Customer Reviews

San Patricio [CD/DVD] [Deluxe Edition]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I appreciate the efforts the reviewers of the CD only version went to in order to explain and clarify the important elements of the historical context. I already read some books on this war after seeing the film One Man's Hero. The Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion, 1846-48 (The Warriors)I love the chieftains and Mexican folk music so I knew I would like the music. I ordered the CD/DVD combo. I totally recommend this to anyone thinking about ordering the cd. because viewing the short videos and watching the musicians blend and play and dance together, is a surpringly touching joy to watch. It adds a extra depth of understanding to the listening experience. It is well worth the extra dollars in my humble opinion. thanks all.

A lovely CD and FINALLY a recognition by leading Mexican figures that they were NOT ALONE - European and North American dissenters stood shoulder to shoulder with their ancestors.
All we need now is to recognize the German speaking members of the brigada.

A belated, beautiful and timely collection of a Mexican-Irish melodic mélange. Other reviewers have done an excellent job on the melodies.

For a Historical Synopsis:-
the Brigada San Patricio fought for Mexico against American SLAVE state expansion(1846-48) and also for their religious rights. Of the 900 men (some with experience of the Napoleonic wars in Europe, it is estimated that approximately 30% were German speaking). - see the dvd of the 'film' - 'One Man's Hero' - with : Tom Berenger, Joaquim de Almeida, director: Lance Hool ASIN: 630571889X -

BACKGROUND:-
In Europe Republican governments were replaced by the Napoleonic dictatorship followed by the restored Monarchies (1815).
Post the American war of independence, Article 5 of the Paris treaty (Nov 1782), American democrats had to guarantee the `the rights of confiscated `property' of Loyalist Americans (this included slaves and estates). Although small loyalist farmers lost out, the larger Southern plantations owned by English aristocrats remained. Less than 5% of loyalist left for Europe, Canada or the Caribbean. Little changed from the `Ancienne Regime'

Paddy is wrong in his assertion on the dominating factor.
Slave power continued to be the main economic driving forces in the southern states of the new world.
Within the slave states, non slaveholding whites were barred from important offices and opportunities. With the Missouri line `Dixiland' could only expand west or south.

The Slave States:-
The Mexican constitution's (1824) abolition of slavery, in particular the sale of slaves incensed slave traders. In 1827 President John Adams offered Mexico US$1 Million to buy Tecas, in 1829 President Andrew Jackson tried with an offer of US$5 million but was also rejected.
See also `La Constitución de Apatzingán' by Ernesto de la Torre Villar ISBN 9688371777
Along with delegates Andres Quintana Roo & Carlos Bustamante (1814 - they called for popular sovereignty, republican government, abolition of slavery, equality before the law, representative government, separation of church and state.
Austin and Houston (both of Virginia) were instigators of the Tecas land grab. The addition of Texas to the Union as a SLAVE state, was blocked until the election in 1844 of president Polk.

WHY DID IT HAPPEN THEN:-
After 1815 and the restoration of the European ancienne regimes the 'White Royalist Terror' was unleashed on Republican, Radical Enlightenment, anti monarchic and anti-autocratic church elements. As a consequence many Europeans came to America seeking refuge as the United Irishmen before them - 'United Irishmen, United States' by David Wilson ISBN:0801431751.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) expanded slavery north into Kansas.
In New York slavery was abolished only in 1827 and a re-introduction was attempted again following this act.
Implementation of the `Fugitive Slave act' (1850) along with the need to fix the route of the railways finally provoked the American Civil War



WHY WAS THIS WAR IMPORTANT:-
General Zachariou Taylor (who owned more than 100 slaves in Louisiana & Mississippi) went into Mexico beyond the Neuces river (Corpus Christi).
Lincoln denounced the war in Congress. Thoreau went to jail rather than pay taxes to support it, and Ulysses Grant (who served in Mexico) described it as "the most unjust war ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation". The Catholic Hierarchy more interested in protecting Anglo interests in the period of the legalisation of the Catholic church in England, sent two priests McEvoy (GaelicSpeaker) and Rein (GermanSpeaker) to stem the flow of support for Mexico.
The war was a prelude as many later took different sides in the North American Civil War (1861-65).
Some examples of the correspondence by Grant, Lee, Sherman, Taylor, Scott, Bragg on their personal experiences of the Mexican war prior to the Northern Civil War.

