Minnesota Lumberjack Songs

Bemidji native Brian Miller performs thirteen songs of “shanty boys” from the logging heyday of 1830 to 1900. The package includes the CD and two booklets illustrated with historical photos. A 16-page booklet tells of Irish- and Scottish-influenced song traditions in the lumber camps of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada, and elsewhere, including profiles of singers Mike Dean, Arthur Milloy, Patty McLaughlin, and Hank Underwood. A 20-page booklet provides complete song lyrics and notes. Brian Miller is joined on the CD by musicians from Minnesota and Ireland including Dáithí Sproule, Norah Rendell, Tommie Cunniffe and dancer Danielle Enblom.

Songs included are The Maid of the Logan Bough, The Shanty-Boy’s Alphabet, Jim Whalen, Two Quadrilles (Otto Rindlisbacher’s / Bob Walter’s), The Banks of the Little Eau Pleine, Kettle River, Morzie Ellsworth, Mickey Free, The Three Nations, Highland Fling / Paddy Hill’s, Kitardine, The Mines of Cariboo, and Save Your Money When You’re Young.