Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Where are you now? Where do you stand in the battle between the forces of ignorance and those who seek truth? Where is your loyalty, your hero, your guide, and where is the one person from history that fought for justice despite their age, their gender, and their ability? For we have gone beyond the crossroads which point to illumination, and all we are left with is the memories of symbolism to keep us going until we can find the U-turn in the road that brings us back to luminaries and history makers such as Joan Of Arc.
A revisionist will stake a claim that the visions of our future are nothing short of heresy against progression, but they fail to ask themselves the question of where they are right now; for if we cannot keep our present from burning, then the future the revisionist demands is all for nothing, just ashes in our mouths.
Whilst internationally renowned musician and song writer Peggy James is not the first artist to invoke the image and life of the Maid of Orleans for inspiration, she is one who asks us to think of those who came before and were resolute in their cause to question the state, the oppressor, the invader, and in which her latest single, Joan Of Arc, also frames the point of Feminist truth and in which all are welcome to advance, to understand, and even question, for faith is nothing without its ability to withstand interrogation.
The song, as always with Peggy James, is one of passion, the voice carries with it evidence and persuasion, a firm grip on the heart and mind of the listener; the result being one of power, of reason, of a union of musical language, expression, and conviction.
Values may change with fashion and with political dogma, but principals and morals must stand for all time in the light, and Wisconsin’s Peggy James is a keen believer in the illumination of the world of humanity always standing tall.
A superb second single release of the year, Peggy James’ rich vein of form and detailed music perspective shows no sign of retreat, just a continued and welcome advance.
Peggy James releases Joan Of Arc on May 28th.
Ian D. Hall