We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

From the perspective of the career of Pete Seeger, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" is not what you might expect because if you think this is going to be a collection of covers of the greatest songs written by the American folk icon, then you are gong to be surprised and possibly disappointed. "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?," "If I Had a Hammer," and "Turn, Turn, Turn" are not going to be found here. The most recognizable song would be the title track, the song Seeger based on a spiritual that became the anthem of the Civil Rights movement. But this baker's dozen collection of tracks more about traditional songs that Seeger performed that Bruce Springsteen is passing along to a new generation. The second most recognizable song would probably be the last one, "Froggie Went a Courtin'" (which has been around at least since 1549), although "Erie Canal" would have to be second on that list. If you have any passing familiarity with American folk music then "Shenandoah," "John Henry," and "Old Dan Tucker" should be recognizable as well.Then again, this album is not what you would expect from a Bruce Springsteen album, given that the Boss has never done a cover album before. He has done a few notable covers, from Tom Wait's "Jersey Girl" and Patti Smith's "Because the Night" to "War" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," so it is interesting that Springsteen would suddenly decide to do it for an entire album. Seeger is certainly a legend, and if this album introduces a new generation of fans to his work so much the better. But having watched Springsteen fail (by his standard anyway) with his acoustic albums "Nebraska," "The Ghost of Tom Joad," and "Devils & Dust," it is interesting to see what happens when he takes his acoustic guitar and backs it up a full folk music ensemble recording LIVE, without rehearsals, in three one-day sessions cut in 1997, 2005 and 2006. The irony is that those other acoustic efforts sound more like Seeger's work than this album, because most Seeger recordings are just him playing his banjo. But if you flip the CD over for the DVD side of the disc you can see the recording of some of these tracks and that what you think was going on in the studio from listening to these tracks is just what you see. Plus there are a couple of bonus tracks on the other side, "Buffalo Gals" and "How Can I Keep from Singing."The background on this 2006 album is that Springsteen was working on putting together a second album of "Tracks," collecting his rarities, when he came across a set of recordings he had made in 1997 for the Seeger tribute album, "Where Have All the Flowers Gone: The Songs of Pete Seeger." The only contribution from Springsteen ended up being "We Shall Overcome" on the album which had 39 tracks recorded by everyone from the Weavers and Peter, Paul & Mary to the Indigo Girls and Ani Difranco. This inspired Springsteen to record an entire album of folk tunes that Pete Seeger had popularized, and some of the musicians he brought together for this album had played on those sessions back in 1997. The liner notes by Dave Marsh provide a brief introduction on the background of each song. For example, "Old Dan Tucker," is: "An antique fiddle tune, often used for square dances, made famous around 1843 when Dan Emmett, one of the greatest early minstrel singers, wrote a version of these lyrics for his group, the Virginia Minstrels." You have to admire the mix of brevity and detail, which contrasts nicely with the rollickin' good time these musicians have in the studio. I find these songs addictive, and while they are not everybody's cup of tea, they have my toe tappin' through constant replay.

I bought this CD on a whim, needing to get to 25 bucks for free shipping. Being a moderate fan of Springsteen, I was expecting to enjoy this release; what I didn't expect was to be blown away as soon as I heard the 1st chords of the 1st track.All of these songs are familiar to me; what is so unexpected is the joy in hearing renditions that FEEL fresh and spontaneous. Yes, I say feel because these are songs meant to be felt, not just heard. That is the magic of folk for me and this remarkable entourage captured not just sound but feeling in this recording.Before t.v., mp3 players, highways and all of the other wonderful things we take for granted, entertainment was found in families and friends gathering at night to sing and tell stories. This CD reminds me of time spent in a corner of rural Vermont 25 years ago where this tradition was still practiced. For bringing this memory back and capturing a sense of that pure joy, again I say "Thanks, Bruce".

I first saw Bruce at Liberty Hall in Houston, Texas in 1974. It was a f**king religious experience because the original music was intelligent, fun, and melodic, and the performer and his band gave you everything they had, and you felt it in your soul. Over the years I saw nearly every show Springsteen gave in Houston, and I learned something else: Springsteen and E-Street Band were the best cover band in the world. The list of songs they covered is way too long to list, but if you do even a little digging you will find a treasure trove.The Seeger Sessions (although without the E Street Band) is essentially a covering and reinterpretation of a selection of American music. It sounds fantastic. It is fun. It allows Bruce to inhale deeply from the roots of folk, jazz, country, that eventually led to Rock 'n' Roll. It is this freedom that allows Springsteen to immerse himself in the unadulterated joy this music can yield.Don't pass this album up.

If a singer took these songs and treated them in a patronizing way, this would be a disaster. If a singer treated these songs as trite oldies, the exercise would be a disaster. Think about it: "Old Dan Tucker," "Froggie Went a Courtin'," "Erie Canal," "Buffalo Gals," and so on. These are some of the songs I used to sing in music class in elementary school. How easily could singing these turn into a distasteful exercise.But Pete Seeger took such folk tunes seriously and worked to make them available to the larger public, including singing with the various groups that he was a major part of. And Bruce Springsteen takes these songs seriously. He does not parrot Seeger; rather, he sings the songs in his own way and treats them as songs that are worthy.This is an enchanting CD, one that could easily have been embarrassing and precious--but which is, in its own way, engaging and warm.

Early Dylan vocals were hampered by a feeling of putting on too much influence..."okie" "fake Woody" etc. This record gives that same sensation, like the vocal is trying too hard.

Two of my favourite singers, The Boss singing songs by left-wing American folk singer Pete Seeger, wow, amazing! The songs are traditional folk-based songs of struggle and Bruce Springsteen puts his own unique talent to work producing great cover versions that carry you away.The three-fold cardboard case contains a CD, a DVD and a booklet of lyrics (see my photos).The production quality is great and you can feel the commitment to the words, they're not just bland lyrics they carry real meaning. I can listen to this for hours on end and have done. In fact I'm listening to it now, as I type.

These are great classic songs performed with a fervor and heart that reveals another dimension to Bruce Springsteen's musical talent. Anyone who appreciates Bruce Springsteen and great music will most definitely love this album. I wasn't too familiar with much of the material on this album but I absolutely love it now. Pour yourself a strong one, put this record on and you'll definitely feel a part of the party. It's just a really fun recording that sounds wonderful on vinyl and just try not stomping your feet when listening to this - it's impossible!

Great album!

I Loved This Album That Says It All For Me

Excellent