FRED HOLSTEIN: Fred Holstein: A Collection

Fred Holstein

Fred Holstein: A Collection

© 2001 Fred Holstein

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timeless folk songs sung the way the are supposed to be sung by Fred and his audiences, with 6 and 12-string guitar and banjo

tracks

1 Hold Back The Days
2 Old Chicago
3 The Telling Takes Me Home
4 Interview Excerpt
5 Days of 49
6 Streets of London
7 Interview Excerpt
8 Down By The River
9 Touch Me
10 Hobo Songs
11 I Remember Loving You
12 Nevada Jane
13 Maggie May
14 Amsterdam
15 Interview/Blue Mountain
16 The Windmill Song
17 Sonny
18 Interview Excerpt
19 The Silver Run
20 The Man Who Sings
21 I Believe (Hymn Song)
22 Night Rider's Lament
23 Here's To You Rounders
24 Dona Dona
25 Safe In The Harbor
26 Thanksgiving Eve
27 The Alice Wentworth
28 The Rock & The Egg/Magic Penny Medley
29 Interview Excerpt
30 One For The Money
31 Nancy Spain
32 This Little Light of Mine
33 Rock Me To Sleep
34 If Wishes Were Fishes
35 Hobo Lullaby(with Utah Phillips)
36 For All The Good People

notes

Fred Holstein has been singing - and has had audiences singing with him - in Chicago's folk music clubs since the 1960's. "Fred Holstein: A Collection" is a double CD with 32 songs recorded over the years, from Fred's two LP albums from 1977 and 1983, to live performances including songs from the closing night of Holstein's folk club on Lincoln Avenue, New Year's Eve 1987, as well as a 1996 radio interview.

Here is some of what Ray Nordstrand had to say about Fred:
"Fred Holstein introduced thousands of good people to the best of folk music when he belted out his honest, timeless songs at legendary clubs like the Earl of Old Town and Holstein's. And he continues to greet friends with infectious enthusiasm at the Abbey Pub and Sterch's. Always Fred keeps his listeners involved, entertained, and a little bit richer. His genius is picking out the finest songs and delivering thir stories the way they should be sung..."

and Utah Phillips:
"...so all you walkers and talkers, singers, humdingers and all-night flingers standing by the on ramp with your thumb out and a mouth full of words - a little piece of advice; sometimes the song is not enough. There's the craft, see? The sitting down and earning your money part. Well, tilt your thumb Fred's way, because there is craft you won't find in any college or book or cowboy fantasy. Sitting in a Fred Holstein audience is like going to school, and if this is your trade, listen and learn..."

reviews

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  • Amazing
    author: Don Albertson

    I saw Fred a few times at Amazing Grace and in later years at Somebody Else's Troubles. Fred introduced me to songs by Utah Phillips and the first time I heard John Prine's "Hello In There" was when Fred sang it and told the story of singing that at Chelsea House where there were two old people who had just gotten married. He followed it up with Pete Seeger's song about how do I know my youth has been spent (my get up and go done got up and went). Fred was the person who said that "Some people aren't smart enough to sing, they just sit back growin' calluses on their ass and thinking they can let George do it. When they find out what George did they aren't happy." I have a cassette tape I pirated of Fred at Amazing Grace (preceded by Sam Leopold) in 1973 or so. I'm glad to have these 2 CD's to add although I think the version of Streets of London he did live was better.

  • collection
    author: fred

    marvelous!

  • Thank you!
    author: Bruce Reeves

    Having left Chicago and the USA some 35 years ago, really the only thing I miss is the halcyon nights at the Earl. These recordings bring warm memories back to me ... I will never ever forget Fred and his moving performances. Thank you for making these available.

  • author: Stacey B

    Growing up in Chicago, my mother made sure to introduce me to all the wonderful music artists my home-city had to offer. I still remember one of the last times I heard Fred play was at the Fox Valley Folk Festival some years ago. The news of his sudden death just after New Years took all of us by suprise. He will be missed, but thankfully his music will live on.

  • I've found what I'm looking for
    author: Jianan Yuan

    Amazing songs! Both of my wife and I love Fred. Hope he's well in heaven!

  • Great CD of a wonderful folk era in Chicago
    author: Bob Becker

    This was a nostalgic trip back to the Folk Era in Chicago. It takes you to the famous Holsteins and its owner/ troubadour Fred Holstein. A great CD!

  • It is absolutely WONDERFUL. Music for the heart!
    author: Alice Srubas

    Fred's music stays in my ears and head even when I am not listening. It "takes me back" to all the years in Chicago and the Midnight Special. I love it. Fred was one of the good people who touched up my life with his songs. I sing along with the CD (even though I can't) while I'm doing my stained glass work. This is therapy!

