Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Dave'sWife Date: 27 Jun 06 - 12:13 PM I finally got this - I was afraid from reviews that i would hate it since I'm something of a bruce purist. I don't prefer his rock music but I don't like the affected accent he has adopted as his singing dialect in the past decade. he keeps trying to sound more southern and it doesn't fly. I prefered when he sang in a more authetic south jersey/delaware subtle southern lilt. if you listen to folks from Delware and very southern jersey, they do not sound like Northerns at all. My husband is a South Jersey boy too so maybe I just prefer the dialect on account of that. It took a few plays for this to grow on me and I do really enjoy it now. I think I like "Pay me My money Down" the best because he adds the verse about Bill gates and bings it to the present. he also employs a vocal technique of his I always love of aiming flat of a note and bending upwards such as he does when he sings the word "jail". His tendency not to hit perfect notes and to aim flat has always lent weariness to his voice that others can't quite imitate. It's not an easy thing to do if you've been a trained singer. Anyway - I would say that this record is a Dixieland record with a little folk mixed in. it reminds me of the albums he produced for Gary U.S. Bonds in the early 80s which had a similar sound. He and Gary did Jole Blon in a very unique way and Soul Deep plus a bunch of Springsteen originals that worked well. There will always be people who wet themselves over any new "Trad" Springsteen record just as there will be people waiting to trash it as not authentic - like it or not, he has the juice to get a record like this done and out in Walmarts and Target stores. That alone should earn him some praise. So - I like it and am fighting with my husband for posession of it this morning. I've now weighed in. Oh - I hated the ay he did Shenendoah but now find myself singing along with it every time it's on and improvising a bit. it's lovely. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Clinton Hammond Date: 13 Jun 06 - 03:26 PM Old news I know... but I just laid hands to a copy of this recording, and I quite enjoy it.... Much more than anything I've heard from "The Boss" in 20 years or so at the very least..... Might just be the best version of "Buffalo Gals" that I've ever heard..... |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Pauline L Date: 18 May 06 - 11:55 AM I love the CD and hate the DVD. I think the DVD could be improved considerably with Adobe Photoshop using Enhance Colors. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Big Tim Date: 17 May 06 - 02:20 PM Revised opinion from me. I should have listened to the CD first, which I now have, rather than having watched the DVD first. It's a great, exciting, driving, very musical, atmospheric sound: a fusion of the old ("folk")and new ("rock"). Folk rock! And it can help the generations relate better to each other, at least it has in my family. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Brakn Date: 17 May 06 - 10:05 AM BBC Friday |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,14 May 06 - 01:14 PM Date: 15 May 06 - 09:01 PM I do get a little tired of folks claiming how great every single thing Springsteen has ever done is. T'ain't so. In fact, I don't think he has put out much in the past 15 years I've even thought was on a par with a lot of the indie/alt stuff that has come out in the same time span. For instance, the version on this album of 'We Shall Overcome' makes me gag. My fave is 'Shenandoah' (the song is a favorite of mine, though) which he seems to hit the right note with, but it isn't the best version I've ever heard of it. 'Eyes on the Prize' is probably the one and only song on the album that he actually brings up to the present day, but I would also understand those who said he missed the mark completely on this album if making these songs contemporary was the goal. As I said before, this is far from Springsteen's best work. It doesn't even come close to 'Ghost of Tom Joad' or 'Nebraska'. But it doesn't surprise me that some are less than critical about some of the stinkers on this one. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: alf ackoffshalla Date: 15 May 06 - 12:42 PM " "It would be great if Bruce Springsteen inspires a younger generation to go "back to the source" and investigate folk music more fully, just like many of us older folks did back in the sixties and seventies. Some folks enjoyed folk music when it was popular and then went with the trend when other styles of music became fashionable, others were inspired to dig deeper into the roots of folk music. " " what she sed just had a listen ( channel 302) always hated springsteen but im buying this fer the craic seems to have a good "vibe" going on. