Folk Songs of the Civil War

Folk Songs of the Civil War

Track Listings

1. First Shot

2. Shiloh

3. Antietam

4. Stonewall's Brigade

5. Jeb's Black Horse Brigade

6. Gettysburg Recalled

7. V.M.I.'s Gallant Hour

8. Battle of Atlanta

9. Virginia's Heritage

10. Confederate Flag

11. Lee's Command

12. Appomattox

Tracks:

Ashokan Farewell - Jay Ungar and Molly Mason
No More Auction Block For Me - Sweet Honey In The Rock
Licoln & Liberty - Ronnie Gilbert
Dixie's Land - United States Military Academy Band
The Sothern Soldier Boy - Kathy Mattea
Aura Lee - John Hartford
Rebel Soldier - Waylon Jennings
Follow The Drinking Gourd - Richie Havens
Battle Hymn Of The Republic (John Brown's Body) - Judy Collins
When Johnny Comes Marching Home - United States Military Academy Band
Was My Brother In The Battle - Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Yellow Rose Of Texas - Hoyt Axton
Run, Mourner, Run - Sweet Honey In The Rock
Give Us A Flag - Richie Havens
The Secesh (Shiloh) - John Hartford
Somebody's Darling - Kathy Mattea
An Old Unreconstructed - Waylon Jennings
Vacant Chair - Kathy Matea
Better Times Are Coming - Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Lorena - John Hartford
Marching Through Georgia - Jay Ungar and Molly Mason
Hard Times Come Again No More - Kate & Anna McGarrigle And Families
Oh I'm A Good Old Rebel - Hoyt Axton
When Johnny Comes Marching Home - Ronnie Gilbert
Taps - Staff Sgt. Steve Luck

Amazon.com

Prompted by the success Ken Burns's popular Civil War documentary (which spawned its own soundtrack), Songs of the Civil War presents an eclectic assortment of contemporary performers tackling period pieces that date back to the War Between the States. Here's Sweet Honey in the Rock tackling the slave lament "No More Auction Block for Me," Judy Collins singing "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and Kate and Anna McGarrigle essaying the lovely (and very suitable) "Hard Times Come Again No More." Between performances by name artists (Kathy Mattea, Waylon Jennings, and Richie Havens among them), instrumentals performed by the U.S. Military Academy Band provide a sense of time and place. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Not just for Civil War buffs.......2007-07-28

Ken Burns did a fine job of selecting the best, most interesting, most poignant songs from both sides of a defining conflict in America's history, and matching them with the exact right performers. The CD is perfectly paced and full of delights, like Hoyt Axton singing "Yellow Rose of Texas," Richie Havens performing "Follow the Drinking Gourd," and Waylon Jennings singing "Rebel Soldier," which is the most ticked-off song I've ever heard.

Educators: What a collection to add to your collection!.......2007-03-21

Reviewers Theo Logos and Laurence Bernabo were correct! This is an excellent collection of music. I purchased this album because my nine-year-old son needed background music for his Civil War presentation at our homeschool group's history fair. Like I said, this was supposed to be background music to set a mood only. Instead, the music prompted a lot of interest with many people commenting on it, some sang or hummed along, and much conversation was generated. Our goal was to promote learning and this music definitely contributed to our goal's success!

Panis Angelicus.......2007-03-02

Lots of good stuff here. Read the other reviews. But you need only one reason to purchase this gem - Hoyt Axton's take on "The Yellow Rose of Texas".

Panis Angelicus

Superb; highs and lows rolled into one !.......2007-01-04

A bunch of songs recorded by a host of elsewhere known artists. Quite a span ; both in arrangements, artists and quality of songs. Taken together, a very, very good barometer of the times, sentiments and music around the 1860's in general and the Civil War in particular. Given the content of the songs, one can easily understand the emotionally super-charged atmosphere leading to the civil war. Terrifiv musical entertainment!

An all-star collection of folk and country singers do "Songs of the Civil War".......2005-08-22

If you liked the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" or have actually heard of the album "White Mansions," then you would want to check out this 1991 collection of "Songs of the Civil War." The various artists are not only folk singers like Judy Collins and Richie Havens, but country singers such as Waylon Jennings and Kathy Mattea, and artists who work the area in between, namely John Hartford. But mainly this album is going to be of primary interest to those interested in the Civil War who will most enjoy hearing familiar songs sung by familiar voices, and certainly be introduced to both new songs and singers as well, such as when Sweet Honey in the Rock sings "No More Auction Block." Sometimes you will be surprised to learn who is singing what, as I was when Jennings did "Rebel Soldier," but that just speaks to why this is such a great album.

