Parades and Panoramas (by Dan Zanes, Children's Music)

Dan Zanes' folksy celebration of Carl Sandburg began when he received a tattered copy of "The American Songbag," first published in 1927 and including the poet's collection of 280 songs about pioneers, brutal cities, railroad workers, Mexican border antics, hobos, bandits, landscapes, love, and love's lament. In PARADES AND PANORAMAS, Zanes gathers 25 songs and a couple dozen musical friends for a good-time sing-along. The community of performers covers songs about "Wanderin'," "California," the "Titanic," and the "Erie." They "Roll the Chariot," take a "Cuckoo Waltz," and ride The Midnight Train." Zanes' intent is to encourage communities to sing and play their own legacy music, based on tunes from the memories of parents and grandparents.

This panorama of American songs from a bygone era covers stories of hard times, hard work, drinking, playing, loyalty, heartache, and faith. The brief references to whiskey and gin, not to mention dope and killing, are woven into the authentic stories about adult lives. Instrumentation includes guitar, banjos, violin, tuba, flute, accordion, percussion, spoons, gourd drum, pump organ, mandolin, and more. The accompanying songbook displays lyrics with clever graphics and photos that add historical dimension.

Released on: September 14, 2004
Label: Festival Five Records
Genre: Children's Music