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Les from Hull Date: 15 May 06 - 12:27 PM UK catters can go to the text option (or channel 302) on their freeview boxes and see an 20 minute excerpt from a concent. Or for anyone else click on The Boss here |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 15 May 06 - 12:14 PM I hereby award you the last word....as I am tired... Zyxt or should you prefer Zyxst or Zyzzyva Zyxt is listed as the last word in the online Oxford English Dictionary, an obsolete Kentish word that is the second singular indicative present form of the verb see. The next-to-last is zyxst, an obsolete word meaning 'sixth'. Several online dictionaries list the word zyzzyva, a tropical American weevil, as the last word in the letter Z. source: http://dictionary.reference.com/help/faq/language/w41.html CB |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: C. Ham Date: 15 May 06 - 11:30 AM The CD was not intended as a tribute to Pete Seeger's career, it was a tribute to the work and teaching that Pete Seeger has always stood for. You are so right about that. I remember listening to an interview with Pete Seeger 10 or 15 years ago and he made the point that his main goal was to get people singing along and getting them to make music for themselves. When I listen to this Springsteen CD, I can't help but sing along on almost every song. I've played the album about five times in the past week and have had the guitar out of the case for 1-2 hours after each time. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 15 May 06 - 10:23 AM Frank, I respectfully disagree with your take on the Springsteen CD. Of course your opinions are valid and I always highly respect your take on these subjects, but I do think you are approaching the recording with different expectations and not seeing what Springsteen was trying to accomplish. You mentioned that you like "subtle interplay of voice and accompaniment as the great trad folk and pro folk interpreters have done". That sets up an expectation of how the style was defined, primarily during the folk revival era, as the artists that you go on to mention approached the music from similar perspectives and styles, not to mention time frame. The performances of Ives, Seeger, Kazee and others reflect THEIR personna, a personna that was formed by the times in which they matured. You also mentioned that his voice seemed "tired" and "strained". I feel that artists like Charlie Poole, Rev. Gary Davis and Dave Van Ronk would also fit that description - yet it was expressive of their own voice. I keep coming back to the message that I believe Pete Seeger has always tried to teach. Make the music come alive. Springsteen incorporated the songs into a style that truly works for him - an interplay of HIS voice with HIS accompaniment in order for the songs to speak for him. Sure Springsteen created a "groove", yet couldn't we say the same of The Weavers? Isn't the idea to interpret the traditional music to make it work for the artist AND the intended audience? Pete Seeger would have been a horrible failure if he plugged in an electric guitar and tried to sing Born to Run. Bruce Springsteen would be a horrible failure if he tried to play the banjo and sing Darling Corey unaccompanied. Yet both artists could take those songs, IF they could make a relationship with the song, and make it work in their own style. While I doubt that Pete Seeger would feel anything for Born To Run, I do think that in his prime he could have interpreted some of Springsteens work for his style - IF he chose to. What it boils down to is the core of the song itself. Again, Seeger tried to teach us what a song was about and to make it work for our own lives. I do think Springsteen understands that and follows through. The songs he chose does work for him. Please understand, I am not trying to sway ANYONES opinion of the CD. As I first stated, I knew this CD would not be to everyones liking. My only concern is that many people are ignoring the theory behind the CD - that the art is in the making of the music and making it work for your audience. The CD was not intended as a tribute to Pete Seeger's career, it was a tribute to the work and teaching that Pete Seeger has always stood for. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,DB Date: 14 May 06 - 03:13 PM Here we go again. The Irish trying to claim another song as theirs! |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Big Tim Date: 14 May 06 - 02:53 PM Re "Mrs McGrath", it's probably linked to the Irish 1916 Easter Rebellion because the song, one of the finest anti-war songs IMO (similar to Dylan's "John Brown"), is often credited to Peadar Kearney (1883-1942), who fought in said Rebellion. He also wrote the lyrics of the Irish national anthem, "The Soldier's Song". |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Rasener Date: 14 May 06 - 02:07 PM I have just listened to 3 songs from Springsteen and I think the backing music is brilliant and with Bruce's singing it all adds to excellent listening. Its happy music. Its so great to hear somebody take old folk songs and whip em up and give