Customer Reviews

Freedom's Front Door - Music of the Ellis Island Era, 1900-1930

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unfamiliar with most of the artists on this recording (other than having heard their names) I looked forward to hearing artists and music from 1900 to 1930. Unfortunately, this CD didn't fit that bill. Most of the music on here was recorded in the 1940's so what you end up with is recreated or big-band versions of music that was written before the big band era. In other words, these are the songs people were listening to in the first 30 years of the 20th century, but not the artists, and not consistently the original style. The jazzy version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was majorly irritating and inauthentic! Shame on me for not researching the artists' names further and for trusting the music would be as vintage as the title suggests. Edison's recordings began in 1877, round flat records in 1887, and granted, anything from that time to the turn of the century wouldn't sound pristine, but it would be real.

Having said that... the recording is clean, the music is mostly refreshing and fun. But, I'm still on the market for an good overview of AUTHENTIC (or at least authentically arranged) songs from the late 1880's-early 1900's.

My wife and I just visited Ellis Island for the first time March 25, 2006 a moving and beautiful experience. Listen to this CD and get in the mood for the immigrant experience. This is a great variety of music all good productions and great listening experience. If you are new to this era Freedom's Front Door will introduce you to great groups and great songs. I rated 5 stars not just for the music but the idea behind the music.