CCD

As a singing pirate, the first pirate song that inspired me was Roger McGuinn's sly and slyly ribald `Jolly Roger'. I then discovered sea-faring songs buried like treasure on Byrds' albums. Soon, `John Riley' and Jack Tarr the Sailor (which closely resembles `Go to Sea Once More' from CCD) also became favorites.Therefore, me timbers shivered with excitement when I read in Mojo magazine that the legendary Mr. McGuinn was releasing an album of sea chanteys. I alternately like and dislike the title CCD. The pun of sea and `c' is nifty, but referring to a transitory format is naught. That is my only quibble.McGuinn has created a sumptuous sounding group of songs. Acoustic guitar is to the fore (foci's) and he uses what sounds like electric guitar for texture on several tracks. Banjo is also prominent, but it is never overbearing and it fits the material perfectly. He sings the songs with a sailor's knowing and his trademark harmony vocals are the breezes that fill the sails.Most of the songs will be familiar to maritime music buffs. `Drunken Sailor', `Let the Bullgine Run', and `Spanish Ladies' are among the 23 traditional songs on board. Two of the songs have new music and lyrics by McGuinn. My favorite song is `Back to Sea' with the rousing line, "her topsail's blowing free".A reason to buy the CD of CCD is the sleek and classy package. Along with ship images and a picture of the artist, there are annotations for all the songs.If you are a fan of sea chanteys, folk music, the Byrds, and of course, McGuinn's solo work, you will love CCD! Jolly GREAT Roger!!!

Imperfect album but has some real gems

To a certain music demographic, the name McGuinn immediately conjures up images of the 60's: the Byrds, spectacular Dylan cover songs, 12-string Rickenbacker guitars and something that came to be called "folk-rock." This is all true but limiting, at best. McGuinn started out as a folk prodigy and eventual sideman in his native Chicago. That led him to eventually work closely with the likes of Judy Collins, the Limeliters and the Chad Mitchell Trio, among others, honing his incredible guitar skills and absorbing early folk and traditional music in the process. Then came his fortuitous move to Los Angeles resulting in forming the Byrds and trading in the acoustic for that classic electric jangle sound that is now part of our collective DNA. The rest of that tale eventually led Roger and his fellow Byrds right into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.Most musicians have but one career path, however since the mid-90's Roger has re-invented and re-dedicated himself to working again within the folk element and unearthing the wealth of music from his past. This has basically become a cottage industry now, wherein he is doing almost everything himself. A project he launched, music from "The Folk Den" was begun back in 1995 via his website with a release in 2001 called Treasures From The Folk Den featuring guest appearances from some of the stalwarts of the early days, Seeger, Baez, Collins, etc. and a follow-up release in 2005, The Folk Den Project, all available from his website (please check it out: mcguinn.com). Now comes a brand new treat called CCD, a 23 track cd based on sea-faring yarns, whaling life (and loss), sea chanteys (shanties), and many of the old "trad" songs he grew up with. This disc is so well-researched and lovingly delivered around Roger's tenor voice and mostly 12-string acoustic guitar and banjo. Instantly familiar songs, among them So Early In The Spring, Golden Vanity, Bonny Ship The Diamond, Greenland Whale Fisheries, etc. are all delivered with appropriate gusto and/or grace, yet most songs have been updated to "trad./NEW arr." making them sound fresh and current. The packaging is a lovely eco-friendly digipak and the photos and wonderful production are a collaboration between Roger and his wife Camilla.If you are a fan of Roger McGuinn, old or new, you will be doing yourself a favor by tracking down this excellent new release. It is a genuine gem.

To some it may sound dated but to me its refreshing. 23 songs from another time beautically crafted and sung by McGuinn

On this cd Roger McGuinn sets sail with a program full of sea shantys.I really enjoyed listening to all the songs about drunkenPirates and sailors.If you like Roger McGuinn you will definitely like this cd.

Have you ever run into an old friend and became fascinated by his stories and surprised at the places and things he has seen? That's how I viewed CCD by Roger McGuinn. I could be easily convinced that he has been at sea for years. If you have an active imagination, you will be taken back in time listening to these sea chanties. You may even feel the room begin to pitch and yaw.If you enjoy an artist who explores his craft, this music is for you. It does make me wonder what is on the horizon for Roger and look forward to more - whatever it may be. I do suggest you get the package with photos and stories. It's like being at a concert and hearing insights from the artist. I would rate this 4 1/2 stars and then a one star bonus for the package.

Great CD from the Byrds mastermind! Roger Mc Guinn in bestform. Wonderful songs on this spcial CD. I love it!