In consolation to the Mexican people, it was Californian gold that allowed Lincoln to subsequently defeat the combined forces of the slavistocracy and European royalty.
The Northern states at that time were the last refuge of the 'Republic of Letters' and the light of the Enlightenment, perilously close to being extinguished.

One of the etymologies of 'Gringo' in Irish folklore is the fact that many Patricios sang the Napoleonic song 'Green grows the Lilio' as they marched thro' Mexico.
One notable United Irishman, Jemmy Hope, still on the run, was interviewed by R. Madden in the 1840's aged in his 80's. I would like to see a film based on his life.
See 'United Irishman: The Autobiography of James Hope' by John Newsinger [Merlin] 0850364965.
Yes Liam, green was also the color of Rainsborough's, the Levellers, Liliburns banner. William Drennan would be proud of you, togha fear !

Other References:-
'Los Soldados Irlandeses de Mexico' Hogan ISBN:9687846070,Articles by Ernst Itschert in Magazin fur 'Amerikanstik',
'United Irishmen, United States' by David Wilson ISBN:0801431751; 'The Rogue's March' ISBN:1574887386, 'Short Killing Affair by Foos ISBN:0807854050,
'Rise of the English Empire in the American South' Gallay ISBN:0300101937, 'Irish Slave Girl' by McCafferty ISBN:014200183X,White Women, Black Men by Martha Hodesh [Yale UP 1997] 0300069707, 0300077505; `Duffy's Cut' ISBN0275987272 &9780275987275; 'Letters on Jackson Edited by B. Leigh ISBN:0548321833 ; 'California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War' by Richards ISBN:030726520X; How the Irish Became White' by Noel Ignatiev ISBN:0415918251 ;'
Colonel Despard: The Life and Death of an English/Irish Jacobin by Clifford C. Conner ISBN-10: 1580970265; Friends of Liberty - the English Democractic Movement by A Goodwin ISBN 0674323394;'United Irishman: The Autobiography of James Hope' by John Newsinger [Merlin] 0850364965; Dissent into Treason - Unitarians, King-Killers and the Society of United Irishmen by Fergus Whelan 9780863224294; Just Like Me by Michael Fallaw 1436385075.
See also Ron Kavana's song for the Patricos "The Men That God Made Mad"
General Don Juan O'Donoju

The Irish in Mexico by Brian McGinn [Yale U Press '03]
Peter Berresford Ellis reviews 'The Irish Zorro' William Lamport (1615-1659)by Gerard Ronan [Brandon] 086322329,
Mexico Ante Dios/ Mexico Before God (Spanish) by Francisco Martin Moreno ISBN-10: 9707706511
The Mexican People: Their Struggle For Freedom by L. Gutierrez de Lara 1417961422
Eagles and Empire: The United States, Mexico, and the Struggle for a Continent by David A. Clary 0553806521

I was given San Patricio (Deluxe!) as a gift a few days ago and I have been on a "Joy high" ever since. I understand from the previous reviewer that the cd project is described more fully on the cd only page. I feel the story of the battalion of Irish immigrants fighting with the US Army during the Mexican-American war is worth repeating; we didn't read it in any textbooks. The Irish found themselves unwilling to fight against the Mexicans, largely fellow Catholics; they deserted from the US Army and chose to fight alongside the Mexicans with whom they identified until the inevitably bitter end to the "War of Manifest Destiny" which gained the US two-thirds of Mexico's territory. Ry Cooder and Paddy Maloney saw other similarities between the Irish immigrants and today's Mexican immigrants: Their second-class treatment in the US, similarities of sentiment (love of country, homesickness) and their rich cultural histories. They invited some well-known Mexican and Chicano artists to collaborate in the making of the cd and dvd, including Los Tigres del Norte, who have been the voice of the Mexican people and Mexican immigrants in the US for over 30 years; Linda Ronstadt, Lila Downs; the great Chavela Vargas, now in her 80's; and other regional Mexican musicians. The music is awesome, the dvd is an absolute joy to watch: Cooder and Maloney discussing the project and serious musicians from different cultures enjoying each other's company and artistry. BTW: The video on this page (no title) is a delight: Los Tigres del Norte, accompanied by Ry Cooder and Paddy Maloney of the Chieftans performing the tradition Mexican song, Canción Mixteca. The video and the artwork on the album feature traditional Mexican elements--La Virgen de Guadalupe and the iconic Loteria cards. If I had to use just three words to describe San Patricio, they would be Joy, Respect and Brotherhood (which includes sisters). Most of the music is in Spanish.
I wish Amazon would put a title by the video and promote this cd in its Mexican music section as well as with Lila Downs, Los Tigres del Norte, Chavela Vargas. San Patricio is crossover... and it's about time.

