It’s odd that a man who’s got a full album ready to go puts it on the burner because he came across the recordings he made for the tribute, Where Have All the Flowers Gone: The Songs of Pete Seeger. It started Bruce Springsteen on a musical journey that results in one of his best releases to date. The music may be inspired by Seeger but the final result is definitely stamped by the Boss.
First off, this is folk music, not rock ‘n roll. Yeah, you heard correctly. Springsteen digs into traditional tunes of, or popularized by, Pete Seeger. Beginning with the accompanying DVD was a good choice as watching the musicians record live was an event in itself. It gave me better understanding and an enormous appreciation for their talent and arrangement. Banjo, violins, drums, piano and a horn section combines into a mostly New Orleans, foot stomping scenario that’s bursting with life.
But there are serious moments which highlight that the theme of We Shall Overcome is protest by the human spirit against poverty and war. Whilst ‘O Mary Don’t You Weep’, and ‘Pay Me My Money Down’ hum with energy, ‘Erie Canal’, ‘Bring ‘Em Home’ and the title track return our grave feet to the ground. There is good balance between somber and joy.
This is a small masterpiece in music and undoubtedly a breath of revelation for the folk scene.
Hi Mike! All my messages to You are sofar returned. Can You give me Your online numbers, please. I want to stay in contact with You, please
Ta. I'll mail you.