faces of the civil war navies: an album of union and confederate sailors

Faces of the Civil War Navies: An Album of Union and Confederate Sailors

As we mark the 150th anniversary of the bombardment of Fort Sumter, a pivotal moment in American history, we are reminded of the devastating conflict that ravaged our nation. The Civil War, which took the lives of over 620,000 Americans, was a complex and multifaceted struggle that involved not only battles on land but also on water.

In this context, it is fitting to explore an album that pays tribute to the sailors who played a crucial role in this conflict. 'Faces of the Civil War Navies: An Album of Union and Confederate Sailors' is a unique collection of 13 songs from Union, Confederate, and British sources. What sets this album apart is its focus on the war at sea, which has not been adequately represented in previous Civil War music releases.

The challenge of creating such an album was significant. With many of the original recordings and sheet music long lost to time, the task required careful consideration and a deep understanding of the historical context. Smithsonian Folkways approached me two years ago with the idea of creating an all-new album honoring America's veterans. I was tasked with curating a collection that would do justice to this important aspect of American history.

To ensure the integrity of the material, I employed a rigorous process of research and evaluation. When audio files were not available, sheet music indicating melody, tempo, and mood could often be located. In some cases, it required searching the Internet for pre-existing sound files and finding performers who could replicate seminal performances.

The result is an album that not only showcases the musical talents of Union and Confederate sailors but also provides a glimpse into their lives and experiences during this tumultuous period in American history. This collection is a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the essence of a moment in time, and we are honored to share it with you as part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate America's rich cultural heritage.

Faces of the civil war navies: an album of union and confederate sailors