them a fresh feel. I run a folk club, and I get to hear people who have taken an old number and redone it in a totally different style and I applaud them. Francy, I completely disagree with your comments below. I certainly would recommend it Quote I have listened to it a half a dozoen times already and wouldn't recommend this to any one who loves folk music.....this is for springsteen rockers and that's it End of Quote There are too many people who sit in their own time warp and will not change. That in my honest opinion gives folk music such a bad name with the youngsters. I am almost 61, and like all types of music and I applaud anybody who makes the effort to take an existing song and revamp it in a different style and gives it fresh appeal. Great job Brucie babe. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,None of the above guests Date: 14 May 06 - 01:14 PM Well, I think Frank has nailed it. This is something I enjoy hearing on the radio, online, etc. but I won't listen for long. The album isn't near the top of Springsteen's best, and those who LOVED 'Nebraska' won't be nearly as enthralled with this. I agree with Frank's technical interpretation of the album. But that said, I also know the true magic of Springsteen is his live performances, and I sure am jealous of Poppagator, because I'm sure the definitive versions of those Springsteen versions were the ones he saw performed in NO. Those tribute songs, I'm sure, will never sound as good any where or any place or at any other time than when The Boss performed them for a wounded NO. Because that is his element as an artist. Springsteen is so gifted, in many ways he defies the whole genre/classification thing, like all great artists do. Unless you've "been there" for a live performance, you have no idea what this artist, his music, and his values and sensibilities as a human being are all about. Finally, why do you people give posters like Mr. Peasant & Mr. Gibson the time of day? You are feeding the trolls, derailing good threads, and dragging the level of conversation down into a cesspool. While those of you who freely choose to engage in these bitter battles with bigoted idiots truly get what you deserve when you get into it with jerks, you certainly rob everyone else of what it is they come to a music forum for. You might try thinking about that the next time you get an uncontrollable urge to lay into the #1 Peasants and Martin Gibsons of the world. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Deskjet Date: 14 May 06 - 12:57 PM Not quite the response I was expecting. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST Date: 14 May 06 - 12:42 PM The biggest pile of crap i've ever heard. Mult-millionaire wanker sings some poor boy songs with his BIG band. Just about the level for some of you shitheads. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Deskjet Date: 14 May 06 - 06:01 AM I bought the album last week and I must say I enjoy it. Amongst other things, it will surely open some youngsters to the idea of folk music, and arouse their curiosity to find out more. But I'm not here to talk about that. I was intrigued with the album cover's intro to "Mrs. McGrath". - "Strongly associated with the Irish Republicans and the Easter Rising of 1916". This was news to me. Does anyone know any more about this association? BD |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Pauline L Date: 14 May 06 - 02:12 AM I just got my copy and I love it. I can't stop listening, singing, and playing along. It may not be great from a musicologists's point of view, but the music making is superb. I still remember and love many of the songs from old Seeger recordings. Springsteen does it his own way. It's different and it's very good. My favorites are O Mary Don't You Weep, Eyes on the Prize, and, of course, We Shall Overcome. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Amos Date: 13 May 06 - 09:49 PM Those with Seeger interests might want to check out the vide on this thread. ~ Becky at Amos's |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Big Mick Date: 13 May 06 - 09:42 PM Frank, I am very glad you posted what you did. I love the fact that Bruce did this, but I wish he had forgot the mission and just sang the songs. So many folkies just sing in a formulaic way, the way they heard it, instead of the way they "hear" it. That is what this reminds me of. I wanted so badly to hear a new take that was focused on the lyric and the tellin'. Having said that, I am also glad he did it, and it is a good effort. Just not what I had hoped for. All the best, Mick |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 13 May 06 - 09:23 PM Folks, Frank knows the truth of it. Please take him seriously. Art |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Stringsinger Date: 13 May 06 - 04:55 PM Ron, I agree that Bruce's heart was in the right place. However, i don't think it's a milestone recording by a long shot. Here's my reasoning. I think of the folk music