We bring out the best in each other when we perform.
Herald: Has your music changed over the years?
Peter Yarrow: Our music remains the same. What differs is not the style but the issues - from civil rights, we have turned to human rights and peace. Our new album, "In These Times," reflects these changes in texture and sentiments, and ways of expressing those sentiments. Years ago, we made general statements, now our songs are told through personal stories. References to single human beings make for a more powerful song.The songs we choose invite the participation of the listener, who is central to finding a way of creating the life of the song at that listening.
Herald: What led group back into the studio to make a new album at this point?
Peter Yarrow: For a long time folk music was out of favor. Now there is a resurgence of interest and need for this kind of music. ["We wanted to make a contemporary statement, Paul Stookey recently commented. "Folk music has the capacity to not only be aware of the continuum, but also to offer thoughts that are perspectives on the immediacy of human concern."]It's been a busy year and an exciting one for us and the country. To be able to bring our voice into the process is tremendously important to us. We are uplifted by the nature of the discourse and proud of our friend.
Peter, Paul and Mary at Westbury Music Fair
Friday, August 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 and available at Westbury Music Fair's box office, through Ticketmaster at (631) 888-9000
and online at CC.com and musicfair.com. 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.
