San Patricio

I appreciate the efforts the reviewers of the CD only version went to in order to explain and clarify the important elements of the historical context. I already read some books on this war after seeing the film One Man's Hero. The Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion, 1846-48 (The Warriors)I love the chieftains and Mexican folk music so I knew I would like the music. I ordered the CD/DVD combo. I totally recommend this to anyone thinking about ordering the cd. because viewing the short videos and watching the musicians blend and play and dance together, is a surpringly touching joy to watch. It adds a extra depth of understanding to the listening experience. It is well worth the extra dollars in my humble opinion. thanks all.

A lovely CD and FINALLY a recognition by leading Mexican figures that they were NOT ALONE - European and North American dissenters stood shoulder to shoulder with their ancestors.
All we need now is to recognize the German speaking members of the brigada.

A belated, beautiful and timely collection of a Mexican-Irish melodic mélange. Other reviewers have done an excellent job on the melodies.

For a Historical Synopsis:-
the Brigada San Patricio fought for Mexico against American SLAVE state expansion(1846-48) and also for their religious rights. Of the 900 men (some with experience of the Napoleonic wars in Europe, it is estimated that approximately 30% were German speaking). - see the dvd of the 'film' - 'One Man's Hero' - with : Tom Berenger, Joaquim de Almeida, director: Lance Hool ASIN: 630571889X -

BACKGROUND:-
In Europe Republican governments were replaced by the Napoleonic dictatorship followed by the restored...Read more

I was given San Patricio (Deluxe!) as a gift a few days ago and I have been on a "Joy high" ever since. I understand from the previous reviewer that the cd project is described more fully on the cd only page. I feel the story of the battalion of Irish immigrants fighting with the US Army during the Mexican-American war is worth repeating; we didn't read it in any textbooks. The Irish found themselves unwilling to fight against the Mexicans, largely fellow Catholics; they deserted from the US Army and chose to fight alongside the Mexicans with whom they identified until the inevitably bitter end to the "War of Manifest Destiny" which gained the US two-thirds of Mexico's territory. Ry Cooder and Paddy Maloney saw other similarities between the Irish immigrants and today's Mexican immigrants: Their second-class treatment in the US, similarities of sentiment (love of country, homesickness) and their rich cultural histories. They invited some well-known Mexican and Chicano artists to...Read more