NEW TROUBADOURS DISCOGRAPHY *Homeland (Findhorn, 1973) *Love Is (Findhorn, 1973) *Winds Of Birth (Lorian, 1974) *Festival Of Light (Lorian, 1980) *Music From The Magic Garden (Findhorn, 1995, compilation incl. six NTs tracks) *In My Name ~ The Vintage Best Of The New Troubadours (Lorian, 2008)
The New Troubadours were a group of friends who came together at the Findhorn spiritual community in Scotland in the early 1970s. Formed by young Americans David Spangler and Lark Batteau, at first they performed as The Findhorn Folk Singers. Their debut concert was in the community in October 1971, and they subsequently performed at the Royal Air Force station at nearby Kinloss, and folk clubs and ceilidhs in surrounding Morayshire. They renamed themselves The New Troubadours in 1972 when the line-up crystallized as: David Spangler and Kathi Lightstone (lead vocals), Milenko Matanovic (guitar), Lark Batteau (guitar, vocals), Jewels Manchester (vocals) and Jim Bronson (double bass).
The Troubadours recorded two albums in Findhorn, both released in 1973: Homeland and Love Is. These were issued only on cassette but were kept in catalogue by the community for thirty years, selling many thousands of copies. The band also appeared on several contemporary television and radio programmes about the Findhorn community.
In 1973 most of the Troubadours relocated to the USA to form their spiritual education and publishing group, The Lorian Association. They recorded the album Winds Of Birth in San Francisco, released by Lorian in 1974. A collection of Christmas songs, Festival Of Light, followed in 1980. Though the band has been inactive since, Milenko and Kathi, now married, have continued to record and perform together for many years and have released several albums of their own.
In 2008 a retrospective compilation of the band's best songs was compiled by their friend Mike Scott (of UK/Irish band The Waterboys fame) and issued by Lorian, titled In My Name ~ The Vintage Best Of The New Troubadours.
WATERBOYS VIDEO FOR IRAN: LET THE EARTH BEAR WITNESS
LET THE EARTH BEAR WITNESS - MIKE’S VIDEO FOR IRANIAN PROTESTERS
Mike Scott, his wife Janette and Waterboys’ webmaster Ian Barratt have created a 3-minute video titled LET THE EARTH BEAR WITNESS in tribute to the Iranian protesters. The film shows fantastic images of the uprising in Iran to a soundtrack of a split-new Waterboys with a lyric by the great Irish poet WB Yeats. Says Mike: “Let The Earth Bear Witness is inspired by the amazing scenes of hundreds of thousands of Iranian people standing up for their rights and freedom. I took the words from two old Yeats poems, in which he was writing about Irish freedom fighters. But his words apply to any freedom fighters, anytime, anywhere in the world.”
The film is live on youtube now and can be viewed here:
We’re working on a version with subtitles in Farsi and this will also be posted shortly. If you find the film inspiring please pass on or tweet the link to everyone you know.
LET THE EARTH BEAR WITNESS words by W.B. Yeats
They shall be remembered for ever They shall be alive for ever They shall be speaking for ever The people shall hear them for ever
Let the sea bear witness Let the wind bear witness Let the earth bear witness Let the stars bear witness!
The New Troubadours dear: It is really fascinating having you tacked on to my circle of musical friends. All the members of your band are accomplished musicians and the vocals are tuneful and breathtaking, a real delight to anyone who loves melodious music. I wish you could hear out my provincial repertoire and discover that your music has a lot to do with mine, I mean their roots come from almost the same ancient sources: Irish, British, American and African. Please, accept a fraternal musical embrace from your admirer here in Brazil,
Winds of Birth as a special meaning to me, since the first moment, and after my travel to Findhorn, I do realise the importance of this call to a new birth. 5 days that confirmed my perspectives as a human being. with love Maria
Thanks for the add! David and Findhorn have been an inspiration to me and my thinking and writing.The Passion of Eve is heavily influenced by Davids writing, at least in my own mind, maybe he wouldn't think so himself :-)
Enjoying your music! Will delve deeper when time allows! All the best, thanks for reaching out!
a friend is like a flower that blooms just for you..and we can be our real selves when we see what's true..a friend is like a gentle rain when you thirst..and we are dancing rings around a rose called mother earth..a friend is like the moon choosing to reflect the light..and we couldn't see the beautiful stars unless it was for the dark of nights..a friend is like a flower we send to ourselves..a gift that just keeps on opening until the light of love is shown and felt.
So pleased to see you here and what brilliant news about the album. Have been a fan for a long time :) Will have to watch the Hall programme to see if you are ever back for a gig (nudge nudge) or have I missed it already?
Welcome aboard! It's a pleasure to be among your friends. Congratulations for the vintage compilation, I believe that will bring back good memories for those who lived the early days of the Findhorn community. with love mary
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