Album 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..."