I appreciate the effort the reviewers went to in order to explain and clarify the important elements of the historical context. I already read some books on this war after seeing the film One Man's Hero. The Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion, 1846-48 (The Warriors)I love the chieftains and Mexican folk music so I knew I would like the music. I ordered the Cd/DVD combo. I totally recommend this to anyone thinking about ordering the cd. because viewing the short videos and watching the musicians blend and play and dance together, is a surpringly touching joy to watch. It adds a extra depth of understanding to the listening experience. It is well worth the extra dollars in my humble opinion. thanks all.

I've been a fan of the Chieftains for thirty-some years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how they never cease to amaze me. If you like traditional Mexican music, this is your album. If you like creepy United States history, especially at this time in our nation's history, this is your album. If you like the Chieftains, yeah, this is your album. Bonus: fabulous album art. When I opened this package, since I had not seen a picture of the CD before I received it, it gave me chills, it was so awesome.

There are not many times in life when you will find the nexus between Liam Neeson and Chevela Vargas. Try this!

This CD helped me to appreciate the situation of the Irish Americans who served in the US Army then decided to join the Mexicans. When the Irish first came to America they faced the oppression of the Protestant majority. Political parties such as the 'Know Nothings' did not want Irish Catholics in the US. When these Catholics join the army they faced discrimination from the Protestant troops. When they were sent to the Mexican/Texan border they identified with the Mexicans because of their common religion and also there historically dislike for the English.

Books such as "The Rogue's March" by Peter F. Stevens and "The Irish Soldiers of Mexico by Michael Hogan give good descriptions of why these soldiers joined Mexico. They were not really deserters. Rather they were joining the army they could most identify with. The barbarism and cruelty show by the US command to these soldiers only reinforces the correctness of the decisions made by these proud soldiers.

Later in the US civil war in their desire to join in and become part of America the Irish were very brave and proud soldiers on both sides.

Found the music sweet and nostalgic. This charming CD was a reminder of the historic episode in Mexican history. My husband is Irish and I am Mexican, so we found it particulaly poignant. There is a fusion of both Irish and Mexican music. It is perfect for us since we have visited the museum devoted to these heroes. It is outside of Mexico City in Churubusco.

The saga of the San Patricios - an Irish/Catholic/German volunteer unit that crossed the line to bravely fight for Mexico during the 1846-1848 "Mexican War" is one of many fascinating little-known stories of gallantry and desperation in history, but Ry Cooder, a splendid musician and story teller, went a wee bit over the top in his song "Sailing to Mexico." He portrays the Irish immigrants who crossed the river as conscripts when, in fact, the United states relied on Regular Army soldiers (who volunteered to serve for a specified term of enlistment) and volunteer regiments raised by specific states. The real story does not need to be embellished - the Irishmen who deserted and joined the Mexican army were mistreated by their American officers, NCOs and fellow soldiers - there is plenty of evidence of nativism in the U.S. at this time (history repeats itself, does it not?) but those brave boys of Erin, just like like the Irish immigrants who made up much of the U.S. Army during and after the Civil War, were volunteer enlistees, who made the best of a bad lot. Remember, Garryowen was and is the song of the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment.

Still, I applaud Ry Cooder for his latest opus. This is very good work - beautiful music by many first-rate musicians, a delighttful synthesis and a little-known story that begged to be told.

Just received "San Patricio" today and rank it with "Long Black Veil" as one of my favorite Chieftains album. High marks to Ry Cooder as well for his co-production of this album

Had to order this as soon as I heard about it. (Think I saw it mentioned on Lila Down's site) I've enjoyed many Cooder and Chieftains albums over the years, and this one will join them in heavy rotation. Count me among those who'd never learned the history behind it. The two styles blend together wonderfully, and the Chieftains continue their mission of showing us that music connects the world.