HERITAGE CD.

Where we come from    by John Edmond

“Heritage” is a 14 track album hailed in music circles as John Edmonds best. It comes with a booklet containing all the lyrics and is laced with nostalgic photographs.

Track listing

1. “Where do we come from” – this is a song about the question so often asked by the younger generation Rhodesians. It is a fitting opening track to the album.

2.”Me and old Bill” The world turned a blind eye to the cold blooded shooting down of the 2 Rhodesian airliners and the many massacres and acts of terror against innocent civilians in Rhodesia. The world, including Rhodesians, abhorred the Lockerbie disaster, 9/11, 7/7, the Spanish train attack. Etc. Chechen rebels committed acts of terrorism against Russia who taught terrorism. This song comments on these facts and that you reap what you sow.

3.”Pamwe Chete” this is a tribute in song to Lt. Col. Ron Reid-Daly and the illustrious Selous Scouts Regiment. The haunting Shona refrain adds to the power and meaning of this song.

4. “Father Claude” This is a true story in song about a priest who took his mission into the bars of a rough Rhodesian mining town. Father Claude, a musician himself, often played in John Edmond’s Bushcat band. A man of God and a man to remember.

5. ‘Old Warrior” epitomizes the universal professional soldier and salutes men and women who fought the forces of evil in wars since time began.

6. “I grew up on your music” The title of this song has been an opening line of so many letters and emails to John Edmond that he just had to document it in song.

7.”Oh Umtali” John Edmond had strong connections with Umtali’s 4^th battalion – a song long overdue about a beautiful town and it’s peoples.

8. “Song for Sally” Sally Donaldson was one of the many radio announcers that boosted the morale of soldiers in the field- a fitting tribute in song to Sally and all radio and TV personalities.

9.”I remember Clem” John Edmond and Clem Tholet go back along way. John was devastated by Clem’s passing and out of deep respect for his friend and fellow singer / song writer wrote this eulogy in song.

10. “Sit Nomine Digna” is Latin for “may she be worthy of her name”. it is the motto on the Rhodesian coat of arms. This  song is John Edmond’s personal anthem.

11. “Rhodesia Regiment” Rhodesian soldiers fought for Britain in the Anglo Boer War, the First World War, Second world war and in Malaya. Latterly the Rhodesian Regiment were the territorials that served on the Congo  border, Nyasaland and the Bush war. John served in the 3^rd  and 9^th battalions and was connected with the 4^th in the bush war. The song expresses John’s pride in being part of it.

12. “Chikurubi”- this song is a true account of an experience of an unfortunate innocent pilot who was incarcerated in the notorious Chikurubi prison for 14 months.

This story was related to John by Kevin Woods who endured a similar but worse experience for nearly 20 years. Kevin’s courage was an inspiration to this prisoner and helped him through his ordeal.

13. “When you say Zvakanaka” This bouncy song depicts the good spirit and camaraderie of Rhodesians.

14. “Voices of Rhodesia”. The national anthem had to be included on this album. John proudly delivers this song in his own meaningful style. After all this is “Heritage”  

The album was reviewed by a cross-section of listeners around the world and different walks of life - even non- Rhodesians.

Chas Lotter - Rhodesian poet said “The songs snapped me back to Rhodesian times and made me feel both sad and proud at the same time.”

Tom Douglas – ex- Maj. Rhodesian army. “If you feel a tug at your heart strings when you listen to the meaningful words, this is part of your rich, courageous and proud heritage.”

Eddy Norris  - Rhodesian Air Force association.” The songs on this CD will dig deep into your soul. Rhodesia to me was not only a country and a nationality but a way of life.”

Walter Briggs - ex Captain US Army and Vietnam Vet. –“ First time I heard Troopie Songs there was a guy, John Edmond who had walked the walk could tell the horror but at the same time leaving me with the up-beat spirit that life goes on. Unfortunately time is running out for someone like John to work some magic in explaining the Vietnam experience to OUR younger generation. John has now taken his wonderful knack of moving the listener from the melancholy to the cheerfully optimistic.”

Pete Shout – Rhodesian musician/ songwriter now leader of Bedrock  Band Namibia. “If nostalgia had a taste to it,  something tangiable that you could put on the end of your tongue, then John Edmond would surely be Rhodesia’s master chef! The 14 course “HERITAGE” menu will present you with an array of dishes which will stir the full breadth of emotions. BON APPETITE!

Koos Moorcroft –ex Chief Sgt. Maj. Of the SA. army and 5 Reconnaissance Battalion. “ John Edmond’s latest album of songs and memories of his beloved Rhodesian era titled HERITAGE is a tribute to the men and women who played major and vital rolles over that period of the country’s history Heritage brings back fond memories of people of all diversities of that country. This album is among the greats that have come from your pen and guitar. Thank you my friend