performance as being a subtle interplay between the voice and accompanying instruments and I didn't hear that. Instead, I was reminded of a kind of pub concert that was thrown together. Bruce's voice seemed tired on some cuts and strained. The musicians were good but not really allowed to say much because there was too much going on. They emphasis was on a kind of "groove" which seemed to me to be at odds with the material they were doing. The performances seemed "samey" to me. What I like in a folk performance is the subtle interplay of voice and accompaniment as the great trad folk and pro folk interpreters have done. Josh White's guitar supported his seamless vocals perfectly. Bur Ive's um-plunk on the guitar supported his vocals the same way. Pete Seeger's basic strum has never been equaled by any banjo player that I know of. Maybe because he invented it. Buell Kazee's "Wagoner's Lad" or Clarence Ashley's "Cuckoo" not to mention Doc Watson and David Holt's "Legacy" album define milestone recordings. The real Seeger sessions would have included some of Pete's better material such as "Harry Sims", "The Banks of Marble", the Alamanc songs of the Spanish Civil War, "Bells of Rhyney", "Joe Hill", "Which Side Are You On?" or even my favorite Pete Seeger recording, the 10" Folkways l.p. "Darling Corey" which employ beautiful accompaniments. For that matter, Jean Ritchie and Peggy Seeger offer haunting versions of their songs that defy the need for any "groove". I'm glad for Pete that Bruce did the album though and I honor his respect for Pete's work. I think it may help introduce a new audience to folk music which is a good thing. I admire Springsteen as a rock artist (and my fave is "Asbury Park New Jersey" with the E-Street Band. Frank Hamilton |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Big Tim Date: 13 May 06 - 02:14 PM My daughet just sent me the whole thing as a birthday present. So far, just watched the DVD section. First impression: unimaginative and self indulgent. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 02 May 06 - 08:27 PM This came up on another thread but is very appropriate! Now the folksinger came from America To sing at the Albert Hall, He sang his songs of protest And fairer shares for all. He sang how the poor were much too poor And the rich too rich by far, Then he drove back to his penthouse In his brand new Rolls Royce car. 'What a World' - Benny Hill reminds me of the promotor/producer of a major virginia folk music festival run on the backs of volunteers...you know ...if it werent for you this would not have happened... Seems it was so unprofitable that he was able to live in a posh suburb of virginia, drive a mercedes and take two months touring in europe each year! Yea sure... If you work for a festival promoter as a volunteer be sure to contact the government for their end of year corporate returns! Festivals for profit are not to make the music accessible they are to make money.... CB |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 02 May 06 - 08:22 PM what you want to ask of a "folk artist" Are you dividing your time accordingly- 1 part teaching others songs and notes without charge 1 part preserving and learning the music-research into that which is not performed and getting it out there 1 part recording it and selling it, all of it. The obscure stuff...too 1 part performing with absolute 100% accessibility which means no charge-nothing wrong with open admission- if you are good you can sell stuff like cds etc... 1 part performing for money and recording for money If a so-called artis is not doing all of this then they are not a folk musician they are simply screwing us. We can not afford to support a lack of committment as there is so much to loose. And it is being lost daily. Limited federal and state and other grant money is spent on events and persons which do not equally accomplish the goals above stated. Simple....do the work of a folk artist or go away. I never write when drinking....but get out for medication in between... I think the valuation of any "folk artist" should be based on balance along the spectrum of that which we need to have done. Yet many folk artists do nothing but put more money in the bank.(and I have an insider knowledge of major festivals and they are all about money!!and get volunteer stooges to think otherwise!) Where have they donated their time lately to teach lately? What hidden songs have they brought to recordings (not just the seeger songs already recorded but other worthy songs which are confined to dusty pages and there are thousands - just look at the work of Joe Wilson...!