Heart of Oak! Traditional Songs of Our Seafaring Heritage

The performance group X Seamens Institute, founded in 1969 in New York City, was dedicated to performing traditional songs of the sea, including both traditional work songs called "chanteys" and "forecastle" songs sung by sailors for recreation. The quartet enthusiastically performed its repertory of American and English sea songs accompanied with rich and varied instrumentation, ranging from 12-string guitars, banjoes, fiddles, and percussion. Penny whistle and ocarina can also be heard. Liner notes provide information about the X Seamens Institute and the lyrics for each song.

Track Listing

101	Heart of Oak The X Seamens Institute	02:47
102	Rum Runner The X Seamens Institute	02:47
103	Strike the Bell The X Seamens Institute	02:29
104	Gloucester Boys The X Seamens Institute	02:29
105	Hog Eye Man The X Seamens Institute	01:25
106	Santianno The X Seamens Institute	01:45
107	South Australia The X Seamens Institute	02:27
108	Grimbsby Town The X Seamens Institute	03:20
201	The Diamond The X Seamens Institute	02:16
202	Doodle Let Me Go The X Seamens Institute	01:38
203	Black Ball Line The X Seamens Institute	01:26
204	The Big Bow Wow The X Seamens Institute	01:45
205	Fire Down Below The X Seamens Institute	01:51
206	Reuben Ranzo The X Seamens Institute	01:29
207	Life of a Leaf The X Seamens Institute	03:22
208	Tom Bowling The X Seamens Institute	00:35
209	Uncle Nobby's Steamboat The X Seamens Institute	02:59