THE IRISH VOLUNTEER: SONGS OF THE IRISH UNION SOLDIER 1861-1865, Rykodisc USA, $15.98.
Musician David Kincaid recreates lively Civil War songs and hymns of the Irish Brigade in this audiotape. The brigade was comprised of the 63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Volunteer Regiments, later augmented by the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiments, and Kincaid’s presentation of their songs offers a unique perspective on the war. The collection includes “The Boys of the Irish Brigade,” “Free and Green,” “Meagher is Leading the Irish Brigade,” and “The Harp of Old Erin & Banner of Stars.” Although Irish-American Civil War songs have been recorded elsewhere, Kincaid’s The Irish Volunteer is the only such album dedicated entirely to the Irish Union soldier.
