The American Railroad stands as a remarkable musical creation that defies conventional expectations. Recorded and conceived through a series of concerts by The Silk Road Ensemble and Rhiannon Giddens, this album shatters the romanticized myths surrounding the railroad's birth and growth.
Discover the Real History of American Railroads through Music
Uncovering the Hidden Costs
In the United States and Canada, the story of how railroads unified the nation is widely celebrated. The iron road connected the East and West coasts, but what often goes unnoticed is the immense cost. Our history books rarely mention the exploitation of workers, particularly the Asian and African American laborers who were essentially enslaved. This aspect of history is crucial in understanding the true impact of the railroad.The laborers endured harsh conditions as they built the railroads, sacrificing their well-being for the sake of progress. Their stories deserve to be told, as they form an integral part of the railroad's legacy.Music as a Mirror of History
American Railroad is not your ordinary album of train songs. The tunes, a blend of original pieces and new interpretations of older ones, offer a profound look into the real history of trains and the lives of those affected by them. Great swathes of land were taken from Indigenous people to make the "dream" of the railroad a reality. Not only the land under the tracks but also the surrounding territory was affected.The ensemble, Silk Road, brings together musicians from around the world, creating a musical tapestry that is both diverse and powerful. Instruments range from the banjo and lap steel guitar of North America to the plucked string sounds of the pipa from China and the throb of India's tabla. We also hear the cello, violin, viola, guitar, bass, and an incredible variety of percussion instruments from different corners of the globe.The music they create is nothing short of spectacular. In "Have You Seen My Man," we hear the stories of people walking the rail tracks because they were not allowed to ride on the trains, even though their families built them. The haunting "Rainy Day" features the voices of Chinese women missing their husbands and sons working on the railroads. "The Tamping Song" tells us of the contributions Japanese immigrants made to the railroad construction.Indigenous Perspectives
Two songs, "Wilhanblapi Mazachanku" and "Mahk Jchi," offer unique perspectives on the Indigenous experience with rail lines. The first song comes from the Lakota of the plains, while the second is from a Tuscarora view in the Appalachians. Despite their different locales, both songs give voice to cultures that were pushed to the edge of extinction by the railroad's hastening of European expansion.These songs serve as a reminder of the deep impact the railroad had on Indigenous communities and the need to preserve their cultures.Orchestrated Americana
Under the direction of Rhiannon Giddens, The Silk Road Ensemble has crafted a stirring and authentic piece of orchestrated Americana music. Powerful lyrics sung with passion accompany a talented and diverse group of musicians, making this a truly great recording.The mixing of European, Asian, Southeast Asian, Indigenous, and African American music in American Railroad disproves the old adage that Eastern and Western trains never meet. Here, they come together in a glorious collision of sound and ideals.This album not only gives us a new perspective on the railroads but also presents an incredible collection of songs and music. It is a testament to the power of music in telling stories and preserving history.
