New Britain: The Roots of American Folksong

Exploring the connections between early music and what we know as folksong, Joel Cohen and his very adventurous and competent band of musicians not only show us where many familiar tunes come from, they also give us fresh and illuminating renditions of songs from the 10th century to the middle of the 20th century. Besides the recording's obvious educational value, its primary purpose, according to Cohen, is "to give pleasure." That it does, often in amusing ways, as when a song with religious origins is transformed into a ribald descendant. It's also fun to see how widespread some songs are, with different versions common to many countries. Cohen demonstrates how songs that came from Renaissance forms were preserved by common folk long after the "elite" classes abandoned them. The songs are enhanced by excellent instrumental playing and well-conceived arrangements. --David Vernier