In Prague 1964

Pete Seeger

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In Prague 1964 Review

by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

It probably seems odd today that HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) viewed Pete Seeger as a threat because of his socialist past. It is ironic, then, that Seeger, again because of his socialist past, would be warmly welcomed in communist Czechoslovakia in 1964 (even though he also believed in the "dangerous" idea of democracy). Although Seeger's music is seldom overtly political, it would be interesting to know what Czech audiences thought of "I Can See a New Day" or "We Shall Overcome." He offers a particularly moving version of the latter song, accompanying himself on guitar, and preceded by a monolog of the song's origins. Seeger, never one to believe in obstacles, even solicits his Czech comrades to sing along. There's over 35 songs on these two discs, including classics by Leadbelly -- "Bourgeois Blues" -- and Woody Guthrie -- "Talking Colombia." Seeger opens a lovely version of "Prety Saro" with a wooden flute before singing the song a cappello. Fine versions of "Dark as a Dungeon," "Tzena Tzena," and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" are delivered along with a number of instrumental pieces. There's a funny story in the liner notes by Gene Deitch about Seeger singing an anti-Vietnam song at several appearances. The audience whistled, which in Czechoslovakia, was the equivalent of booing. Their disapproval, it seems, was based on the fact that the Czech government also opposed the Vietnam War, leading listeners to believe Seeger's song was mere propaganda. Pete Seeger in Prague 1964 captures the master in good voice, quietly and confidently delivering his one-man show to Eastern Europe. This album will make a fine addition to any Seeger fan's record collection while also serving as a good introduction to those unfamiliar with his folk art.

Track Listing - Disc 1

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
T for Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1)
Jimmie Rodgers
Pete Seeger 03:25 SpotifyAmazon
2
Kai-Yo-Wa-Ji-Neh
Pete Seeger 01:43 SpotifyAmazon
3
Amazing Grace
John Newton
Pete Seeger 02:11 SpotifyAmazon
4
The Devil and the Farmer
Pete Seeger 03:01 SpotifyAmazon
5
Banjo Breakdown: Ida Red/Old Joe Clark
Pete Seeger 04:11 SpotifyAmazon
6
Mr. Tom Hughes Town
Pete Seeger 01:48 SpotifyAmazon
7
Irene, Goodnight
Pete Seeger 04:30 SpotifyAmazon
8
Rock Island Line
Lead Belly
Pete Seeger 01:47 SpotifyAmazon
9
Bourgeois Blues
Lead Belly
Pete Seeger 03:07 SpotifyAmazon
10
Dark as a Dungeon
Merle Travis
Pete Seeger 03:11 SpotifyAmazon
11
So Long
Pete Seeger 03:34 SpotifyAmazon
12
Talking Columbia
Pete Seeger 02:41 SpotifyAmazon
13
Lord God, Pittsburgh!
Pete Seeger 02:01 SpotifyAmazon
14
Why, Oh Why?
Pete Seeger 02:55 SpotifyAmazon
15
Oleana
Pete Seeger 03:06 SpotifyAmazon
16
Michael, Row the Boat Ashore
Ronnie Gilbert / Lee Hays / Fred Hellerman / Tony Saletan / Traditional
Pete Seeger 02:54 SpotifyAmazon
17
Bayeza
Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger 03:58 SpotifyAmazon
18
Cumberland Mountain Bear Chase
Uncle Dave Macon / Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger 01:55 SpotifyAmazon
19
Tzena Tzena
Pete Seeger 02:25 SpotifyAmazon
20
Down by the Riverside
Traditional
Pete Seeger 03:32 SpotifyAmazon
21
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger 02:19 SpotifyAmazon
22
Living in the Country
Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger 03:06 SpotifyAmazon
23
Pete Seegers' Comments (Feb. 2001)
Pete Seeger 06:22 SpotifyAmazon

Track Listing - Disc 2

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:34 SpotifyAmazon
2
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 03:21 SpotifyAmazon
3
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 03:17 SpotifyAmazon
4
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:51 SpotifyAmazon
5
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:56 SpotifyAmazon
6
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:44 SpotifyAmazon
7
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 02:26 SpotifyAmazon
8
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 07:13 SpotifyAmazon
9
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 02:50 SpotifyAmazon
10
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 02:41 SpotifyAmazon
11
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 03:45 SpotifyAmazon
12
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 03:16 SpotifyAmazon
13
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:38 SpotifyAmazon
14
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 01:40 SpotifyAmazon
15
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 03:56 SpotifyAmazon
16
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 02:51 SpotifyAmazon
17
[Untitled Track]
Pete Seeger 08:34 SpotifyAmazon
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In Prague 1964

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