Lullabies From The Axis of Evil

On January 29, 2002, President George W. Bush delivered his State of the Union address wherein he launched the now famous term “The Axis of Evil”. He declared that Iran, Iraq, North Korea “and their allies” were enemies of the United States and the free democratic world.Norwegian producer Erik Hillestad was struck by this speech and how these countries were labeled enemies. Hillestad felt the stigma that was attached to the countries pointed out as members of “The Axis of Evil” was just one side of it. As a result, decided to unite “East” and “West” through song…through lullabies.“Lullabies lead us to the deepest and most fundamental way of communication between human beings. It is where all sharing of ideas and feelings starts. Between mother and child, between father and child. It is a universal culture.”—Erik Hillestad, liner notes from Lullabies From The Axis of EvilHis intent was to record traditional lullabies from the countries that were now perceived by some as enemies. He wanted to use women’s voices because he felt the male voice was far too dominant today, speaking the words of power and warfare while the female voice was hardly heard.Over a few months Hillestad had compiled the lullabies he intended to record, however it took him more than a year to gather the western artists. Many managers and artists declined perceiving the project as “too dangerous” to get involved.Hillestad journeyed to each country beginning in Palestine recording each voice. He edited each and paired the best versions of each song and then delivered them to arranger/composer Knut Reiersrud who composed the musical landscape to compliment the women’s voices and the songs.The result is 14 duets: East meeting West as one voice. No hatred. No evil. Only the soothing warmth of a melody meant to comfort in any language.Western artists that added their voices include Lila Downs, Sarah Jane Morris, Eddi Reader, Elana Fremerman (Hot Club of Cowtown) and The Washington National Cathedral Girls Choristers.For the US release, Rickie Lee Jones has added her voice on a traditional Iraqi lullaby.At a time of great instability in this world we need to remember that we are all human and that these fourteen soft, sweet melodies from countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine resonate our same beliefs and hopes for our children and our families: peace, love, safety.