In fact, when the U.S. Military Band shows up to play instrumental version of "Dixie's Land" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," it is something of a disappointment since these tracks are most like what we have heard on previous collections of Civil War music. I know that Havens is not doing "Follow the Drinking Gourd" the way it was done back in the 1850s, but I do not have a problem with his "modern" interpretation of the song sung by slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. The only one where I did not like the interpretation was when Hartford did "Lorena" more up tempo than I think the song should be sung. There are some liberties taken with the song selection, because while "Ashokan Farewell" is so closely identified with the Civil War because of the Ken Burns documentary, it is not a song "from" the Civil War (I suppose that semantically "of" gets the title off the hook). Not that I have gone through and checked the bona fides of each of these twenty-five songs. When Ronnie Gilbert of the Weavers shows up to sign the political song "Lincoln and Liberty," I am not about to complain. Hoyt Axton's "Yellow Rose of Texas" is about as far out of place as anything gets on the album, but he also does "Oh I'm a Good Ole Rebel," which is clearly on firmer ground.

What might be most impressive about this collection is the way it combines so many different musical styles, from Traditional Folk and Black Gospel to Bluegrass and Outlaw Country. There are more and you can quibble on the labels, but you get the point. Standout tracks for me were Mattea's "Southern Solider Boy," Hartford's tender "Aura Lee," Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Run, Mourner, Run," and the McGarrigle sisters on the Stephen Foster song "Better Times Are Coming." Actually, all three of the songs Kate and Anna sing on the album are by Stephen Foster, which certainly suits their harmonic talents. Mattea has three tracks as well and is as much of a standout performer on the album as anyone. Final Note: choosing to do "Marching Through Georgia" as an instrumental strikes me as making a point of avoiding having the lyrics of the most hated song of the Civil War (by far) on the album (not that there is anything wrong with that). The fact that "Songs of the Civil War" ends with Steve Luck blowing "Taps" is just a final reminder that they knew what they were doing when they put this album together.

Average customer rating:

Soviet Army Band & Chorus aren't taking any prisoners!
Good music.
Magnificent!
I loved it!
The ultimate collection

Best of the Red Army Choir
Red Army Choir
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Echoes of a Red Empire

ASIN: B000066RMJ
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Kalinka
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Souliko
Korobelniki
On The Road (A Soldier's Song)
My Country
The Red Army Is The Strongest
Moscow Nights
Along Peterskaia Street
Smuglianka
Troika Gallop
Ah Nastassia
Echelon's Song
My Army
Civil War Songs
Bella Ciao

Tracks:

National Anthem Of The USSR
Oh Fields, My Fields
The Cliff
The Cossacks
In The Central Steppes
Gandzia
Cossack's Song
The Roads
Song Of The Volga Boatman
Dark Eyes
Let's Go
The Birch Tree
The Road Song
The Samovars
Varchavianka
Slavery And Suffering

Customer Reviews:

Soviet Army Band & Chorus aren't taking any prisoners!.......2007-05-12

If you enjoy a good stiring martial male chorus then spend some time with these guys. They're all graduates of Soviet musical acadamies and any one of them could have graced the top opera houses of the world. You don't have to know any Russian to appreciate this CD. The songs are glorious (just don't translate them -- machine guns, death to foes, etc.), and will make you want to march on Berlin all over again.

Good music........2007-03-09

I had heard a few songs by the Red Army Choir in the past and happened upon this CD set a while back, I found it to be far better than I had hoped and would reccoment it to anyone who enjoys Russian folk music, choir in general, and cultural items from when Russia was still the Soviet Union.

Magnificent!.......2007-02-27

I'm so glad I stumbled onto this.

Spirited, committed, manly singing. Soul-shaking stuff! The ensemble is incisive; soloists are marvelous. The folk melodies are enchanting. The songs--and the singers--are bound up in the cultural fabric of the Cossacks, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky...on and on.., Chekhov, Trotsky, Nabakov... This music conveys the great romantic, dignified, boistrous soul of the Russian People. (Loosely speaking. Some members of the chorus were presumably of other nationalities once part of the Soviet Union. And some of the songs are not Russian).

I don't speak Russian, but listening to this makes me wish I did. What a beautiful-sounding language it is.

I loved it!.......2007-02-22

Even though I cannot speak Russian, the quality of this choral group is beyond excellent. Many of these pieces are extremely moving and stirring. The rendering of the Soviet anthem and the song "Let's Go" (V'put) come to my mind. "Let's Go" became a huge hit in Russia when it was featured in a movie about the Great Patriotic War, and indeed, hearing it - you can well imagine ranks upon ranks of hard-eyed, grim-faced Soviet soldiers striding into battle against the Wehrmacht.

