Customer Reviews

At 89

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I learned of this CD while I was watching the Dave Letterman Show. At 89 years old, Pete Seeger is still vibrant and youthful. This CD features some old songs and some new ones. Sometimes, Pete Seeger plays music; sometimes he talks; sometimes he talks to a musical background; other times he lets someone else do the singing.

I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who would like to explore the music of Pete Seeger, but doesn't know where to start. It is a most fitting capstone that brings together many aspects of the man's life and work; his gentle spirit; and his fiesty sense of justice.

The CD is also quite an achievement. In my collection of over 1,000 classical, jazz and folk recordings, I have only a few that reveal such enthusiasm at such an advanced age.

Some interesting comparisons are as follows: Frankie Laine recorded "Wheels of a Dream" at age 85. George Burns recorded music well into his 80s and early 90s. Classical musicians Mieczyslaw Horszowski, Vladimir Horowitz, Leopold Stokowski, and Pablo Casals made recordings into their 80s and 90s. I also once saw Lionel Hampton rock the Newport Jazz Festival at age 80; and last year I saw David Brubeck live in concert at age 87.

Mr. Seeger has reached the status of such luminaries and has become something of a national treasure; a living link to folk and protest music of the Great Depression; the Red Scare; the Civil Rights Movement; the Vietnam War Era; the Environmental Movement; and more. What else can be said except that a "people's history" of America can be told through his prolific body of music.

Pete as 89 is as powerful as Pete at 50. The music he sings, with lyrics that matter, empowers him . My only criticism is the use of singers, but I have always like Pete to sing alone, or with an audience or with protest marchers. Choirs and such seem to dilute the power of his performance.
I have listened to Pete in all the "ages" of my life, and wish he has many more although he is 89!
One warning: Some of the songs are without Pete, and our songs he has done over the years. I would have preferred to use some earlier recorded songs of Pete, but these songs are very, very good.

We can only hope Pete will be around long enough to see a positive result in next week's elections! He is an inspiration to us all, a testament to the power of positive, dedicated, optimistic, conscientious, committed people to make this world a better place. Fans who enjoy this CD may also want to check out Pete's spoken recollections of playing the great Spanish Civil War songs on another Appleseed release, "Spain In My Heart: Songs of the Spanish Civil War". He shares some poignant memories and also plays some great banjo!Spain in My Heart: Songs of the Spanish Civil War

I think it is great that Pete can still perform at his age. I am 84 myself and cannot sing anymore. Of course, the reason is my chemo 24 years age. I and my sons consider that a small price to pay for my life. I love Pete's songs. They are very, very down to earth and beautiful. Thank you, Pete, and keep on singing. Ginny Evert

I suppose there are folks who can resist, but it's hard to imagine a life and a talent that is any more authentic, and dedicated to bringing healing transformation to life, human and otherwise. Whether it's nurturing future generations, or the heroic nature of an elder living to the hilt beyond the traditional retirement formula, I dare you to encounter the tear that will likely appear - not of sadness, but joy.

Pete Seeger has always been such a strong force for social justice, equality and protecting the environment; especially the waters. His voice is a little scratchy at 89 but he's still that amazing, strong and influential person! Irene

"Pete Seeger At 89" has won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Congratulations to Pete Seeger and to Jim Musselman of Appleseed Records for all of his work in getting Pete to record again.

A truly wonderful recording recommended to all.

Pete Seeger at 89..........this is moving, meaningful and one of a kind. True, he doesn't sing all the songs, but his heart and soul are clearly there. The quality of sings is perhaps uneven and every song won't please every person. But the spirit is so strong and so real. The message is as it's always been. Well worth the money and a CD you'll value.

The songs in this CD reflect Mr. Seegers love of music, country, and his beliefs. Great music.

I think it's his good heart that keeps him so young. Pete Seeger hardly sounds 60 on this recording, let alone 89. With his typical generosity, Seeger's shared his birthday with us and we get the hour-long present to enjoy. You can't help but feel better after listening to the stories and songs here. I refuse to call this a coda, but perhaps just a pause to reflect on a life very well lived and causes very well served.

The CD starts out on an upbeat note with "Nameless Banjo Riff." From there, we shift to a bluesy "False from True." While the second song refers to Governor Wallace, no truer notes were sounded even today.

The songs here are definitely a history of the progressive movements Seeger's supported, including "Visions of Children", an anthem written for the Green Guerillas who protested New York's Mayor Guiliani's selling of some of the city's public gardens. "The Long Haul" talks about Clearwater, a group which takes kids out on a sailboat teaching kids music, history, and political activism.

Of course, there's Seeger's continuing efforts to unify diverse peoples through song. "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena" was a popular World War II song originally written by a man in an Israeli regiment. This CD has the song not only in Hebrew, but English and Arabic as well.

What's great about this CD is the more you listen, the more you learn. Each new iteration gives you a different look at both the man and the history he influenced. What a lovely tribute to a life well lived and a heart open and well-used.

Rebecca Kyle, September 2009