Washington Revels Recordings

Le Temps des Fêtes
French Canadian Music & Dance in Celebration of the Winter Soltice

Travel with us to Trois-Rivières, a town in southern Québec. It’s late December during le temps des Fêtes, the time of celebration, and smoke is rising from the chimneys. The timber business is thriving and the Hudson’s Bay Company is paying good money for beaver pelts. A group of young men is preparing to leave home seeking profit and adventure—to be voyageurs. The only way into the wild Canadian woods is on the rivers and lakes, so the men will paddle a huge canoe to trade European goods for pelts, singing as they go. The voyageurs’ songs are part of a lively tradition in Québec. The region’s early immigrants brought with them the music, dances, and legends of their native France. Over time, a distinct French Canadian culture began to emerge, influenced by Native American traditions and immigrants from Britain and Ireland. This Québécois winter celebration includes a selection of traditional and new music, blending old French tradition and New World ingenuity with a modern flair. Our story begins in Trois-Rivières one evening in December and ends exactly one year later. You’ll hear carols, wild dancing, and music from the hearths of Québec. And be prepared for a deal with the devil and a ride in a flying canoe!

"Energy, variety, authenticity and world-class talent, recorded in sparkling clarity —the perfect companion for winter in Quebec...or anywhere else!" —Mary Cliff, Traditions, WAMU

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Hard Times Come Again No More
American Music of the Civil War Era

It is this unique collection of musical styles that inspired Washington Revels and Heritage Montgomery to produce this new compilation of American music of Civil War era—in honor of the sesquicentennial of this war and as a companion to the new documentary film, Life in a War Zone: Montgomery County during the Civil War 1861-1865. Though a product of its time, this music still strikes a chord that resonates in us all a century and a half later. It paints a portrait of those who sought peace, beauty, justice and freedom in the midst of a war that was said to have cost 618,000 lives. It chronicles a journey of people—white, black, Union, Confederate, enslaved, and free—whose lives were swept in the violent winds of a conflict that changed their lives, and our nation, forever.

Joining Washington Revels Heritage Ensembles, Brass Quintet and String Band on the recording, are guest artists, Jacqueline Schwab, Bruce Molsky, Pete Cooper, The Federal City Brass Band, Douglas Jimerson, and Magpie.

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Life in a War Zone
Montgomery County During the Civil War, 1861-1865

Life in a War Zone is hosted by Washington Revels Executive Director Greg Lewis and the soundtrack was created by Music Director Elizabeth Fulford Miller, Associate Music Director Andrea J. Blackford, and award-winning Sound Engineer Charlie Pilzer (with additional sound effects and audio by Matthew Nielson and Flawn Williams). The music featured on the soundtrack comprises a wide variety of vocal and instrumental styles, including African American spirituals and field hollers, popular songs of the era, traditional folk music, shape note tunes, and regimental brass band music.

Featured on the soundtrack are performances by Washington Revels heritage ensembles (Jubilee Voices and Gallery Voices), brass quintet and string band; fiddle and banjo music by Bruce Molsky; expressive piano solos and accompaniment by renowned pianist Jacqueline Schwab; and period band music performed by the Maryland-based Federal City Brass Band. The theme music used for the DVD is the poignant tune, "August," written by Pete Cooper, a London fiddler and composer. Cooper was last heard performing as part of the 2010 Christmas Revels in Lisner Auditorium as part of The Mellstock Band from England.

Watch "Life in a War Zone" online