Customer Reviews

The World Turned Upside Down

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Barry Philips has assembled a very fine group of musicians here, performing on period instruments of the American Revolution era. Expect to hear bright and lively arrangements with such instruments as the mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery, fiddle, and clavichord. These were the real "folk tunes" of those times, and while strictly instrumental, they express such sentiments as love, lost love, the joy of sighting attractive horses on the run... the simple stuff of life that often goes overlooked.

The songs reflect a nice representation of styles and tempos; though all are unmistakably American colonial in flavor. This is a nice disk to enhance appreciation of early American historical music. Also, it is an unexpected but enthusiastically received alternative to the Sousa marches for any Fourth of July gathering. People will likely ask you "What are you playing and where did you get it?" Then you can explain that it is the kind of everyday music our forefathers enjoyed. But don't just leave this one on the shelf until Independence Day... its simple yet heartfelt tunes will pick you up on any day.

In a similar vein, though different, and highly recommended: "New Britain: The Roots of American Folk Song" Joel Cohen and the Boston Camerata, "A Land of Pure Delight: Anthems and Fuging Tunes" Paul Hillier and His Majestie's Clerkes. Enjoy!

Barry Phillips, always a tasteful musician, has constructed a wonderful example of early American musical history. Phillips and company use a variety of period and folk instruments, including fiddle, cello, dulcimers, flutes, and psalteries to revitalize these simply beautiful and haunting tunes. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in folk and traditional music, as well as those who enjoy rich, soft, listening pleasures.

This selection of instrumental music, first heard by my husband and me in Williamsburg, VA. has become our family's special "Thanskgiving Music"; approprately, since the whole concept of "The World Turned Upside Down" was based on the effect of Christianity on the world. Lovely, beautifully played music! Met all of our expectations.

I love this album, and I listen to it frequently. Barry Phillips, I hope you follow up this album with another one that is very similar to this one. The musicianship is superb. It is a highly enjoyable album.

I had this CD delivered to someone I filled a lawsuit against. They finally settled out of court in my favor. When they asked what was this? My lawyer indicated, "Why don't you know your history? The title piece was the tune British General Cornwallis played at the surrender of Yorktown to General Washington."

How fitting!