A Patriot's Songbook

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Compilation producers: Didier Deutsch, Charlie D'Atri. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Arrangers: Thomas Knox; Cindy Williams. Conceived as an audio companion piece to Caroline Kennedy's book A Patriot's Handbook, A Patriot's Songbook features a melting pot of different artists, styles, and viewpoints that are all nevertheless quintessentially American. Kennedy selected the tracks on this collection, and it's to her credit that she includes two Bob Dylan songs that are usually associated with the protests and questioning of authority that defined the '60s, "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a Changin'" (performed here by Peter, Paul & Mary and the Byrds, respectively) as well as more traditionally patriotic songs like Kate Smith's classic rendition of "God Bless America" and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "My Country 'Tis of Thee." While the album places a strong emphasis on individualistic folk talents, as represented by Odetta's "If I Had a Hammer" and Woody & Arlo Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land," respect for the armed forces and their rousing music is also apparent in the U.S. Marine Band's "The Armed Forces Medley." Tracks such as Riders in the Sky's "Home on the Range" and Fess Parker's "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" celebrate America's pioneering spirit, while James Cagney & Frances Langford's "Over There" and Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A." offer calls to arms from the first and second half of the 20th century. Johnny Cash's "Amazing Grace" and SHeDAISY's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" add a spiritual note to the collection, while Paul Simon and Marvin Gaye's live versions of "America" and "The Star Spangled Banner" reflect the near-spiritual connection both of those performers had with their audiences. Despite the many directions in which it goes, the album works well not only because of the themes all the songs share, but because even the most musically divergent tracks share a somehow joyous quality that is apparently inherently American, whether the songs are about upholding the status quo or finding ways to change it. A carefully and affectionately crafted collection, A Patriot's Songbook is a welcome musical reminder that there are many ways to be proud to be an American. ~ Heather Phares

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