Various Artists: Sowing the Seeds

Various Artists
Sowing the Seeds
Appleseed
2007-09-11

Appleseed Recordings specializes in contemporary, traditional, and political folk music. The company, whose motto is “Sowing the Seeds of Justice Through Music”, combines a utopian version of the future with a gritty understanding of our past and present circumstances. Appleseed has just released a double CD to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The first disc, labeled “And Justice For All”, features topical songs that address poverty, the War in Iraq, and capital punishment by musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger (it was a tribute for Pete Seeger on this label that initially brought Seeger’s music to the attention of the Boss) Billy Bragg, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Joan Baez and Jackson Browne, and Wyclef Jean. The second disc, “Love Hope and Appleseed” offers a more upbeat selection by artists that include David Bromberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Judy Collins, John Stewart, Roger McGuinn, and Arlo Guthrie. Forty years ago, many of these artists were in the mainstream of popular folk that truly was popular. These days folk is a niche market, but these musicians still know how to captivate, educate, and entertain the listener.

RATING 6 / 10