Pete Seeger - We Shall Overcome: Complete Carnegie Hall Concert

Pete Seeger, who began recording in the early 1940s, is perhaps the most influential figure in the American folk revival, a walking repository of song who's had an immense influence in popularizing folk music with mainstream audiences. The 2 CD We Shall Overcome is an expanded version of a classic 1963 live album that offers an excellent example of Seeger's activist passion and good-humored humanity. This expanded edition contains the entire 40-song concert, making it almost three times longer than the original vinyl incarnation. The typically eclectic and heartfelt program, encompassing civil-rights anthems and anti-war pleas, along with tunes from England, Russia, Brazil, and the Caribbean, provides an excellent introduction to the artist. --Scott Schinder Amazon.com essential recording

The Father Of The Folk Revival

This concert album was recorded at the height of the civil rights movement and Seeger manages to capture the passionate embrace of de-segregation for African Americans on songs like "We Shall Overcome" and "Oh Freedom". Other musical highlights include "Guatanamera" and "Little Boxes". But not every song is a winner. For example, Dylan's justifiably forgotten anti-boxing screed "Who Killed Davey Moore?"

The biggest knock against Seeger style folk music is how corny and naive it is. It's true that Seeger lacked Dylan's sense of irony and sardonic wit. Seeger's repertoire also included many children's songs. So the people that laugh at the idea of singing "Kumbaya" around the campfire are not likely to appreciate Seeger. But in this cynical and jaded era perhaps a bit of romantic idealism is just what the doctor ordered.

Seeger was primarily a cover singer and I consider his artistic achievements to be a notch or two below Dylan's. But he did have an encyclopedic knowledge of folk music and an excellent, often inspiring, voice. This is worth owning both as a historic document from the early 60's and for it's many terrific songs. December 24, 2008

Oh, My God, It's Been Re-Released

This album taps directly into my childhood, like "mac & cheese". My father must have played it ten-thousand times on a little phonograph that he'd build himself, with a balsa-wood tone arm and washers on the back to give it the ounce of weight it needed for the stereo cartridge he'd bought. Ten-thousand times is conservative. Maybe fifty-thousand. I can lip-sync not just the songs, but the intros to the songs.

Seeger is an inspiration. He is a national treasure. I hear his voice, and I start to cry. I hear this album, and it moves me afresh to go out and get involved. He was an amazing poet, civil rights leader, and patriot, and this is his best work. October 12, 2008

inspirational music

I love this cd - the music is full of passion and inspiration. Pete has a beautiful, relaxed presence when he performs. This cd is a treasure that I will enjoy often. April 8, 2008

Time Capsule

This is really an enjoyable CD. He covers a lot of traditional and current (in 1963) folk songs. The remastering is gorgeous and the audience actually sings in perfect harmony. However, it is a product of its time. I actually find this to be a plus, as it gives great insight into the coming unrest of the late sixties. Musical and historical, without being too "heavy". January 29, 2008

The album is amazing

Listening to the songs as a child, and now hearing them again as an adult makes you want to listen to him over and over again. This album thrives on audience participation, and does not take away from Pete Seeger's brilliant performance. All visuals of Carnegie Hall become present day. This double set CD is truly a gem.

October 10, 2007

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