LOS ANGELES — After nearly a decade together—and
at the height of the trio’s popularity—Peter, Paul and Mary agreed
to go their separate ways in 1970. Before reuniting in 1978, Peter
Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers each recorded several solo
albums that took them in new and sometimes unexpected directions. Each
is worthy of rediscovery, so Rhino has assembled a three-CD boxed set
that brings together remastered versions of each artist’s first solo
album. On November 18, THE SOLO RECORDINGS (1971-1972) will be available
exclusively at all Barnes & Noble stores, and Barnes & Noble.com
(
www.bn.com),
for a suggested list price of $29.98.
Travers released Mary in February 1971. The
12-song album combined a folk-based sound with elegant production
touches and a diverse choice in material. Travers kicked things off with
a buoyant new version of “The Song Is Love,” a tune first heard on
Peter, Paul and Mary’s Album 1700. John Denver, who wrote
several songs on the album, wrote the album’s first single, “Follow
Me.” Mary also features songs written by Elton John/Bernie
Taupin (“Indian Sunset”) and Paul Simon (“Song For The Asking”).
Released a few months later in June 1971, the slyly
titled Paul and had a homegrown country/folk/rock feel to it,
infused with funky licks and good humor. Stookey’s Christian faith was
a reoccurring theme throughout, as evidenced by the opening track, a
cover of Arlo Guthrie’s “Gabriel’s Mother’s Hiway Ballad #16
Blues.” Without a doubt, the most famous track is “Wedding Song,”
a lovingly-offered celebration of matrimony that has become a nuptial
classic. The 12-song album also contains “Sebastian,” “Give A
Damn,” and the rocking “Been On The Road Too Long.”
Yarrow released Peter in February 1972. The
12-song, acoustic-based album was recorded at Bearsville Studios near
Woodstock, New York. Among the outstanding players recruited were
guitarist John Till, formerly with Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band,
Paul Butterfield, as well as Rick Danko, Levon Helm and Garth Hudson
from The Band. The visceral, sometimes confessional nature of Yarrow's
original songs was matched by a sparse production approach on such songs
as “Wings Of Time,” “River Of Jordan,” and “Greenwood.” The
album includes one of Yarrow’s best, “Tall Pine Trees.” Yarrow
recalls Patti Smith—who was in the studio in the role of journalist—broke
into tears after hearing a playback of this song.
Going the solo route allowed Peter, Paul and Mary to
make music uniquely their own. It also helped them discover what they
valued most in each other and how to work together more harmoniously.
For these three old friends and allies in the Good Fight, a little time
away led to a deeper unity down the road.