The ultimate collection.......2004-06-15

Excellent performance by the choir and the orchestra. The grandeur, the charm, and the romance! Great collection of songs, sure to bring back memories!

SOUTHERN SOLDIER: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War

Average customer rating:

Oh Lud!
Southern Soldier
Great CD!!
Great Album
Dixie

SOUTHERN SOLDIER: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
2nd South Carolina String Band
Manufacturer: Palmetto Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of the Civil War
DULCEM MELODIES: Favorite Campfire Songs of the Civil War Era
The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording

ASIN: B00005NKYB
Release Date: 1997-07-04

Tracks:

Ol' Dan Tucker
McLeod's Reel
Oh! Lud Gals
Boatman's Dance
Fisher's Hornpipe/Rickett's Hornpipe
Zip Coon
Hard Times, Come Again No More
John Brown's March/John Brown's Dream
Oh, I'm A Good Old Rebel
Palmetto Quickstep
Keemo Kimo
Jackson in the Valley
Johnny Booker/Circus Jig/Jim Along Josie
Rock the Cradle, Julie
Jenny, Get Your Hoecake Done
The Arkansas Traveller
Southern Soldier
Dixie's Land

Album Description

SOUTHERN SOLDIER is a collection of songs and melodies which were well known to Southerners and Northerners alike; tunes that were a familiar and comfortable part of life in the years leading up to the War Between the States. Many of these compositions were written by the likes of Stephen Foster and Daniel Emmett, who were giants of the popular music industry of their day.

Some of the titles, OL' DAN TUCKER, DIXIE'S LAND and ARKANSAS TRAVELER are still familiar to the modern-day ear. Other titles on this album, though not familiar to the eye, will be quickly recognizable to the ear. ALL selections on this album are performed on authentic instruments of the period and were chosen for the appealing nature of their rhythms and melodies. They are presented with as unique and individual a spirit as one might expect from a true Confederate camp band of the era.

Over the years since 1989, when the band was formed, we have made a concerted effort to grow in the music and the history of those times. This collection of songs and melodies that the soldiers brought with them from home to the war represents the fruit of that growth. It was and continues to be our intent as a group of musicians and living historians to try to capture the spirit and emotion of those tumultuous years. We believe that this album, SOUTHERN SOLDIER, has succeeded in that effort.

Customer Reviews:

Oh Lud!.......2007-01-22

I found this recording while searching the web for additional lyrics to Ol' Dan Tucker to sing for my granddaughter. She now prefers the singing of the 2nd SCSB to mine. I've forgiven her for that.
The musicianship on this CD is adequate, with Marty Groody's whistle and fife playing being very good. To my ear, the lead vocals and harmony are very well done, their voices perfect for this genre. The song selection is a wonderful representation of songs from the Civil War era, all played and sung in authentic period style. The 2nd SCSB's strongest suit is that they play and sing the songs with great affection and passion. Their versions of Southern Soldier, Dixie's Land and others are stirring and not to be missed. I really like it when artists pack the maximum music, time wise, on a CD. The running time for this disc: 73+ minutes!

Southern Soldier.......2007-01-11

By far this is one of the most superb Civil War Period music. Listing to the title track southern soldier brought tears to my eyes, thats all i have to say

Great CD!!.......2006-11-21

Like someone said before: The Dixie version of this is worth the whole CD. All of the songs are great!

Great Album.......2006-11-10

I really enjoy this album. In fact, I listen to it over and over. It's worth it for "Southern Soldier" alone. As often as I listen to the entire album, I listen to this song even more often.

Dixie.......2006-02-17

The version of Dixie on this CD is beyond wonderful! This one song is well worth the price of the whole shebang.

Average customer rating:

Even better than I remembered it!
Songs of the Rebellion
Great One

Songs of the Civil War
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of the Civil War
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Songs of the Civil War

ASIN: B0002T8CKY
Release Date: 2004-09-06

Tracks:

Stonewall Jackson's Way
Lorena
Riding a Raid
Maryland My Maryland
Goober Peas
I Can Whip the Scoundrel
Bonnie Blue Flag
Valiant Conscript
Rebel Soldier
Southern Wagon
Flight of the Doodles
Dixie
Army of the Free
Virginia's Bloody Soil
Marching Song (Of the First Arkansas Negro Regiment)
Why and Wherefore
Vacant Chair
Fall of Charleston
New York Volunteer
Faded Coat of Blue
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before the Battle, Mother
Girl I Left Behind Me
Union Dixie

Customer Reviews:

Even better than I remembered it!.......2006-01-16

This music was released in July of 1961, a few months after I was born. My mother, who could give Melanie Wilkes a run for her money in her undying love of The Cause, had _Songs of the South_ and, as soon as I learned to use the record player, I was listening to these awesome songs over and over.