~) If they aren't getting it done then take away the title...should be simple...so then I am sure folks can mark up Springsteens record...and post it for him here. Lets see....is he or isn't he ...let me guess.. He isn't but Seeger was always! Perhaps Springsteen should think about making a real tribute! No one will doubt that there is so much to be done. We have lost a major folk music/classical radio station in DC and I am sure lots of them need funding..... Why just call on a few humble listeners...Have our folk icons actually funded that which needs to be done.? CB |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 02 May 06 - 03:20 PM Great report PoppaGator! I wish I could have been there! One thing that you mentioned in the first paragraph - some of the younger fans leaving when they realized they weren't getting a rock show. I think they probably would have left if Springsteen was doing his "normal" show. As you pointed out, Bruce plays to a largely older crowd. His music BEFORE the Seeger Session CD was not being heard by young audiences. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 02 May 06 - 02:44 PM Conrad, Nicely thought out and mostly true from my viewing point. Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Charlie Baum Date: 02 May 06 - 02:14 PM Lots of different versions of Jesse James in the Digital Tradition, but I think the above version is the one Bruce Springsteen sings. --Charlie Baum (who unfortunately had to toss his cookies when he posted the above, but is now recovered) |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: PoppaGator Date: 02 May 06 - 02:14 PM Can we get back to the subject at hand? Sunday's performance by Bruce and the Seeger Sessions Band was probably the finest and most important couple of hours in the entire 35+-year-long history of the New Orelans Jazz and Heritage Festival. With a very few exceptions (uninformed younger fans who left when they noticed that Bruace wasn't putting on a typical rock show), the huge audience was enthralled. The entire band was visibly energized and obviously having as much fun as possible, like a big electrified 20-piece jug band, but no one was having as good a time as the bandleader himself, throwing himself completely into the effort and pulling everyone on- and off-stage along with him, . (He is The Boss, after all!) The volume and instrumentation may not have been exactly like that of a Pete Seeger concert, but the vibe certainly was, communicating the joy of musical expression as well as the heartbreak of real people enduring hard times. I had feelings that afternoon that I hadn't experienced since the 1960s ~ it was not at all unlike being part of another large crowd at the Newport Folk Festival, witnessing Pete and his banjo leading the crowd in song. Tears and goosebumps all around by the end of the set. Back in 1965, the audience may have consisted largely of teenage and 20-something baby-boomers reluctant to be shipped to Vietnam ~ here in New Orleans in 2006, Bruce's very appreciative audience was made up largely of 50- and 60-something baby-boomers desperate to repair and reoccupy their ruined homes. For the record, Mr. pretending-to-be-a-peasant, most if not all of the "big-name" performers at this year's Jazfest have been making significant financial contributinos to the local community and rebuiding effort, well in excess of whatever fees they were paid to show up. And the lesser-known local artists are themselves Katrina victims with limited resources who can hardly be blamed for accepting payment for performing. The festival itself is a non-profit corporation, funneling large amounts of money into local musical charity efforts, like supplying instruments to public-school music programs, buying beads and feathers for the Mardi Gras Indians, funding the Musicans' Clinic, etc. This year's extra efforts to provide housing, etc., for local musicians support the underpaid and underinsured custodians of our cultural traditions, in hopes of preserving what little local "industry" we have left. Even the increased revenues for the normal "for-profit" business surrounding the festival (hotels, restaurants, etc.) provide desperately needed economic help for our hurting city. MSN has provided web-based video of Bruce's performances of "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live" and "Oh Mary Don't You Weep." See and hear for yourself! http://music.msn.com/music/neworleansjazz/video While you're there, you might check out some of the other performances. I imagine most Mudcatters would enjoy the two very tasty all-acoustic Keb' Mo songs, and Dr. John's "Dog" is a fun novelty song. Also check out the gospel number by St. Joseph the Worker Church! |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST Date: 02 May 06 - 02:10 PM Artist Bruce Springsteen Album We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Song Jessie James Jesse James was a lad that killed many a man, He robbed the Danville train, He stole from the rich and he gave to the poor, He'd a hand and a heart and a brain. [chorus:] Poor Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life, Three children, they were brave; But the dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard Has laid Jesse James in his grave. It was Robert Ford, that dirty little coward, I wonder how he does feel, For he ate of Jesse's