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Songs of the Maritimes

Alan Mills
Songs of the Maritimes

Songs of the Maritime Provinces of Canada—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—reflect the two principal industries of the provinces, fishing and lumbering. In this collection Alan Mills—rather than presenting traditional ballads that settlers brought from Europe—performs “home-grown” ballads by “sailors, fishermen, woodsmen and others who had stories to tell of real experiences, and who told their stories in song.” One of these was Larry Gorman, a 19th-century songwriter influential enough to make or break a lumber camp with his lyrics.

Canadian Alan Mills (1913-1977) forsook a career in journalism to become a prominent folksinger, actor, and the host of a folk music radio show for children. He can be heard on over 20 Smithsonian Folkways recordings, both for adults and for children.

Liner notes provide the background of each song along with the lyrics.

Track Listing

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101
The Winter of '73 Alan Mills 02:33
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102
Tomah Stream Alan Mills 03:26
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103
Beware of Larry Gorman Alan Mills 00:35
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104
In Byrontown Alan Mills 03:24
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105
The Scow on Cowden's Shore Alan Mills 04:38
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106
The Boys of the Island Alan Mills 01:52
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107
Peter Emberley Alan Mills 04:14
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108
Rufus's Mare Alan Mills 03:08
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201
Duffy's Hotel Alan Mills 02:09
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202
The Jones Boys Alan Mills 00:56
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203
In the Month of October Alan Mills 01:02
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204
The Ghostly Sailors Alan Mills 04:10
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205
Harbor Grace Alan Mills 01:37
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206
The Banks of Newfoundland Alan Mills 04:22
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207
Mary L. MacKay Alan Mills 04:21
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208
Corbitt's Barkentine Alan Mills 05:06