Now that I'm a grownup, I started thinking: I wonder how this album matches up to my recollections. What a treat to find that it was still available, and now on CD! Here's why I give it five stars:

1. Ford's powerful and versatile baritone, which brings the songs, whether tragic, martial or humourous, to life. He is backed by an unobtrusive male chorus which does not distract from the lead singer. I am so sorry that, although Amazon provided a list of the songs, it did not also allow you to hear some of them. One listen and you would want this collection for yourself.

2. The authentic-sounding instrumentation. You are hearing everything from trumpets to fifes to harmonicas to zithers, with lots of fancy drumwork where appropriate. And the arrangements are not trying to be innovative, which, in this case, is a good thing. I am sure that the arrangements are more sophisticated than they would have been in the period, but they are very enjoyable, all the same.

3. You can really sing along to these things! Yep, you just won't be able to help yourself. And the 64-page booklet enclosed will help you out with that. It has all the words and also (in italics) additional verses which TEF does not use. (And, as a Virginian, here's my one big peeve with this recording: in "Bonny Blue Flag," TEF leaves out the Virginia verse!)

4. The 64-page booklet that comes with the CD. Thanks to whoever came up with this! You get the song lyrics (as well as the writers of the words and music) and some helpful background text about the songs. (I enjoyed seeing how many of the tunes were derived from those of earlier folk ballads.) There is also appropriate and interesting period photography scattered throughout the booklet.

To conclude: it's a great album and will afford you much listening pleasure!

Songs of the Rebellion.......2005-10-12

I borrowed a copy of this album on 33-1/3 over 20 years ago and had a copy of it made on tape. The tape decided to break about five years ago and I was pleased to find out that I could get the album on CD. It is very pleasent to enjoy the songs and Ernie once again.

Great One.......2005-05-11

I am thrilled that these "War between the States" songs are on a CD. I bought Songs of the South over 30 yrs ago on a 33 1/3 record. I love this album. Glad that Songs of the North were added to this CD.Ole Ernie's recordings still sound good.Civil War fans will love this one.
D.G.

HARD ROAD: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War

Average customer rating:

South Carolina Leads the Way - Again!
More than simple songs
Great Civil War Period Music Collection for the Yanks and Rebs
Hard Road
Authenticity over Virtuosity

HARD ROAD: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
2nd South Carolina String Band
Manufacturer: Palmetto Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Civil War Collection

ASIN: B00005NKYA
Release Date: 2001-07-15

Tracks:

We're Tenting Tonight On the Old Campground
Battle Cry of Freedom
Cavalier's Waltz
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Cindy
Oh! Susanna
Invalid Corps
Buffalo Gals
Kingdom Coming
The Bonnie Blue Flag
Jine the Cavalry
Ring, Ring De Banjo
Rose of Alabama
Camptown Races
Goober Peas
Cumberland Gap
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Lorena
The Vacant Chair
Richmond Is A Hard Road to Travel

Album Description

The 2nd South Carolina String Band recorded their first album, WE'RE TENTING TONIGHT, in 1991. Containing 15 of the most popular songs of the War Between the States, it was well received from the start and continues to have strong appeal. In fact, it was so well received that the band was encouraged to produce a second album, WE ARE A BAND OF BROTHERS, released two years later in 1993. This recording profited from the experience gained since the first - being produced in a better studio with better technology - as well as from two years of performances together by a band whose reputation was rapidly spreading. This second album contained another 15 of the most well known songs of the era, thus making the two together a sort of "Top 30" of the Civil War.

Many years later, these albums continue to attract listeners and fans, new and old. So much so that, pursuant to countless requests to bring them both out on CD, we have done just that! We are proud to offer our first two albums together at last on one recording. The best of WE'RE TENTING TONIGHT and WE ARE A BAND OF BROTHERS, are here presented with a driving, spirited and exciting sound worthy of the men whose memory and spirit we strive to honor and evoke.

Customer Reviews:

South Carolina Leads the Way - Again!.......2007-03-09

This CD is probably the best yet for Civil War music enthusiasts who like their music authentic and earthy. The String Band have managed to capture the essence of music as the soldiers would have heard and played it. I particularly enjoyed the version of 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home', and I defy anybody not to give a 'Rebel Yell' when listening to 'Jine The Cavalry'. I look forward to their next Civil War offering - there are so many great songs just waiting for their special touch!

More than simple songs.......2007-02-13

For me as a german citizen these Songs are very great and I can imagine the time during the Civil War.
I love this item and I want to recommend this music the others, who love such music.

Great Civil War Period Music Collection for the Yanks and Rebs.......2006-04-09

To find period music done correctly takes quite a bit of money - either because the sound and style is too contemporary (updated versions of classic tunes for "today's audience") or the lyrics have changed due to political correctness (can't say that, it might offend whatever group). Believe me, I have spent my share of hard earned cash looking for period correct music only to find the above mentioned problems, even at many sutlers.
But when I find a gem such as this collection by the 2nd South Carolina String Band, I feel it's my duty to get the word out.
This is an excellent source of Civil War era music done completely in a traditional style. It doesn't matter if you are a Billy Yank or Johnny Reb, this collection covers both sides of the conflict. Toe tappin' sing-a-long songs will seemingly take the listener back in time with some of the finest tunes this side of the Atlantic. My favorites include Battle Cry of Freedom, Cumberland Gap, Kingdom Coming, and Lorena. But the ethereal fiddling on the Cavalier's Waltz will set you to tears.
Musical historian or Civil War re-enactor - this collection deserves a high spot in your period music collection.

Hard Road.......2005-09-15

The 2nd SC String Band captures the true sound of Civil War camp music as it was played back then. I have all 3 of their CDs and listen to them every day.

Authenticity over Virtuosity.......2005-05-06

Close your eyes while listening to 2nd South Carolina String Band and you can almost imagine yourself transported in time and space - sitting around a campfire in Northern Virginia or East Tennessee circa 1863. Just don't keep them closed for too long, or you might start to taste hardtack! Yeah, the boys of 2nd South Carolina String Band are that authentic. Their song arraignments are simple and straightforward with no professional polish - played much the same way as young farm boys turned soldiers may have once played them to pass the time in camp. They use only period instruments that could pass muster in the strictest historic re-enactor's camp. If authenticity to period is what you desire, then these boys are the best.
That said, I should point out that these guys have something in common with Bob Dylan - their genius does not necessarily lie in their musical skill. Their voices are untrained and their playing, while adequate and enjoyable, is strictly amateur. It is this amateur quality as much as anything that makes their music sounds so authentic, but it does not make for performances that will blow you away with their virtuosity.
The song selection on `Hard Road' is simply outstanding. In addition to standards like Battle Cry of Freedom and When Johnny Comes Marching Home, they have included some rare gems that for some reason are not often included on period collections. My favorites are the humorous song Invalid Corp, a song mocking those who tried to avoid active service and the lively minstrel show song Kingdom Coming. Tenting on the Old Campground and Vacant Chair add a nice mournful note, and The Bonnie Blue Flag and Jine the Calvary nicely evoke Southern patriotic fever and bravado. Throw in a couple of Stephen Foster's most popular songs, Oh Susanna and Camptown Races, and this collection emerges as darn near perfect!
If you want polished and professional performances you should pass on this CD. But if you would like to hear these songs as your great great grandpa may have heard or even played them around a Civil War campfire with his mess mates, then snatch up Hard Road and get to listing.

Theo Logos

DULCEM MELODIES: Favorite Campfire Songs of the Civil War Era

Average customer rating:

The rowdy rebels review
Dulcimer Melodies 2nd. South Carolina String Band
IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!
Dulcem Melodies
Outstandin CD... the Best Yet from the Boys of the 2nd South !!!!

DULCEM MELODIES: Favorite Campfire Songs of the Civil War Era
2nd South Carolina String Band
Manufacturer: Palmetto Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Irish Volunteer: Songs Of The Irish Union Soldier 1861-1865

ASIN: B000GW8V9E
Release Date: 2006-07-04

Tracks:

Nelly Bly
Hard Crackers Come Again No More
Stonewall Jackson's Way/Garryowen
Listen to the Mockingbird/Siege of Vicksburg
Amazing Grace
Clare de Kitchen
Kelton's Reel/Waiting for the Federals
My Old Kentucky Home
The Yellow Rose of Texas
Southron's Battle Cry of Freedom
The Minstrel Boy
Southron's Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!
Jim Along Josie
Sweet Evalina
War Song of Dixie
Hawks and Eagles

Product Description

In this their fifth album, the 2nd South Carolina String Band once again brings you the songs and music that moved the American people of the early and mid-eighteen hundreds. They play the music that was in the hearts and minds and on the tongues of the citizen-soldiers that made up the ranks of the armies of the North and the South as they marched off to take part in the cataclysmic struggle that was to become the defining event of our nation's history. They play it on instruments of the era and in an authentic manner and style that carries the listener back to simpler times. They play with a verve and excitement that infects even the most reserved listener with their own enjoyment and brings back to vibrant life the tumultuous energy of the American experience during the War Between the States. To experience the 2nd South Carolina String Band is, for a moment, to reach out and touch the past.