bread and he slept in Jesse's bed, Then he laid poor Jesse in his grave. Jesse was a man, a friend to the poor, He'd never see a man suffer pain,; And with his brother Frank, he robbed the Chicago bank, And stopped the Glendale train. It was on a Wednesday night and the moon was shining bright, They robbed the Glendale train, And the people they did say for many miles away, It was robbed by Frank and Jesse James. It was his brother Frank that robbed the Gallatin bank, And carried the money from the town; lt was in this very place that they had a little race, For they shot Captain Sheets to the ground. They went to the crossing not very far from there, And there they did the same; With the agent on his knees, he delivered up the keys To the outlaws, Frank and Jesse James. It was on Saturday night and Jesse was at home Talking with his family brave, Robert Ford came along like a thief in the night And laid poor Jesse in his grave. The people held their breath when they heard of Jesse's death, And wondered how he ever came to die. It was one of the gang called little Robert Ford, He shot poor Jesse on the sly. Jesse went to rest with his hand on his breast, The devil will be upon his knee. He was born one day in the county of Clay, And he came from a solitary race. This song was made by Billy Gashade As soon as the news did arrive; He said there was no man with the law in his hand Who could take Jesse James when alive. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Wesley S Date: 02 May 06 - 01:29 PM Hugo - If you go back to the top of the page you can see where you can find these lyrics. Just type in the letter J and you'll be able to scroll down and find several different versions. I'd do it for you but I rather give you the means of finding them - and hundreds of others - for yourself. Happy hunting. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Hugo Bowles Date: 02 May 06 - 01:23 PM Can anyone post the words of 'Jesse James' for me, please? |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Guest, second that. Date: 02 May 06 - 12:03 PM Yeah, it became all about Peasant a while ago. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Guest, bored by pointless rants... Date: 02 May 06 - 12:01 PM Anyone else feel like an otherwise interesting thread was derailed by a drunk? Hey Conrad... don't drink & post, ok? |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 02 May 06 - 11:09 AM True! Folk music is a spectrum of things-and multidimensional. You can make money..............make no money adapt music.................hold it constant record it..............keep it oral traditio keep it cultural and controled..........give others access Teach it/learn it...................read music only Perform it.......................live it Some sort of arbitrary quality..........no concern for quality just presence of the music.... And all with the same basic material- the same cultural artifacts. The songs the tunes the lyrics It is all folk music.... What I like to see is balance. Today from where I sit drinking a fine glass of carlo rossi under the shade tree here in baltimore....is that the field is not balanced. Too many believe music has to be professionalized. Sort of like the article about bars in todays baltimore sun which everyone should read (then cry)-it is on line- of one bar owner saying that he thinks lining up for $4.00 beers is silly and his price of $2.00 (though over priced imho and I can prove it...) is sufficient...maybe he said....he would get more business coming in if he raised the price to the trendy level. You can play music and it does not cost you anything that is a fact. There should be as many venues where it costs to listen as there are where it is free to listen- balance. The only catch is perhaps accessibility. I believe in access for all but once it starts costing then access is resticted. Festivals should be open free and provide access especially if they utilize grant funding. If you make money make it on the peripherals. Open free access, bring in your food or get it at very reasonable prices so you can afford to stay for the day. The only way I got firmly into folk music was via local festivals such as glen echo where entrance was by donation. They got me and a bunch of friends in the gate. I adopted the music and each year instead of going for free I gave a larger donation.....Last time I went I think I put a $20 into the pot. If something is meaningful the money will come. Always a role for the recorded, performance or professional musician. The harpers of yor, then the dance masters....If we have enough people singing as a lifeway and finding music as a part of their lives rather than as some form of rental or pay per view....then we will have success. Is there balance in your local folk community? The real tribute to the music is to bring back the other end of the spectrum. Balance it against all of the commerce. I am not a purist....but a spectrumist! Quiet...I hear carlo rossi calling....must walk but not run out to the shade tree....