Colonial & Revolution Songs (American History Through Folksong)

Rusty McNeil (Performer), Keith McNeil (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Label: WEM Records
• ASIN: 1878360094
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,367 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A fine collection of Colonial and Revolutionary songs...The singers, whose voices blend well, belt out these ballads with verve and vivacity, using a variety of instruments. The narration is especially notable, since it so briefly, yet skillfully outlines the significant aspects of Colonial and Revolutionary development. -- Choice, February, 1990

Product Description

Forty songs which accompanied the shaping of the country as it evolved from thirteen struggling colonies into a nation, placed in historic context by historical narration. Companion songbook available. Two stereo CD's, with Notes on the Songs. Total Playing Time: 2 hours.

Colonial America 17th Century: The Puritan psalm-singer, the ill-treated sailor, the proud Pennsylvania-German farmer, the frustrated indentured servant and the angry English convict each expressed through folksong his or her experience in 17th century Colonial America. Traditional ballads from the Old Country and new ones written in America served as entertainment, preserved the superstitions, described the Indians and poked fun at nearly everyone. The narrative dialogue and songs effectively capture the flavor of the period.

Colonial America 18th Century: As immigrants arrived in the 18th century, Irish fiddle tunes, African drums and Scots Highland bagpipes set the patterns for America!'s music. The songs highlight the cultural heritage of the immigrants and the changes during the period which affected American attitudes and way of life. The songs also tell of the shift from White indentured servant to Black slave, the expansion of New England shipping, and the French defeat at Quebec during the French and Indian War.

The American Revolution: The American Revolution inspired both British and American citizens and soldiers to write songs about their differences. The words of the songs were printed in newspapers, periodicals and broadsheets sold on the streets of Boston, Philadelphia and other major American cities. You will hear songs which express stirring pride, angry threats, ridicule and biting satire. They tell of rising political tensions, the Boston Massacre, the tea parties, the weaknesses of the enemy and the virtues of patriotism.

The War of 1812: While the Canadians sing of retribution, the Americans sing of jubilation over the defeat of th! e British ship Guerrire by Old Ironsides, the preparation ! of defenses at Philadelphia and the victory at New Orleans (15 days after the peace treaty was signed). These songs effectively illustrate the strong feelings of nationalism during the War of 1812.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fresh Breath of Realistic Relief from Disneyized History, June 17, 2000

By 

DAVID G STAPLES (Kobe, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Colonial & Revolution Songs (American History Through Folksong) (Audio CD)

Short and informative narritive between songs which is neither overly long nor sickenly sweet. The numbers all tend to be plain in the style of the day. The vocal arrangement could use a little more variety. But while the voices are not Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, they are certainly adequate and pleasant to listen to. It is well worth the price.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Should separate narration from music..., August 28, 2003

By 

"pixel385" (Santa Cruz, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Colonial & Revolution Songs (American History Through Folksong) (Audio CD)

I got this CD set thinking that the narrated sections were on tracks that I could skip if I wanted to. This is not the case. To listen to the music you have to sit through the dialogue. Great for teaching kids American history, but not for just demonstrating the songs of the time. They really should have kept it separated (or used detailed liner notes).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great homeschool resource!, August 11, 2005

By 

Konkmom - See all my reviews

This review is from: Colonial & Revolution Songs (American History Through Folksong) (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful way to make history come alive for our homeschool family. I admit some of the songs are borderline for young children so I'll give caution to listen first if you're concerned. They got past our censorship but each family is different. We found them a wonderful way to make American history come alive with the common man's music, rather than just the classical studies.