The Progressive Campaign

by Tim Hunter

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Bob Prigmore A very worthy musical celebration of the life and successful great work of William Wilberforce to abolish the slavery trade by a musician, composer, producer and historian dedicated to his county of Yorkshire and its stories, legends and peoples. Favorite tracks Equiano, Wilberforce Favorite track: Equiano.

Phil Jackson Tim's best yet. Not only a cohesive and fascinating historical account but a diverse listening experience ranging from the Camelish 'I Got Religion ' to the 10 CC like West Africa Squadron'. But really it's all Tim ably assisted by his supporting vast with soul and gospel also on the radar. Great 👍 version too of 'Amazing Grace'. Favorite track: Wilberforce.

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1.	The Progressive Campaign 01:02		buy track
2.	The Path 03:02	lyrics	buy track
The Path (lyrics and music : Tim Hunter) Sat beneath a tree Surrounded by beauty And tranquility What can I do what can I be Now I am carefree No responsibility Dewdrops are all I want to see But something is calling me What difference can I make? Can I solve all the heartbreak? We’re sleeping, why can’t we wake? Which path should I take?
3.	Put Your Trust In Me 03:30	lyrics	buy track
Put Your Trust In Me (Lyrics and music: Tim Hunter) A Third man? Now we’ll have to have an election! My name is Wilberforce, can I count on your support? On election day, it isn’t far away I’m standing for this county, to represent you Will you vote for me? Can I count on your support? These are my policies: I stand for liberty, Bring an end to cruelty I stand for dignity I’m standing for this county Will you put your trust in me? Put me in Parliament and I will represent you all My name is Wilberforce Can I count on your support Give it some thought Chorus: Won’t you Put your trust in me Put your trust in me I’ll serve his majesty He’ll have my loyality With a majority I’ll serve this constituency Standing for this county Won’t you put your trust in me I’m independent If I’m in parliament Won’t be in Government My name is Wilberforce Can I count on your support? Give it some thought Chorus: Won’t you Put your trust in me Put your trust in me M8 Put your trust in me I’ll stand against Immorality Put Your Trust in me I will stand up for equality I’ll use all my ability To stand up for this county Declaration of the count for the county of Yorkshire in 1807: I do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said election is as follows: William Wilberforce (Independent) 11,808, Lord Milton (Whig) 11,177 Henry Lascelles (Tory) 10,990 And I do hereby declare that William Wilberforce and Lord Milton are duly elected to serve the county of Yorkshire. Thank you You put your trust in me
4.	I Got Religion 03:04	lyrics	buy track
I Got Religion (lyrics and music Tim Hunter ) I’ve wasted precious time But I’ve found my way Now I’ve found my faith I won’t waste another day I’ll be an advocate for truth, I’ll do what I say Turn principles to action, for the hearts of men I’ll pray I Got Religion – I have seen the light I Got Religion – I will do what’s right Got Religion – I will fight this fight Got religion – stop this endless night Got religion, Got religion, Got religion No more hangin’ round the clubs , but I’m still gonna sing Now I’ve found my purpose , enlightenment I’ll bring We need social improvement and I’ll be campaigning To end the immorality and excessive drinking I got religion I will devote my life from now on To resolve the situation I’ve seen the light Oh I’ve seen the light I got religion, I got religion I Got Religion – I have seen the light Got Religion – I will do what’s right Got Religion – I will fight the fight Got religion – stop this endless night Got religion, Got religion, Got religion
5.	Break The Chains 03:19	lyrics	buy track
Break The Chains You’ve got the money, you’ve got your fame You’ve got the contacts, let’s start a campaign Let’s get together and stop this this stain Let’s all work togther and fight this shame Let’s Break The Chains Break The Chains Let’s Make the Change , Make the change Let’s Break The Chains Break The Chains Let’s Make the Change , Make the change You’ve been elected, but you need an aim You are respected, so use your name Let’s all get together and stop their games All because the people want their sugarcane I’m travelling across this land canvassing for support To end this evil slavery it’s the noblest cause we’ve fought
6.	A Christian and a Statesman (John Newton Dialogue 1) 01:05	lyrics	buy track
Many years ago, when he was a young boy, William came to hear me preaching. I still remembered him and was surprised when he came to see me, as an adult, looking for advice. By then he was a famous MP. He told me his faith had returned, but he was having self doubts about his worthiness and ability to uphold his beliefs – and that he’d been asked to take on the slavers. I told him not to live a life of solitude. I told him that God would bring a calm and tranquil state to his troubled mind. I knew the Lord would make him a Christian and a Statesman. How seldom do those characters coincide - but they are not incompatible. I encouraged him to persue the campaign to abolish slavery. I told him that we needed him in Parliament to carry out this noble task. I persuaded him to combine his religious beliefs with a continued political career.