~!#$!#@!#its already 11:09! Conrad |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Once Famous Date: 01 May 06 - 09:33 PM Guest, your pathetic and pompous and snobby lectures generate zero to me and anywhere else I am sure. Accusations of dumbing down is the key to your holier than thou attitude. folk music that is interpreted and made money off of in an honest way is still folk music. It is not a religion and it is not so sacred to not be interpreted and have money made off of it. That's what singers are entitled to do. Sheesh, I am really sick of the purist attitude. Makes me want to tie you to a chair and force Kingston Trio music down your throats until you scream for mercy. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Brakn Date: 01 May 06 - 05:27 PM I just hope that music fans don't read this "thread". |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 01 May 06 - 05:20 PM Conrad, Beautiful!! All the best, Art |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 01 May 06 - 12:36 PM Thanks! But if you really want the photos....try this link. Just updated(the first one was of me in Louisville Ky- great place-will go there again for the artcar show first weekend in August.... Try these- http://hutmanspeasantworld.blogspot.com/ The Peasant Photos To late- 12:36 PM....at least for may day....feels like well after midnight. must rest Conrad |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: M.Ted Date: 01 May 06 - 12:21 PM Our own Conrad Bladey, Peasant #1 has his own world view. Sometimes it is a bit hard to understand where someone is coming from by merely reading a post--The old story about a picture being worth a thousand words was never more true than when applied to him-- Here's a nice picture of Conrad and Here are some pics of Conrad and his cars I wonder what Martin looks like. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 01 May 06 - 10:12 AM There is no need for anyone to turn this into a typical BS thread. The name calling should stop. We are all losing sight of the topic of this thread. "dumbed down, watered down takes on this music which has an honored and respected history." That is a matter of opinion. I do not consider what Springsteen did to these songs anything different than what Pete Seeger did to them. No one "owns" them, but everyone "owns" them. 100 years ago it would not have been as common to see a guitar in use. At one point the violin was an instrument of the court. Banjos were developed from an African instrument. Many of us on this forum probably developed our love during the folk revival of the 50's and 60's. Much of that revival was built on a commercial interest in folk music that traced its roots back to the work of the "purists". What do we consider "purist" these days? I would bet each one of us has our own definition. Earlier in this tread someone mentioned Woody Guthrie. By most musiciologists definition, he was far from a folk singer. Yet he is a name that many of us think synonomous with folk music. When I first started doing a radio show back in 1980, I had the honor of meeting Pete Seeger for the first time. When I mentioned I was doing a folk radio show, he told me that folk music is something that a mother sings to a child and can't be played on the radio. It took a while to sink in, but I saw his point. As soon as a microphone was introduced, the music ceased to be "folk" music. The microphone added a level of performance that altered the music from its original intent. The work of all the collectors and archivists merely resulted in a copy of the music - not a true reproduction. Sort of like a photograph. It captures a moment, but does it truly give a full impression of that lost moment in time? Can you feel the breeze, know the warmth of the sun, smell the flower, etc? We can use our imagination to fill in the blanks, but we cannot recreate that moment. So what does that mean? Should I stop doing radio? Should Dick Greenhaus stop selling CD's? Should performers quit recording and start turning down gigs? Should we close the festivals? Should Mudcat shut off its servers? No. Each of us are drawn to this music because of a love. We can make our own music, or share the music of others. There is nothing wrong with a folk revival that truly respects and shares. Modern technology has altered the oral tradition and it is now easier to trace the DNA of songs. There is nothing wrong with enjoying music, no matter what we call it or no matter what it sounds like. We are too reliant on labels. Folk, acoustic, singer-songwriter, etc. - we are in danger of losing the essence of what makes the song important to US. We spend our time arguing why the other guys music is not "folk" and we end up in small enclaves that no longer share or invite others to join in. That is where I draw the line for my tastes. I may not like everything that I hear, but I won't spend time knocking another person for enjoying music. I don't