Pete Seeger If I Had A Hammer: Songs Of Hope & Struggle CD

Most of the many compilations of Pete Seeger's work avoid thematic cohesion, instead focusing on the remarkable breadth of his long and prolific career. This makes the excellent IF I HAD A HAMMER: SONGS OF HOPE AND STRUGGLE that much more interesting, as the 26 songs compiled here are arranged in four suite-like sections.

After the title track and the reverent "Banks of Marble," the section subtitled "Solidarity Forever" collects seven of Seeger's most powerful labor anthems, including the classic "Which Side Are You On." The "Study War No More" section includes possibly Seeger's most famous tune, "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," alongside four other anti-war anthems. The four songs in the "We Shall Overcome" section, including that civil rights anthem, are among the set's most forceful. "I'd Hammer in the Evening" concludes the set with eight songs of hope and forgiveness. A most remarkable compilation.

Rec.1944-98;If I Had A Hammer, Where Have All The Flowers Gon

All tracks have been digitally remastered using HDCD technology.

Personnel: Pete Seeger (vocals, banjo).

Liner Note Author: Mark Greenberg.

Arranger: Pete Seeger.

Personnel includes: Pete Seeger (vocals, 12-string guitar, banjo); Tao Rodriquez (vocals); David Amram (dumbeck); Almanac Singers (background vocals).