The Great American Songbook

Ragazzi Continuo presents The Great American Songbook, a collection of pieces that have defined and shaped the musical landscape of the United States over the course of its history. While the title traditionally has referred to a selection of popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th Century–songs like Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," represented here in a barbershop arrangement by Clay Hine–this neglects many hundreds of years of great American music. Continuo invites you to take a journey with us exploring this rich musical history, from colonial times to the present day.

Weep with revolutionaries in William Billings' "Lamentation Over Boston" and carouse with soldiers in a new arrangement of a Civil War standard from Continuo's own Daniel Crowley. Experience the powerful shape note singing tradition in Reginald Untersher's exciting arrangement of B.F. White's "When I Hear The Trumpet Sound" and the beautiful simplicity of Appalachian chant in "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." You'll hear songs from great singer-songwriters like James Taylor and David Crosby, as well as contemporary classical works from Richard Burchard and Dale Trumbore. From sea to shining sea, The Great American Songbook has something for everyone.