care what they will call it - there will always be room for my tastes. Enough of my rambling. Listen and judge for youself. If you don't like, fine. If you enjoy it - have fun! |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST Date: 01 May 06 - 09:34 AM Martin, With all due respect, of which you have some, but very little: Of course you struck a nerve. Did 9/11 strike a nerve? Did Napoleon strike a nerve when he took on Russia? This is ostensibly a folk music forum--not a misinfmation and propaganda forum for New Think and dumbed down, watered down takes on this music which has an honored and respected history. Sir, your "M.G.'" personna, which is no more telling than the maligned-by-you appelation "Guest" needs to be 'moderated' on this good forum. Also, your wrongness needs to be exposed to the unsuspecting, more easily molded ones of us much like Ed Murrow did in times past. The King's Own Trio Good sir, and I am sure you are that to some you love, |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Once Famous Date: 01 May 06 - 07:50 AM Guest, you talk out of your ass, like most Guests do. Especially cowardly ones like yourself. I obviously struck a nerve. I assure you that you did not. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST,Patrick Costello Date: 01 May 06 - 06:32 AM On one hand I don't like anything about the album. The performances are okay I guess, but there is a weird vibe to the project that kind of creeps me out. It feels like a sweater with three sleeves. On the other hand, there has been a flood of orders for banjo & guitar instructional material here at the office since the hype started about the record so it's obvious that, for the time being at least, the folk music industry is going to get a little bit of a boost. As much as I hate the record, it's making me money right now. Oh well. -Patrick http://howandtao.com |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Stewie Date: 01 May 06 - 03:09 AM I agree with Joe. It's a fun record. I got my copy earlier today and I think it's great - first-rate musicians having a great time with traditional material. They are not Seeger's songs: they are folk songs and Springsteen can do what he likes with them. For me, it brings to mind the Belfast skiffle sessions where Van Morrison, Lonnie Donnegan, Chris Barber, Dr John etc were having a great time with similar material - but this is on an even bigger scale. The horn section is beaut! --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: GUEST Date: 01 May 06 - 01:00 AM Gib.Mart. Your braying betrays you. You certainly exhibit all the actual traits that you accuse others of in this and so many other threads. The pompous holes you speak of are your own--mainly your mouth. Pomposity in defense of slick and sappy pap is merely yet another transparent word ploy from your bag of shticks as you strive to make high art of those who watered down traditional art and turned it into elevator music. Like alchemy, it can't be done. It is you who are the holier than thou finger pointer--not the so-called purists you obviously detest and unfairly denigrate. We don't need or want you in our corner. Our music can speak for itself. Friends like you---we simply don't need. The Kingston Trio |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: Once Famous Date: 30 Apr 06 - 04:10 PM Well, maybe it's that way in the world according to #1 Peasant. Your statement is so full of pompous holes. There are plenty of people who have music in their life or part of their life and it is not a living by any means. Extracting a living (as you call it) for a living is quite frankly a gift or a blessing. And it doesn't require anything like you say. all it requires is pure passion and someone appreciative. |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 30 Apr 06 - 01:36 PM No one will ever know what came first "Music" or "a living" One thing is certain- you can be good at music no matter what else you do. They are totally independent When music is your life and part of that life always then it is living. Songs live when they are sung as life extracting a living by using them is just a bonus. Getting a song on a stage and into ears is easy. Getting them into life perhaps sung by those making a living elsewhere is a steeper path. It requires a different bedside/hearthside/homeside manner. Conrad |
Subject: RE: Springsteen - The Seeger Sessions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 30 Apr 06 - 01:23 PM I agree with you Martin. The separatist movement in folk music needs to stop. That doesn't mean people need to embrace EVERYTHING, but all this negative attitude seems to go against what I thought was one of the canons of the style - inclusiveness. I thought we learned about our culture, our history and our evolution by listening to folk music. As I've said over and over, it is a living tradition and we should not neglect either the past or the present. |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |