The success of the movie Master and Commander doubtless will create a new wave of interest in Patrick O’Brian’s historical novels of life on the high seas, and the film’s soundtrack, which consists of a wild hodge-podge of material far less historically accurate than O’Brian’s own research, already has been released. Here, however, we have the real deal: a very well recorded collection of sailor songs and dances of the period, enthusiastically recreated by Jerry Bryant and The Starboard Mess, and performed with authentic gravelly-voiced gusto–and happily for listeners, far less-than-authentic accuracy of pitch and intonation.
Some of these songs will strike a familiar chord–for instance, “Spanish Ladies” figured prominently in the film Jaws, though here the tune is different. Three tracks celebrate Nelson’s victories over French forces, providing a musical tie-in with a composer who features prominently on the two companion discs of instrumental music in this series: Haydn, of “Nelson” Mass fame. In addition to the vocals, the performers employ a range of instruments including fife, flute, fiddle, penny whistle, and bones, all of which add to the character of these simple but inevitably catchy tunes. A little of this music goes a long way, meaning you won’t need more than a single CD’s worth; but without doubt this is the one to have and it’s a joy from beginning to end.
