Artist description An antique guitar, a fretless minstrel banjo, and a tin ear. These are some of the biggest hits of the 1850's and 60's. These are documented songs from during and before the Civil War, from the original period sources, (not modern books and recordings) and played in period type style on period type instruments.

Music Style 19th century popular music (civil war era), ballads, minstrel, parlor songs. Technically this is not folk music, but rather pop music from the 19th century.

Musical Influences Stephen Foster, George Root, Henry Tucker, James Buckely.

Artist History I've been a Civil War reenactor since 1995, and have been studying the music of the time since then. 'Night March to Gettysburg' is titled after a soldiers letter to home in which he lists a dozen songs sung by the boys while they marched overnight from Hanover PA to Gettysburg. The CD consists entirely songs mentioned by the 140th NY soldiers in letters, preserved in the 140th's regimental history, "Sons of Old Monroe," by Brian A. Bennett (Morningside) Some are familiar songs, but with "new" twists, as they are done in the original style. Others are, to the best of my knowledge, not recorded anywhere else. 'Angel Band' continues with more songs that were popular during the time of the Civil War, but are now unknown. A few are familiar titles, but done in 19th century words and music. "The Adventures of Billy Barlow" attempts to present some of the fun songs actually sung buy the soldiers during this war, in contrast to the many green beer songs reenactors usually sing; most from a later era. Some sentimental songs 'Billy' some balance. The music on these recordings was learned from period sources. Period manuals were used to learn the minstrel banjo, and to re-learn the guitar. While not perfect, they are as close to the original style and sound as my knowledge and ability will permit.

Group Members All instruments and voices by Jerry Ernst. Recorded and produced by Jerry Ernst. I've got nobody to blame but meself.

Instruments guitar, banjo, bones, mandolin, and a sock full of coffee beans.

Albums Night March to Gettysburg & Angel Band

Location Rochester, New York - USA

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