Thought folks might like to know about our new book

Bygone Ballads of Maine Vol 1, Songs of Ships & Sailors
Compiled and edited by Julia Lane & Fred Gosbee
It is 300+ pages and has over 160 songs with lyrics, tunes and notes plus an extensive appendix of sources and context. Gathered from field recordings, journals and manuscripts made here in Maine pre-1950 most of the material is previously un-published.

After over ten years' work, it's finally available from Loomis House Press (https://loomishousepress.com/songs-of-ships-sailors.html) or our website http://castlebaycds.com/bygone-ballads1.html. We also have a facebook page "Bygone Ballads of Maine".
Softcover- $29.95, Hardcover-$39.95   (plus shipping)

Bygone Ballads of Maine Vol 1, Songs of Ships & Sailors comments
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 A profoundly significant and scholarly contribution to the world of folk song, this book should be read by anyone who is interested in the traditional music of rural America.
 
In depth and clearly presented, these Anglo European folk songs are expertly collected, written and exhibited by folk singers and researchers Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee.
 
 This book exhibits a treasure trove of painstakingly collected folk songs that have migrated from Anglo Europe to New England. (Maine) The song examples are artfully presented and shown in the context of the culture from which they come.
 
Stuart P. Gillespie Jr.
Prof. Emeritus Naugatuck Valley Community College      1977 - 2004
Chantey Singer and Maritime Historian, Mystic Seaport 1972 – 1985
Choral Director and Composer
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Not since Joanna Colcord published Roll and Go in 1924, have we seen such a comprehensive compilation of songs from the sea as this one. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have brought forth not just the songs, but so much important contextual information, such as a map of the location of singers, the source of the song, the melody to which the song is sung, and editorial notes that compare songs with other known versions, or similar songs known by different names.  This is a book that will be a treasure to singers, but also to folklorists, ballad scholars and historians. The authors have exceeded their goals to create a song book. They have created a volume that will stand proudly on library bookshelves next to books by Phillips Barry, Fannie Eckstorm, Joanna Colcord and other ballad scholars.

—Dr. Pauleena MacDougall, PhD., Former director Maine Folklife Center, University of Maine at Orono, Author & Editor
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Pick this up, you won't put it down. Whether you're a singer or just a lover of lore, you'll find herein a fruitful feast of ballads and broadsides, some familiar (with a local twist), some wholly new, and all with deftly written notes as to the history behind them.

A labor of love as ever you'll find, this volume reflects years of meticulous research into the annals of Maine's "songstory," with song after song brought to light (and life) along with detailed information as to its origins and evolution. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have managed to corral an exhaustive list of songs into a volume that's readable and user-friendly.

Janie Meneely -Musician, Promoter, Journalist (former editor Chesapeake Bay Magazine)

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Not only does the layout look entirely professional, the illustrations are delightful, and the list of songs includes so many that are unfamiliar. One gets so tired of finding the same songs collected over and over again. Clearly reflects a huge commitment of time, love and dedication! Top notch all the way.I'll look forward to spending more time with these.

All the best,

William Pint & Felicia Dale -Musicians, Flying Fish Recording artists

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...wonderful singer/editor approach in the intro to the materials (you) found and how to (not only) compile/edit/ but also understand them in the context in which they were collected…. It is such an honor to dig into this!

Lisa Null- Folk artist, Promoter, Co-founder of Green Linnet Records
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..one of the very best books on historic songs of the sea. There are many such books, but few achieve such a high level throughout, with such attention to musical detail and such precise writing. The lengthy introduction itself is invaluable to anyone interested in historic music, the sea, and Maine.

Dr. Stephen Sanfilippo, Ph.D. Maritime History, Educator & Performer of Historic Songs of the Sea, Author & Editor
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Julia's upcoming volume is the result of extraordinary detailed transcribing and deciphering of some 300 songs rescued from obscurity in an all but forgotten archive. The songs are then illuminated by her and Fred's long, deep study of the music and history of the state of Maine and the British Isles …it is filled with surprises and delights. I know it will certainly delight lovers of music and of Maine.

Van Reid- Award-winning author and creator of The Moosepath League, Viking Press

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https://loomishousepress.com/songs-of-ships-sailors.html