Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

The Weavers have a place in folk/roots music history as the originators of the style that blossomed into the distinctive songs of the civil rights movement of the '50s. Founded in 1948 by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, they were joined by Fred Hellerman and Ronnie Gilbert ( a lady , in case you're wondering), and made a name for themselves during the '50s with such songs as 'Goodnight Irene', "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena" and "When The Saints Go Marching In". Seeger left the band in 1958, to be replaced by 12-strong guitar virtuoso Erik Darling, and the 14 tracks here are a mix of old spirituals such as "Children Go", "Twelve Gates To The City" and "Sinner Man", hymns and folk songs collected from far and wide, including "Michael Row The Boat Ashore", "In That New Jerusalem" and "Run Come See" and the Seeger classic "If I Had A Hammer", first recorded in 1949, many years before Trini Lopez and Peter, Paul & Mary made it popular. As to the Christian leanings of the group, the album sleevenotes give no clue. The civil rights movement transcended boundaries of religion by involving people of great faith and people of none in a common quest for freedom and justice. A lot of these songs were in the repertoire of many groups and singers of the time, both Christian and mainstream, so this music is part of our musical heritage. Ignore the low-fi production, appreciate the music for what it is , rather than who's doing the singing.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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