7.	Equiano 03:10	lyrics	buy track
Equiano He was taken from his native land By an unjust and cruel band Through his writings he made it known The cruel treatment he’d been shown Equiano, Equiano And so he cried ‘Help Me Lord’ Some mitigation please afford Many Times he felt despair While the songs of birds filled the air Equiano, Equiano He even bought his freedom but still found He was just thrown back down on the ground His strivings all seemed in vain Nothing he did could ease his pain. Equiano, Equiano
8.	Loyal To The Crown 03:21	lyrics	buy track
If you’re an advocate for change Then help the working man Workers are just slaves I’m doing what I can You didn’t denounce Peterloo You’re supported the repression Is this really your view? We fear revolution Chorus Let’s tear the system down No – stay Loyal To The Crown Let’s bring it to the ground No – stay Loyal To The Crown Let’s turn it all around No – stay Loyal To The Crown. I remain Loyal To The Crown The country is divided, Civil War could soon begin , Why are you so misguided I’ll fight it from within What about your countrymen Why can’t you help them more With their dire situation We need the rule of law Chorus I’m not a radical, Believe in what is possible Change has to be gradual, I’m not fanatical And I am practical, change has to be gradual Chorus; We’ll achieve nothing unless we stay Loyal To The Crown
9.	Don't Give In (John Newton Dialogue 2) 00:47	lyrics	buy track
When I heard William Wlberforce was contemplating retirement from public life , I sent him a letter. I stated that it was impossible to measure the good he was doing in parliament. The example, even the presence of a consistent character has a powerful effect on others. I told him, it is true you live in the midst of difficulties and snares - and you need a double guard of watchfulness and prayer ‘I told him - you are not only a representative for Yorkshire you have the far greater honour of being a representative for the Lord – I encouraged Wilberforce to stay in Parliament and "serve God where he was".
10.	The Path (Reprise) 02:41	lyrics	buy track
The Path (reprise) Dundas (in parliament): Mr Speaker, I support this motion.However, I propose an amendment:I propose that abolition is carried out gradually and experimentally, to prove the practicability of abolition of the trade. Clarkson: I thought I’d find you here, Wilb. You can’t give up now you know Wilberforce: Gradual abolition? That means it’ll never happen, Thomas Clarkson Don’t underestimate The difference that you make You must stay on this path For everybody’s sake Please complete this task You must stay on this track You must stay on this path There ain’t no turnin back I know what is at stake And the difference I can make We’re sleeping, but we’ll wake This path I will take I’m bringing forward my Bill to Parliament, calling for the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire.
11.	The Vote 04:11	lyrics	buy track
Scene: House of commons 1807, a rowdy group of MPs are Debating the Slave Trade Act The Speaker ‘William Wilberforce!’ Wilberforce: ‘Mr Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of this house an evil trade founded in iniquity. I am speaking of the Slave Trade. [noise] I know that many honourable members in this house have interests in this trade. But I believe them to be men of humanity. I believe that if the wretchedness of this trade could be brought before their view, they would not persist with the trade (drowned out by noise from MPs) ‘The Speaker: Order! Order! Colonel Tarleton!’ Tarleton: ‘Mr Speaker, it would appear that my honourable young friend, who appeased the Americans, while I fought them, now wants to hand over the wealth of the Indies to the French! Does he not understand that if we were disposed to sacrifice our African trade, other nations would not enter into so ruinous a plan – and they would reap the rewards!’ (Noise from MPs) The Speaker: Order! Order! (chamber goes silent) Tarleton (Contd) ‘Mr Speaker, abolition would instantly annihilate a trade which annually employs upwards of 5,500 men and upwards of 160 ships and a huge amount of exports. Without it we couldn’t fill the coffers of the King! It would bring financial disaster to many great cities in the country.’ (Noise from MPs) The Speaker ‘William Wilberforce!’ Wilberforce: ‘Mr Speaker, I am confident that the people of Great Britain would want to abolish the slave trade if its injustice and cruelty was made clear to them. (noise from MPs) Indeed we have a petition in support of abolition, signed by hundreds of thousands of people! The Speaker: Order! Order! Wilberforce: There is no doubt in my mind that the slave trade is so dreadful, so irredeemable in its wickedness, that abolition is the only option! I therefore urge my honourable friends to vote once and for all for the abolition of the slave trade throughout His Majesty’s empire’ Noise from MPs The Speaker: ‘Order! Order! Division! Clear the lobbies!’ (Sounds of voting – tension grows - 'The Progressive Campaign' music plays) The Speaker: ‘Order! On the Slave Trade Act, the Bill calling for the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire, the votes are as follows: Ayes to the right 283 , Noes to the left 16. The Ayes have it! The Ayes have it! (Cheers) The Speaker: I declare the bill for the abolition of the slave trade to be passed. Thomas Clarkson: ‘Wilb, why did 16 vote against?’ Wilberforce: ‘Never mind the miserable 16, Thomas, think of the glorious 283!’ Clarkson: What shall we abolish next ? Wilberforce: The lottery I think (Noise dies away)
12.	Wilberforce 03:34	lyrics	buy track
Wilberforce Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery You may choose to look the other way But you can never say you did not know Great indeed are opportunities; Great also is our responsibility Wilberforce – can change the course of history God Almighty has set before me Two Great Objectives: The suppression of the Slave Trade And the Reformation of Manners. Selfishness makes us overate our qualities And overlook our defects We are too young to realize things are impossible... So we’ll do them anyway. Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery If to be alive to the sufferings of my fellow creatures, is to be a fanatic, then I’m one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be alive. Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery
13.	West Africa Squadron 02:46	lyrics	buy track
West Africal Squadron Transatlantic Enforcement With the West Africa The West Africa Squadron Transatlantic Enforcement With the West Africa The West Africa Squadron We won at Trafalgar And we defeated the Armada Don’t see why this will be harder We can turn back those boats With forces afloat Transatlantic Enforcement Like the West Africa West Africal Squadron Transatlantic Enforcement With the West Africa West Africal Squadron And so we had a mission To police the Abolition And so we had solutions Like patrolling the seas With our Powerful navy It never gets a mention, but we had good intentions We carried out prevention Like patrolling the seas, with our powerful navy
14.	I lived to see the day (John Newton Dialogue 3) 00:50	lyrics	buy track
.I’d become an ally of William Wilberforce, who’d gecome the leader of the Parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. I always remember William liked to sing one of my hymns. It was Faith's Review and Expectation," which has come to be known by its opening phrase, "Amazing Grace" and it was first performed in 1773. I thank the Lord I lived to witness the culmination of a campaign which transformned the lives of millions - the British passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807 in Parlament.
15.	Amazing Grace 03:29	lyrics	buy track
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found I was blind but now I see Now I see, Now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed These verses are taken from 'Faith's Review and Expectation',which has come to be known by its opening phrase, "Amazing Grace". John Newton wrote the hymn and it was published as part of the Olney Hymns in 1779 and first performed in 1773.
16.	My Faith 03:16	lyrics	buy track
My Faith, Keeps me fighting on, My Faith , Keeping me so strong Faith and Conviction Help me get by when things are going wrong Faith and Conviction Help me get by when all my hope has gone My Faith Has Been Tested, So Many Times But I have never rested, This Mountain I will climb With My Faith My Faith, Keeps me singing songs My Faith, Is my salvation Faith and Conviction Helps me get by when things are going wrong Faith and Conviction Helps me get by when all my hope has gone My Faith Has Been Tested So Many Times But I have never rested ,This Mountain I will climb With My Faith My Faith is my Rock, it will save my Soul My Faith is my Rock, it’s my Rock and Roll
17.	Wilberforce 2024 mix 03:34	lyrics	buy track
Wilberforce Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery You may choose to look the other way But you can never say you did not know Great indeed are opportunities; Great also is our responsibility Wilberforce – can change the course of history God Almighty has set before me Two Great Objectives: The suppression of the Slave Trade And the Reformation of Manners. Selfishness makes us overate our qualities And overlook our defects We are too young to realize things are impossible... So we’ll do them anyway. Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery If to be alive to the sufferings of my fellow creatures, is to be a fanatic, then I’m one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be alive. Wilberforce – can change the course of history Only Wilberforce – can stop this evil slavery

