During the folk music resurgence of the early sixties I crossed this country playing acoustic blues wherever I could make a few dollars, while learning from the innovators (Son House, Lightnin' Hopkins, Muddy Waters, etc.) who's performances I experienced in clubs and at events like the Newport Folk Festival. It was there that I first heard the topical songs of Tom Paxton, Richard Farina, Bob Dylan and others. I was stongly affected by the social commentary of their work and by witnessing thousands of people sharing a feeling of solidarity while being galvanized through this music. Since that time, blues and topical lyrics have often woven their way through my song writing, but never more so than in the songs on this recording.

Several of them reflect a personal point of view, while others echo voices I've heard while touring through America. Some are the voices of those who've discovered that the standard issue road map to life has led them to a dead end and who are now choosing a different path. Many others believe that the social/political climate of recent years has brought an "every man for himself" way of life which left them feeling impotent and disconnected. Most (particularaly the young) are wondering if endless consumerism is worth the price it exacts. All of them seem to be questioning whether they should still believe in the American dream. They are the Heretics and Privateers (and I am one of them) who think the status quo is not good enough, who believe the less fortunate should not be left behind, who demand that the world of business and politics be held accountable and who have learned that mere materialism will not fill the inner void.

As a young immigrant boy I hitchhiked around this country when it was full of hope and optimisn. Civil rights were on the move and most believed that we were in this thing together, that America would fulfill its promise for all its children. During the decades that followed, that belief was often under siege, but there were always those who fought the good fight and kept the torch lit. It seems there is now a rekindling of that spirit, more and more (once again, particularly the young) appear to care about something beyond themselves and are willing to be counted. I too wish to lend a hand and become more active in that regard. Wherever these songs are called for (and sometimes even where they're not) I shall play them, in the hope that they might offer a word of encouragement to someone in need of it.