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Sailor Song
The Shanties and Ballads of the High Seas
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Sailor Song
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Sailor Song is ideal for enthusiasts of maritime history, folk music aficionados, and readers interested in cultural traditions. Musicians and scholars exploring the intersection of work songs and musical heritage will also find this volume invaluable.
In Sailor Song acclaimed writer, playwright and musician Gerry Smyth presents the words and music of some 40 'heaving or hauling' working shanties and 10 off-duty sea songs and ballads.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
From the earliest of voyages, seafarers have sung, whether they are homeward bound or rolling in a merciless sea towards an unknown horizon. The shouts and cries of these sailors' shanties provided a musical rhythm to their work, and such 'concerted' efforts improved efficiency as anchors were raised, sails hoisted, and bilge water pumped. Boredom was allayed, concentration increased, and the stamina-sapping agonies were borne on a melody.
In Sailor Song, acclaimed writer, playwright, and musician Gerry Smyth presents the words and music of some 40 'heaving or hauling' working shanties and 10 off-duty sea songs and ballads. The meanings and history of each song are revealed alongside thematic sections exploring celebrated shantymen, song types, and traditions, as well as the influence these songs have had on the folk music movement, rock music, and the modern shanty revival.
The volume is illustrated with specially commissioned artworks by popular folk artist Jonny Hannah, alongside many previously unpublished artworks from the holdings of the British Library.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780712353700
Publisher: British Library Publishing
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 21 January 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: British Library Publishing
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Jonny Hannah
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 151.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 160
About the Author
Gerry Smyth is an academic, musician, actor and playwright and is Professor of Irish Cultural History of Liverpool John Moores University. In his writing Gerry has specialised in the development of both Irish fiction and folk and popular music. Performing under the name Gerry McGowan, Gerry has released three albums of Liverpool-related shanties entitled 'Roll & Go: Songs of Liverpool and the Sea' (2009), 'Across the Western Ocean' (2011) and 'Sailor Song' (2017).
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