Blend traditional Irish and Mexican instruments together for a recording project? That just doesn't sound right in print. But it sounds soooo right on San Patricio, the forthcoming album from The Chieftains and Ry Cooder, due out March 9th. The inspiration and history behind the project is an interesting read, too. Here's more from Hear Music:
The Chieftains and Ry Cooder tell the nearly forgotten story of the gallant band of Irish-Americans known as the San Patricio Battalion who fought and died for Mexico in the Mexican American War.
In the 1840s, when thousands of impoverished Irish immigrants fled the Irish Potato Famine to start a new life in America, hundreds found themselves in the U.S. Army fighting another country's war of "manifest destiny" - the Mexican-American War. Says Chieftains frontman Paddy Moloney, "Many of them were kind of turfed into the American army without a choice in the first place. They got off the boat at Ellis Island and then, 'Here's a gun and go down there and shoot the Mexicans.' That didn't go down well with Catholics, as they were shootin' other Catholics."
The new soldiers quickly became disillusioned when they were subjected to harsh treatment and religious bigotry by their Army officers. Led by a renegade named John Riley, nearly 200 of them deserted, heeding Mexican entreaties to join their Catholic brothers in fighting off the invading Yankees. They formed the San Patricio Battalion, marching and fighting for Mexico under a green banner.
Though they fought bravely in several battles, it ended badly: most were eventually killed or captured by the U.S. Those retaken were court-martialed; some were hanged, while dozens of others were brutally branded on their cheek with a "D" for "deserter."
"For so long the story had so much shame wrapped around it," Moloney says. "It wasn't in the history books" in the U.S. or Ireland. Nevertheless, Mexico has always regarded the San Patricios as heroes. Not until 1997, 150 years later, did the Irish and Mexican governments hold a joint ceremony in Mexico City to celebrate their contribution.
'San Patricio,' produced by The Chieftains and Ry Cooder, brings this story to life with the help of an international all-star cast. In addition to Cooder, who contributes an original song, 'San Patricio' showcases a brilliant roster of Irish, Mexican and American guest artists including Linda Ronstadt, actor Liam Neeson, Van Dyke Parks, Los Tigres del Norte, legendary 92-year-old Mexican ranchero singer Chavela Vargas, and Lila Downs, among many others. Using Irish and Mexican instruments, they blend musical styles and instruments to produce music of surprising depth and beauty.
Depth and beauty, indeed. Just look at the passion and fun that went into making this record by watching this behind the scenes video of the recording sessions. This project is rich in history, tone and feel and is sure to stay in the hearts of those it touches for years to come.
-Music Fog Crew
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