Artist collective Cohesion Arts has released the second installment of The 1861 Project, an ongoing series of releases that mix music with history from the American Civil War.
The 1861 Project – Volume 2: From the Famine to the Front centers on the experiences of Irish immigrants in the Civil War, drawing on Irish and American traditions alike. The collection features Celtic-inspired songs with performers including Maura O’Connell (with dobro master Jerry Douglas), Sierra Hull, David Olney, Connie Smith, Liam Merriman and a cast of veteran Nashville musicians and performers.
Volume 1 in the series focused on the working class members of society from the time period. Like its acclaimed predecessor, Volume 2 was conceived by producer/songwriter Thomm Jutz, who has played with Nanci Griffith and Mary Gauthier among others.
“Irish immigrants played such an integral role in the US Civil War,” says Jutz. “Some fought for the North, some fought for the South; the American conflict of brother against brother was also Irish against Irish.”
Volume 2 is available for purchase now. More info here.
At the 1861 Project Vol. 2 CD Release party on Sept. 25, performers offered a sneak peak of the album's songs. (L-R): Recording artist Chris Jones; project producer/songwriter/guitarist Thomm Jutz; and Jon Weisberger, bassist for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers (and just-named IBMA songwriter of the year).
