Greenpeace to release 1970 concert recording of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Phil Ochs

The concert, a fundraiser to protest US nuclear bomb tests near Amchitka in Alaska in 1970, sees a first-time release on 10 November 2009. The CD is available exclusively through Greenpeace and all proceeds will benefit the organisation.

“We are pleased to offer this musical slice of history to Greenpeace supporters and music lovers around the world,” said Chris Washington-Sare, Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Head of Fundraising. “This CD is musical magic. It contains never before heard songs that capture the confidence and hope of the times. It carries a timeless message that change is possible."

The concert was held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver on 16 October 1970, and was organised by former trial lawyer and activist Irving Stowe. As co-director of the Don’t Make A Wave Committee, he raised enough money to send 11 peace activists by boat, named The Greenpeace, to the Aleutian Island of Amchitka. The voyage in 1971 marks the birth of the worldwide organisation known today as Greenpeace.
 
“The Amchitka voyage would not have happened without the concert, and so we owe a debt of gratitude to Irving Stowe, and the talents of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Phil Ochs for generating the momentum that ultimately launched Greenpeace,” said Washington-Sare. “The activists that travelled to Amchitka set the example that has guided and defined Greenpeace: non-violent direct action to protect our environment and motivate societal change.”

The upcoming release features concert performances by then-rising Canadian star Joni Mitchell, a 22-year old James Taylor and protest singer Phil Ochs. Earlier that year Mitchell had been named by Melody Maker magazine as the Top Female Performer of 1970, and Taylor had released his major breakthrough album Sweet Baby James.  

Among the songs included on the two-disc set are the never before recorded versions of Larry Williams’ Bony Maroney and Bob Dylan’s Mr Tambourine Man. Another rare treat is Mitchell’s performance of  Hunter which was never recorded on any studio album.

Of the historic concert, Canadian broadcaster Terry David Mulligan says, “The crew of The Greenpeace took hold of our hearts and minds and pulled all of us along. As always, music carried the day.”

Visit www.amchitka-concert.com for more information regarding the CD release.