Customer Reviews:

The rowdy rebels review.......2007-03-08

this band is awesome !!! the only civil war music you need !!! be sure to purchase all 4 c.d.'s of theirs, there all equally great !!!

Dulcimer Melodies 2nd. South Carolina String Band.......2007-01-12

Very tuneful CD. Up to band's usual standards

IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!.......2006-10-11

The boys from the second south have done it again! They have once again captured the feel
and the mood of a bygone era, these are highly talented musicians who are quite simply the best
at what they do, and that is make the best civil war era music available today. Dulcem Melodies
proves it again.This, like all of the second south's music is one of those rare cd's that you will listen
to for hours. congradulations gentlemen, job well done!

Dulcem Melodies.......2006-09-26

While some die-hard fans of The Second South may wonder about whether this album marks a departure from their old, tried-and-true formula of foot-stompin' music,...fear not! You will not be disappointed!!
This latest collection entitled, "Dulcem Melodies" (while boasting a few worthy examples of the aforementioned raucous genre such as, "Hawks and Eagles"), generally tends more toward the Victorian parlor than the Civil War campfire. But the results are highly entertaining.
Not surprisingly, in the process this album clearly demonstrates the musicianship and stylistic versatility of the lads of the Second South. "Dulcem Melodies" lives up to its name by serving up many selections of the sweetest melodies of the Civil War era including a hauntingly beautiful version of "The Minstrel Boy", the sentimental waltz, "Evalina" and the Stephen Foster classic, "My Old Kentucky Home". The band's instrumentation and arrangements are strongly derived from the original 19th century sheet music, but with enough original creativity to make each selection a truly artful and fresh interpretation. In a sense "Dulcem Melodies" completes a musical transition that began with the "In High Cotton" album of a few years back. Once again, I believe this evolving group of talented musicians have another hit on their hands. Bravissimo!

Outstandin CD... the Best Yet from the Boys of the 2nd South !!!!.......2006-09-17

The "Lads" of the 2nd South String Band have done it again!!! It seems that with every new CD the Band produces, They just get better and better.If you close your eyes and sit back , you are" Magically transported round the Rebel Campfire". The tunes and songs on "Dulcem Melodies" are artfully performed and convey the true feeling of being a part of this Southern Band of Brothers. Hard Crackers is certainly worthy of a Grammy Nomination. Amazing Grace and The Minstrel Boy "left a sad lump in my throat". Every selection on Dulcem Melodies is a Jem. The "Musicality" and Historic Research of the Music Selections of the 2nd South clearly designate them as the one truly 'Authentic Civil War Band' performing today. These "Good Ould Boy's" can really do it all. They are the one Civil War Band that represents what it was to be a Southern Civil War Soldier who had only themselves to maintain their morale . The Music of the 2nd South's 'Dulcem Melodies' is a Virtual Audio Recruitment Poster .It makes me want to "Take up My Musket" and "Soldier" with the Boys of the 2nd South. Walk Proud Lads . This truly is the 2nd South's "BEST "Work Yet!!!!!!

"Meadowlark"

Average customer rating:

Lifelong favorite
Great music
Shades of the Past
Superb Songs, Singers, and Sound Quality
Highly recommended

Songs of the Civil War
The Cumberland Three
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of the Civil War
The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording
SOUTHERN SOLDIER: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
HARD ROAD: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
The Civil War Collection

ASIN: B0000032MD
Release Date: 1991-02-01

Tracks:

Rebel Songs: Hallowed Ground
Rebel Songs: I Don't Want No Pardon
Rebel Songs: Lay Ten Dollars Down
Rebel Songs: Number 292
Rebel Songs: Aura Lee
Rebel Songs: The Yellow Rose Of Texas
Rebel Songs: Goober Peas
Rebel Songs: Picket's Lament
Rebel Songs: Hold Our Glasses Steady
Rebel Songs: Bessie
Rebel Songs: The Coward
Rebel Songs: We'll All Take A Ride
Yankee Songs: Down To Washington
Yankee Songs: Marching Home
Yankee Songs: Story Of The Lamb
Yankee Songs: Tobacco Box
Yankee Songs: Gonna Get You
Yankee Songs: Bring The Good Old Bugle
Yankee Songs: Song Of The Hungry
Yankee Songs: Shipmates Come Gather
Yankee Songs: The Boys Are Home
Yankee Songs: Back To Home
Yankee Songs: Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Album Description