  • Somebody Elses Troubles
    author: Eric

    I used to live around the corner from Somebody Elses Troubles, and I fondly remember hearing Fred over a hamburger and a few beers on those cold, windy Chicago nights hoping that sometime I could sing and play like he did, and I can't believe that was 30 years ago and that I've been in California ever since. If you love folk, this is a must-have album for your collection.

  • Transported us back to Chicago on Christmas Eve 2006
    author: Bruce & Marji Thompson

    I surprised Bruce with this wonderful collection of Fred's songs. He enjoyed reminiscing about when he would walk to the original Holstein's, then later the larger corner bar and finally where we last saw Fred perform ; the old Town School of Folk Music. A fantastic CD!

  • I knew Fred in Chicago in the sixties and seventies...
    author: Dr. Volmar Franz

    I knew Fred in the sixties and seventies. Saw him often at Earl's and booked him in my club when I could. Fred's Collection sure brought back those wonderful days in Chicago. Some familiar and some "new", all pure Holstein!! The scope of his music is all there and the live cuts are where his rapport with the audience really comes through.

  • great chicago memories
    author: jourdan

    great chicago memories

  • Fabulous overview of Fred's work.
    author: Sandy Wong Darroch

    This is a wonderful overview featuring songs that are associated with Fred Holstein. If you don't own any other of his music, this is a great one to have in your collection.

  • Fabulous overview of Fred's work.
    author: Sandy Wong Darroch

    This is a wonderful overview featuring songs that are associated with Fred Holstein. If you don't own any other of his music, this is a great one to have in your collection.

  • Remembering the old days
    author: Mary T. Dresser

    Brought back memories of Fred's marvelous voice. It was a time when he sang along with Steve Goodman and Bob Gibson, the Clancy Bros. and many other in Old Chicago. I have his records but they are worn. So good to have a sharp CD. Thank you for preserving his joyful singing.

  • absolutely loved it - one of my favorite cd's
    author: sandra tatara

    i love this cd, had received it for christmas and one cd got lost and i had to order the whole set over. it was worth it. it is on my cd player in my car all the time.

  • Freddy you are sorely missed!
    author: MadDawg

    Fred gave me the name MadDawg on night at the Earl. It was indeed a priviledge to know and create music with Fred! This CD is but a small representation of what this gift to us was capable of creating. Freddy, you are sorely missed!

  • Fritz, you are sorely missed!
    author: MadDawg

    Fred gave me the name MadDawg one night at the Earl. It was indeed a priviledge to know and create music with Fred! This CD is but a small representation of what this Gift to us was capable of creating. Freddy, you are sorely missed!

  • Great CD! Wonderful Memories!
    author: Steve H.

    Few musicians can connect with an audience the way Fred did. This cd captures the warmth and intimacy of Fred's performances.

  • The listening takes me home
    author: Railroad Bill

    As soon as I heard Fred's mellow baritone voice, I was transported back to Lincoln Avenue, and my days at Somebody Elses Troubles and Holstein's. I can visualize him closing the final set of the night with his version of Amsterdam. His passing is Chicago's loss.

  • Thanks for the memories! Great Service!
    author: Pat

    Thanks for such quick service. This was a surprize for my husband. We hung out at the Earl and at Holstein's are are real fans. Finding this CD carries us back to those days with Fred performing in front of us. Thanks for the memories.

  • the disc is wonderful but we'd much rather have the man still with us!
    author: ethel makely

    I wish all companies were like you! I never had anyone ask me about the quality and service of what I buy, both of which are really great. Thank you......ethel makely

  • Fred Holstein was one of the good people
    author: epl

    chicago 1969 ...humidity sat on the front porch of a two story victorian house barefoot in faded jeans--soaking in the summer night reading kenneth rextroth's translations of japanese and chinese poetry...Fred Holstein on the turn table singing "The Telling Takes Me Home." (This is a must cd for all the good people--Thanks CD BABY}

  • Fred Holstein was one of the good people
    author: epl

    chicago 1969 ...humidity sat on the front porch of a two story victorian house barefoot in faded jeans--soaking in the summer night reading kenneth rextroth's translations of japanese and chinese poetry...Fred Holstein on the turn table singing "The Telling Takes Me Home." (This is a must cd for all the good people--Thanks CD BABY}

  • An ESSENTIAL folk album
    author: Jamie A

    What a wonderful representation of Fred Holstein and Folk music itself. It couldn't be truer - Fred made songs his own, he "wrote" with his emotion and charisma. I first heard of Fred on a Chicago folk radio program, and he immediately became one of my favorite folk musicians - no, one of my favorite musicians, of all time. Being from Chicago, I regret never having seen him live, but this CD brings to life some of his live performances and what it must have been like to see him play. Anyone who likes folk or singer/songwriter music will appreciate his beautifully crafted re-telling of the working class plight, the rambler, old Chicago, and more. This will remain one of my most treasured albums.

  • I love it!
    author: Mompeef

    I only WISH this review would mean something to the artist! I was so saddened when I heard of Fred Holstein's death -- Chicago won't be the same.... But this CD takes me back to the days at Holstein's and elsewhere, when Fred's songs and stories brought me such joy. This is a first-rate compilation of Fred Holstein doing what he did so well: singing songs, and telling us about them.

  • a wonderful collection
    author: John Muchmore

    The many tributes to Mr. Holstein are certainly warranted. The collection will be a treasured source of memories. It is what folk music is all about.

  • Warm as a hobo jungle campfire, with wine to pass around.
    author: JBF

    This compendium delivers the depth and bredth of Fred Holstein's talent and style. It's rare to be able to say that a performer didn't need to write his own songs - Fred made these songs his own, and often out-performed the writer in providing a depth of emotion and personal involvement for the listener. If there's reincarnation, Fred - come back as yourself!

  • An absolutely outstanding CD and tribute to a Chicago legend.
    author: Jim Sutton

    What an absolutely outsatnding CD. A great tribute to one of the legends of the Chicago folk scene. It is wonderful to have all this music on CD. A review of this CD would not be complete with out thanking Rich Warren for all the owrk he put into engineering and or/recording so much of the live music. Hearing the live recordings is a real treat.

  • This is a totally awesome CD!! I'm wearing it out!!
    author: Allie

    This is a totally awesome CD!! I'm wearing it out!!

  • Loved it!
    author: Kathy

    Beautiful collection of Fred Holstein's singing.

  • A comprehensive look at an amazing talent!
    author: Greg Campbell

    Having spent (or, more correctly,misspent) much of my youth in Big John's, the Earl of Old Town, and Somebody Else's Troubles, this CD has an incredible capacity to transform me back to a time in my life when I was truly and unrepentedly happy. I suspect I'm not alone in this reaction. It's a lovely collection of the life's work of a very human genius.

  • author: Carl Sirotzki

    This CD brought back so many wonderful memories of listening to and singing along with Fred at Somebody Else's Troubles. The songs, the stories,and that great laugh of Fred's reminds us that he will live forever in our hearts.

  • It's our Saturday night sing-a-long ritual
    author: Susan Rochlis

    We may not have Holstein's,Somebody Else's Troubles or Fred anymore except in our memory. But we have this fabulous CD! We love to sing-a-long whether in the car or around the fireplace on Saturday night. It is a rare and wonderful collection of some of Fred's best work! We love it!

  • My mom loves it!
  • Wonderful collection, great memories, folk preservation at its best.
    author: Mike Allen

    I loved Fred, and I loved hearing his music again. After many years of first hearing him in Chicago at the Earl, Somebody Else's Troubles, and Holstein's, the music took me back to those early days. His delivery is as meaningfull now as it was then. This is a treasured collection that I now share with my fellow Alaskans who are truly interested in the fine art of singing folk songs.

  • Sad
    author: John Harrold

    He was always there and now he isn't...Good to have the music on record to remember him...and those days.

  • Great music - sad passing
    author: Tim Mocarski

    There are many fine singer songwriters today, writing great songs and singing just as great. Holstein could take a song and make it uniquely his. More amazing is that he made it a song that belongs to the audience at that performance, at that particular moment in time. That was his gift at a performer, one that doesn't come around too often in the folk genre. Listen to Holstein once and weep that he is gone.

  • One of the best cds in my collection.
    author: Maxine Swanson

    I have to admit that I had not heard of Fred Holstein until I was listening to a late night radio program and they were talking about his death. They then played one of his songs and I knew immediately that I had to have his CD. My only regret is that I didn't run across his music before. What a joy to listen to his songs!

  • We loved it.
    author: William Idle

    I bought this CD for my wife and I have listened to it also. We liked it so well that we are on order to get another copy to give to her brother who also loves folk singers.

  • Loved it....reminded me of the good old days.
    author: David

    Absolutely loved the CD...I have only visited Holsteins once...before it closed, but the sound of Fred's voice and his great songs brought it all back.

  • Thanks for the memories!
    author: Peggy Kenny

    This CD brings back so many wonderful memories of Holstein's, listening and singing along with friends, appreciating Fred's special way with each song. Excellent selection of songs and interview clips. This CD was a treasure before Fred left us, and is priceless now.