about

'...pure prog heart...the fascinating subject shines through, as Hunter and cast deliver the story with a heartfelt sense of scope and musical imagination'. Prog Magazine #140

'The Progressive Campaign' tells, in song, the amazing story of how Independent, Progressive Yorkshire MP, William Wilberforce, overcame fierce opposition and powerful interests, to abolish the slave trade. Driven by his conviction and faith, Wilberforce eventually persuaded Parliament to abolish slavery itself throughout the British Empire.

This entertaining musical take on Wilberforce’s story (and of other campaigners, like John Newton) will celebrate and inform. The album’s release coincides with the first performance of ‘Amazing Grace' (written by John Newton and William Cowper) 250 years ago.

Historical Characters:
Thomas Clarkson—Leading anti-slavery campaigner;
Henry Dundas—influential leader of the Scottish MPs, who in 1792, proposed gradual abolition of the Slave Trade ;
Olaudah Equiano—A former slave who bought his freedom and wrote a book about his harrowing experiences ;
John Newton— Former slave ship captain who converted to Christianity and became an Anglican Minister;
Colonel Tarleton– Pro Slavery MP for Liverpool;
William Wilberforce—Independent MP for Yorkshire who led the Parliamentary campaign to abolish slavery

Disclaimer:

This concept album is a fictional musical account of the campaign to abolish slavery, based on true events and featuring imagined characterisations of historical 19th century figures. However, any references to historical events, real people and real places are used fictitiously.

The material was influenced by a variety of sources, including published materials. For dramatic and narrative purposes, the songs contain some fictionalised scenes and time compression. Some dialogue is taken from actual documented speeches from the time (e.g. speeches made in the UK parliament), and from documented quotes from writings by historical figures.

However, the views and opinions expressed by characters in the concept album do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions that were actually held by the historical individuals on which those characters were based.

credits

released March 21, 2023

Cast:

Tim Hunter—William Wilberforce
Simon Gibson—Thomas Clarkson
Bill Blackwood—John Newton, The Speaker
Mick Liversidge - Colonel Tarleton, Returning officer, Lascelles
Phil Jackson— Henry Dundas

Musicians:

Tim Hunter - Guitar, Keyboards, Synthesiser (all tracks),
Lead and Backing vocals (2,3,4,7,8,10,12,13,15,16)
Simon Gibson – Lead Vocals (5, 8,10)
Paul Nichols– Alto Sax (13,16)
Drums: Reuben Jones (4,8), Jonny Parnell (3), Alex Swift (2,5,7,10,12,13,15)
Backing Vocals: Sarah-Marie Gayle **(12); Jane Hamilton* (4,5,7);
Jasmine Isa Butterworth (7,16)

Recorded at Northern Soundscapes Studios in late 2022
and early 2023.
Backing vocals recorded at York St Johns University* ,
Smokehouse Studios London**
Drum tracks recorded remotely at each Drummer’s own studio
All songs written by Tim Hunter, apart from ‘Amazing Grace’ (arr. Tim Hunter). Produced by Tim Hunter

© Tim Hunter 2023
All rights reserved. This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service: Registration No:284748103

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Tim Hunter Knaresborough, UK

'Through his musical albums, Knaresborough composer Tim Hunter helps bring to life the stories and legends of Yorkshire's rich heritage.' Yorkshire Post 1st May 2020.
Tim Hunter is a singer/songwriter/producer. His musical compositions range from pop ballads through to classic rock and have been enjoyed by audiences both in Europe and the United States. ... more

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