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Kilted Warrior

Kilted Warrior (1)

Tuesday, 11 May 2010 21:50

Kilted Warrior

Written by

Kilted Warror

We are pleased to help Andy Redmond-

in his effort to bring about the founding of a monument for U.S. military musicians. In this effort we are selling Andy's fine CD of the music of 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, Kilted Warrior

This recording is a fine compilation of tunes from the Civil War period performed  on drum, fife, bugle and pipes as would the musicians of the 79th have. Also recorded are some of the camp duties, tunes and drum beats used by the military to regulate the activities of soldiers. 

Here are a few words from Andy regarding the Kilted Warriors:

"The music associated with the 79th New York Volunteer Infantry was unique. It encompassed a range broader than most units that served during the Civil War. There were over 50 men on the 79th muster rolls who served 
as musicians of some form or another. There were the usual “field musicians”: fifers, drummers and buglers that performed the daily regimental and company duty calls, signals and cadence on the march. These young men, generally under the age of eighteen, learned their instruments by rote or were trained at “Schools of Instruction” such as Governor’s Island in New York Harbor. 

There was also a “regimental band” complete with the saxhorn ensemble that were so popular by the mid - 1800’s. The 79th boasted a 17- member brass band under the leadership of Lt. Wm. Robertson. Until July 1862, when General Order 91 called for the mustering out of regimental bandsmen, concerts, parades and other musical events provided a needed morale boost and a respite from the business of war. This brass band made at least one more appearance when, in July 1865, the final companies of the 79th were mustered out from war service, escorted by “Robertson’s full band.” 

Whether on the muster rolls as musicians or as regular soldiers, the men of the 79th would also entertain themselves by singing and performing on any variety of handy instruments. Lively folk pieces, mournful ballads and a saucy song or two was heard in camp and around an evening fire. 

Undoubtedly, the most unique aspect of music in the 79th New York Infantry was an addition of at least 4 highland bagpipers! It has been documented that the New York Caledonian Club provided these pipers during many of the 79th regimental parades and other military functions. A stereocard in the McAfee collection features the 79th, as militia, marching by company front at a Fourth of July parade, (Tryon Row, NYC), in 1860. Clearly, one can see a brass band at the front of the unit followed by 4 pipers! Although there is, of yet, no evidence to link the pipers with the official muster rolls, their association with the 79th New York Infantry plays an important part in “Kilted Warriors”. "

 

Please support our cause. Purchase this entertaining and educational recording: