Track Listing

1. Tu Que Brillias
2. Quinto Regimiento
3. Song of the United Front
4. Peat Bog Soldiers
5. Song of the American Consul/Quartermaster Song
6. A Gunner Name of Bill
7. Cook House/The Young Man From Alcala
8. En La Plaza de mi Pueblo
9. Viva la Quince Brigada
10. Bon Cop de Falc
11. Freheit!
12. Los Cuatro Generales
13. Si me Quieres Escribir
14. Asturias
15. Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias(Lorca)
16. Rozhinkes mit Mandlen
17. Song of the International Brigade
18. Beloved Comrade
19. Los Marineros
20. Jarama Valley

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #335666 in Music
• Released on: 1997-07-15
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Album Description
"Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939" Michael Smith , Jamie O'Reilly with Katrina O'Reilly

"It is more than glorious music they offer us; it is our history that would otherwise be forgotten. At a time when passion is so lacking in our lives, these two artists set our hearts on fire! Viva Jamie and Michael!" -Studs Terkel

Created as a folk-cabaret, with input from Spanish Civil War heroes and historians, and now a CD sold worldwide, this recording includes 20 stirring songs, sung in 6 languages, that spotlight a powerful period in human history. What distinguishes this CD recording from others is the passion and commitment with which these top-notch performers perform the songs, honoring the stories of the International Brigades and Spain, (many told to them first-hand) and replicating the complex and varied musical styles of the era. Simple translations and program notes by Studs Terkel in a color booklet are included.

Singout Magazine
“they’re not just going through the motions,every song receives a passionate treatment worthy of the subject.

-Chicago Reader
"reconnoiter the intricate Iberian rhythms with such closely fused harmony and razor clear enunciation as to seem a single voice.”

Customer Reviews

History come alive!
For anyone who knows or has heard of the egalitarian ranks of the freedom fighters of the Spanish Civil War, this international collection of fiery, heartfelt songs from the men and women who were first to fight fascists in the 20th century will fire your heart and cause your fist to fly up in glorious solidarity and brotherhood!. Not only are these songs taken from the original, traditional words and tunes of over sixty years ago, but they are arranged and performed as though you are there, listening to the actual music of this frightening and rousing time. I was fortunate enough to see Smith and the O'Reillys in concert (February, 2001 at the yearly Volunteers of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade gathering in Oakland, CA) and can't help but feel sorry for those who have not yet seen these magnificent and talented musicians re-create one of the most powerful musical moments of American and world history. Buy this album and join the battle!

Cabaret version of politics
The disc features songs of political passion turned into a cabaret performance. It reminds one a little of listening to the "Star-Spangled Banner" as delivered at a football game by a narcissistic rock star. The German, Spanish and French lyrics are mis-pronounced, the period music is turned into folk rock cadences and the presentation is anachronistic. Try Paul Robeson.

Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939
This CD is a true gem! It captures all the intensity and emotion that is such an important element of the songs in this show. I can think of no other voices other than Jamie O'Reilly and Michael Smith who could have done it better. If you've been lucky enough to see this show, this CD is a must! If you haven't seen the show, it's even MORE of a must!