  • My only regret about buying this CD was not buying it 3 years ago
    author: diane schroeder

    My only regret about buying this CD was not buying it 3 years ago when I saw Ed and Fred at The Abbey. Fred remembered me by name, after not seeing me for more than a decade, and I SO wish I could have asked him to sign the liner notes. (I didn't have $25 on me at the time.) Wait! One more regret: The CD doesn't have Die Gedanken sind Frei, Waltzing Matilda or The Dutchman on it. Still, it's great -- you close your eyes and you're back there again.

  • if you love folk you'll love fred.
    author: mj

    It is our loss in Chicago at the sudden passing of fred holstein--he truly was a ledgend here. This is a great cd of his works.

  • Fred will be missed
    author: Renie Foster

    Loved listening to Fred at Somebody Else's Troubles in the '80's. Saw the cd a few weeks ago and bought it immediately. I especially love the song,Touched Me.

  • A folk music treasure recaptured.
    author: Stephen Yandle

    Wow! This CD transports me back to wonderful nights at Somebody Else's Troubles and Holstein's. Fred Holstein is singular in his ability to select and deliver great songs in great voice. Maybe you can go home again.

  • A great collection of one of the best of Chicago's Folk Singers
    author: Richard Gerle

    Had wore out my records and happy to find this collection on cd's.

  • author: Dennis Decker

    This CD will make you laugh&cry.Fred is probably the BEST teller of a story in song around.I wore out both LPs of his and have been searching for replacements for YEARS!This is an incredible find!It brings back memories of sitting and listening to him in"Somebody elses troubles"in Chicago.If you like Steve Goodman&Utah Phillips you MUUUUST!!!!buy it.Good luck Fred!

  • author: Dennis Decker

    This CD will make you laugh&cry.Fred is probably the BEST teller of a story in song around.I wore out both LPs of his and have been searching for replacements for YEARS!This is an incredible find!It brings back memories of sitting and listening to him in"Somebody elses troubles"in Chicago.If you like Steve Goodman&Utah Phillips you MUUUUST!!!!buy it.Good luck Fred!

  • Great stories, great singing, the "stuff" of folk music!
    author: Mike Powell

    I had heard For All the Good People on a PBS special and as much as I enjoyed that song their were many others in this two disc set that I found myself listening to over and over again!

  • "The Tellin' Takes Me Home". I'm home again.
    author: Steve Wojo

    My Holstein cassettes have been in U-Haul Storage for about 10 years now. Thank God for this CD!!! Those nights at Holstein's bar back in the 80's are truly missed. "The Tellin' Takes Me Home". I'm home again. Record more, Fred.

  • I absolutely agee with the last reviewer - a lost treasure found!
    author: Terry Maher

    What a trip hearing these songs again! I too never thought I'd be able to find them again. And they're as wonderful as ever - Fred, I DO remember loving you! And still do! Thanks.

  • I absolutely agee with the last reviewer - a lost treasure found!
    author: Terry Maher

    What a trip hearing these songs again! I too never thought I'd be able to find them again. And they're as wonderful as ever - Fred, I DO remember loving you! And still do! Thanks.

  • One of the greatest lost treasures we'd despaired of ever finding on CD.
    author: Bob Freese

    Fred's is the best rendition of even the most widely recorded songs on this album. Friends and I had despaired of ever finding him on CD, and this album will now be revered as one of our greatest treasures.

  • Fred brings me back home to my roots in Chicago.
    author: Irwin L.

    A solid, honest recording of stories in song, collected over many years by an honest interpreter of this material.

  • Makes me wonder why I've been wasting my life
    author: Terry Nugent

    Makes me wonder why I've been wasting my life not going to Holstein's on a regular basis. Loved the tracks about Bob Gibson.

  • Phenomenal! So good to hear Fred again and his magical interpretation of the mu
    author: Kathy M.

    Have been a fan of Fred Holstein's for more than 20 years. Wore out 3 copies of each of his albums and was thrilled to find this collection of his many songs that I heard him sing originally in his club. It's a treasure CD as is Fred himself. Many thanks to cdbaby.com for providing a fan his music once again.

  • Just like I remember!
    author: John from AZ

    I saw/heard Fred many times at Somebody Else's Troubles on North Linclon with/without Ed, Claudia Schmidt,Steve Goodman and Larry Rand. These CD's are a real treat for someone who has been away from Chicago for a long time.

  • what folk music is supposed to be all about
    author: David Smith

    fred sings to people,with people, and about people,about as well as people can sing folk music. hopper paints art, michelangelo sculpts art, holstein sings art!

  • great collection of songs
    author: Bobbie Gold

    Great collection of songs from Hold Back the Days to the wonderful For all the Good People. Well done

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