Authentic Civil War songs! Including "The Yellow Rose of Texas," "Goober Peas," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Customer Reviews:

Lifelong favorite.......2007-02-05

I've been listening to this CD since I was 9 or 10 (well, all right, I'm only 22 now. That qualifies this as a lifelong favorite). The music has never gotten old, and forms a permanent part of my picture of the era, bringing to life the men in the trenches who fought in the most divisive war of our nation's history. Though I'm a Unionist (not a Yankee), I must confess to a slight partiality for the Southern songs - except for the Battle Hymn.

Great music.......2004-03-22

This cd is one of the best that I have seen for this era. I listen to it all the time.

Shades of the Past.......2003-11-26

My father had this album, when I was a child, and it was one of my absolute favorites. Even though I haven't heard it since then, I still remember the music very well, and am so glad to see it again on CD. After all of these many years, I still break out in a rousing rendition of "Goober Peas' occasionally. I highly recommend this CD, and hope it brings you as much enjoyment as it has brought me.

Superb Songs, Singers, and Sound Quality.......2002-11-21

I've bought several collections of CW music, and this one is by far my favorite. The Cumberland Three are wonderful singers and they can convey a wide range of moods - bitter, jubilant, wistful, proud, sorrowful. The sound quality is exceptional considering how long ago it was recorded (40+ years?)

My favorite aspect of this is the balance of Rebel vs. Union songs - the first half being pro-CSA, and then the second half being pro-USA. Even though I'm a true-blue Unionist to the bone, I still love hearing those Rebs singing "The lyin', thievin' Yankees, I hate 'em worse than dust!". Could you even release such a song in this PC-polarized era? Heck no! But the one I can't get out of my mind is "Mary had a little lamb, it was always on the go, shouting the battle cry of freedom!"

Highly recommended.......2002-03-09

I bought the CD based on the positive reviews posted here and I wasn't disappointed. I love it. The only downside is that my family and coworkers want to kill me, because I can't seem to stop singing Goober Peas under my breath all day. It's definitely done in a "folk" style and if you're looking for a glitzy, orchestrated sound, this isn't it. But if you want to close your eyes and imagine soldiers singing in the field, this is it.

IN HIGH COTTON: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Fascinating Musical Heritage
The Music Comes Alive
A living national treasure
Some of the best period music you will ever hear

IN HIGH COTTON: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War

Manufacturer: Palmetto Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

SOUTHERN SOLDIER: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
HARD ROAD: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
DULCEM MELODIES: Favorite Campfire Songs of the Civil War Era
The Civil War Collection
The Civil War Collection, Volume II

ASIN: B00007G30A
Release Date: 2002-09-15

Tracks:

Lynchburg Town/Briggs' Jig
Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)
O Lemuel
'Twill Never Do To Give It Up So
Granny Will Your Dog Bite/Guilderoy
Liza Jane/Mississippi Sawyer/Road to Boston
I'm Gwine Ober De Mountain
De Blue Tail Fly
Angelina Baker/Angeline the Baker
Cripple Creek/Old Joe Clark/The Girl I Left Behind Me
Jordan Is a Hard Road to Travel
Old Rosin the Beau
Glendy Burke
The White Cockade/Devil's Dream
Down in Alabama
The Bonnie Blue Flag

Album Description

Five years after the release of their critically acclaimed SOUTHERN SOLDIER album, comes their newest, long awaited sequel; IN HIGH COTTON. Picking up where they left off, the boys are back in fine form and high style with their best work ever.

Here are more minstrel tunes, plantation melodies and military airs that were beloved and familiar to hundreds of thousands of young men from north and south. These songs were as much a part of them as knapsack, bedroll or bible when they left civil life behind to take up arms to fight and die for the causes they believed in during America's great Civil War.

IN HIGH COTTON carries the listener back more than 150 years to hear music that was essentially laying the foundations of American popular music in the years leading up to the War Between the States. You'll hear timeless melodies created by American musical icons Stephen Foster and Daniel Emmett, such as THE OLD FOLKS AT HOME (SWANEE RIVER) and THE BLUE TAIL FLY. Songs about life on the nation's earliest highways of commerce - America's mighty rivers. You'll hear minstrel melodies that were adapted by the soldiers to reflect the experiences of war and by making fun of those hardships in song, made them easier to bear.

The 2nd South Carolina String Band is recognized far and wide for their ability to breathe new life into music muted only by the passage of time and fashion - great music from our nation's turbulent past - making it exciting and enjoyable to the 21st century listener. IN HIGH COTTON is bursting with the same exuberant spirit that this band has always been famous for.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2005-08-10

This was my first purchase of a 2nd SC cd, and it did not disappoint. The talent displayed throughout transports you back to the 1860s.

Fascinating Musical Heritage.......2005-03-14

This cd from 2002 is 2nd South Carolina String Band's most recent. I have listened to "Old Folks at Home" on repeat at least 50 times now, and am listening to it as I write this review. I've yet to tire of it. Clearly this is what's known as "timeless appeal." Somehow these songs still stir us today, despite our constantly changing tastes.

2nd South Carolina String Band lives and breathes the times of the Civil War and the music that accompanied it. Their enthusiasm is inspiring, and their interpretations are authentic and catchy. These songs give us a peek into a part of our history that is too rarely examined. The liner notes are especially helpful in providing background to melodies you may be familiar with, but whose origins are not so well known.

Favorites of mine, besides "Old Folks at Home," are "De Blue Tail Fly" (a truly haunting tune) and "Down in Alabama" (a real sing-along toe-tapper!).

I hope more cd's are to come!!

The Music Comes Alive.......2005-01-01

Have you ever heard Burl Ives sing "Blue Tailed Fly?" My, my, my, are you in for a rude awakening if you hear the 2nd North Carolina String Band do their rendition. Some people may be offended that a musical group would be politically incorrect and sing "Negro Minstrel" era songs. If we do then we will have to erase all of Stephen Foster's tunes from our music archives and collective memory. With him will go "Hard Times Come Again No More" and many American classics. The 2nd South Carolina has the fortitude and talent to make these songs come alive. They define American Civil War era music. No one comes close.

A living national treasure.......2004-07-12

Too often, musical groups that play a traditional genre grow stale after a few years. The 2nd South Carolina String Band, however, continues to raise the bar for the minstrel style with its latest and best CD, "In High Cotton," which I recommend wholeheartedly. Whether you are a long time fan of traditional camp music or a newcomer seeking to learn, this is the recording to purchase and enjoy.

Some of the best period music you will ever hear.......2004-02-24

I happen to own all of the 2nd south's music, and this may be there best effort yet, strong words considering how good there other cd's are. wether you enjoy listening to civil war period music as I do, or you just want to hear what music was like back in the 1860's, this cd has a great selection of songs played by very talented musicians who seem to have gone back in time and captured the feeling of the nation in song .

.

Civil War Songs
Average customer rating:

Good Anthology; Mediocre Performances

Civil War Songs

Manufacturer: WEM Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Civil War Songbook

ASIN: 1878360116

Book Description

The sixty songs reflect the tragedy, irony humor, pride and hope which accompanied the War Between the States, placed in historic context by historical narration. Three stereo CD's, with Notes on the Songs. Total Playing Time: 3 hours.

The War Begins: After the election of Abraham Lincoln, eleven states secede. The beginning of the war is accompanied by songs of self-righteousness and optimism, of "Copperheads" and "Black Republicans," of proud new regiments and of martyrs.

The Realities of War: The Battle of Bull Run discourages Northern optimism, and two legendary figures emerge: "Stonewall" Jackson and Jeb Stuart. Yankee morale rises with the stirring "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Battle Cry of Freedom." Glory fades in the face of reality as soldiers sing of inadequate food and the slaughter at Shiloh. Civilians sing of the inequities of the draft and of doing without.

The Changing War: Escaped slaves are mustered into the Union army, singing of freedom and emancipation. Ironclad ships revolutionize naval warfare, guerrilla warfare increases, prisoners of war die.

The Union Forever: War-weary soldiers and civilians sing of sweetheart, home, the siege of Vicksburg, the foreign-born who fill the Union army's ranks, Lincoln's re-election, William Tecumseh Sherman's march to the sea and the fall of Richmond.

Customer Reviews:

Good Anthology; Mediocre Performances.......2005-05-11

The McNeils have assembled a good sampling of different music of the era, and have highlighted the songs' significance but . . .

Neither is a really good singer, and some of the songs are tedious (e.g. "Treasury Rats").

Save your money. Buy a CD from the 2nd SC String Band instead.

Last Day at Gettysburg: Songs About the American Civil War

Average customer rating:

Last Day at Gettysburg: Songs About the American Civil War
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rebel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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