Biography
Work o' the Weavers functions as a tribute ensemble devoted to recreating the repertoire of the pioneering folk quartet the Weavers. David Bernz, who handles vocals along with banjo and guitar, spent his childhood beside original Weavers participant Lee Hays in upstate New York. Bernz assembled the ensemble alongside vocalist and guitarist James Durst, whose parallel solo career aligns with his role as the group's Pete Seeger counterpart; vocalist and bassist Mark Murphy; and vocalist Martha Sandefer. In performance the quartet delivers material linked to the Weavers while recounting the earlier ensemble's rise through the hit single "Goodnight Irene" and additional successes, its difficulties amid the 1950s Communist investigations, and its resurgence via the 1955 Carnegie Hall reunion concert.
On the site www.workotheweavers.com the members state, "With faithful adherence to their original arrangements, we seek to recall the spirit of the Weavers, providing an echo of their music and some insight into their story, one that resonates ever so strongly in these troubled times when an American's right -- and indeed, responsibility -- to dissent is once again being challenged. It is therefore a distinct privilege for us, and it is with profound pleasure that we present the timeless music and the timely message of Work o' the Weavers."
The ensemble has appeared both in the company of and together with surviving original Weavers members Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman while drawing counsel from original member Ronnie Gilbert. Extensive touring has taken the group across the Northeast U.S., and in May 2004 it issued its first recording, the self-titled Work o' the Weavers, on WorldWind Records, which featured contributions from Seeger and Hellerman.
On the site www.workotheweavers.com the members state, "With faithful adherence to their original arrangements, we seek to recall the spirit of the Weavers, providing an echo of their music and some insight into their story, one that resonates ever so strongly in these troubled times when an American's right -- and indeed, responsibility -- to dissent is once again being challenged. It is therefore a distinct privilege for us, and it is with profound pleasure that we present the timeless music and the timely message of Work o' the Weavers."
The ensemble has appeared both in the company of and together with surviving original Weavers members Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman while drawing counsel from original member Ronnie Gilbert. Extensive touring has taken the group across the Northeast U.S., and in May 2004 it issued its first recording, the self-titled Work o' the Weavers, on WorldWind Records, which featured contributions from Seeger and Hellerman.
Albums