Album Notes

Coin of the Realm liner notes:

We must reclaim patriotism from those who use it as a cover for aggression, self-interest and greed. It is patriotic to question government--that is, in fact, the cornerstone of democracy. We have to reclaim our media and our music from corporate monopolies. We must also reclaim religion from narrow minded, dogmatic crusaders and their intolerance. The christianity that I was raised with was caring, compassionate and tolerant. The majority of the world's religions teach these same values.

--Jack Hardy, 2004



Throughout his fourteen album career, Jack Hardy has focused on three strains of folk music--celtic, western and political. Coin of the Realm falls decidedly in the political camp.

Over forty years, Jack Hardy has completed over twenty European and forty American tours and has had eight plays produced.

He was the founder and editor for Fast Folk Musical Magazine for twelve years which in January 2002 was archived and re-released throught the Smithsonian Institute.

Jack Hardy is a mentor and inspirational force to many of those at the forefront of the "new folk" movement. Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Steve Forbert and John Gorka have all honed their craft at Hardy's New York City Songwriter's Exchange.

The New York Times calls him, "A village Pied Piper for the spirit of folk." who The Los Angeles Times sees as "dedicated to the power and beauty of language in song." Whom Lucinda Williams believes "has written some of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard." And John gorka notes, "Jack Hardy writes literature. His songs don't just lie there on the page. He makes a song come alive."