Ballad of America   songs and stories of people who made a country

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about Ballad of America:

Ballad of America is a journey through more than 200 years of United States history. Matthew Sabatella brings to life the story of America with his voice, an acoustic guitar, and a wealth of traditional folk songs which have passed through the hands of settlers, colonists, pioneers, lumberjacks, sailors, slaves, ‘49ers, farmers, cowboys, railroaders, coal miners, and more. This evolving study continues to grow and take on new forms. The CD Ballad of America Volume 1: Over a Wide and Fruitful Land was released in February 2005. It features musical guests playing traditional acoustic instruments such as banjo, mandolin, fiddle, acoustic bass, harmonica, bodhran, resonator guitar, and concertina. Also in the works are a video and educational activity books for students ranging from elementary school through college.

Caroline Kennedy writes in A Patriot’s Handbook:

Ballad of America is just such an introduction. Not only do the lyrics to the songs directly reflect the hopes, fears, struggles, sorrows, triumphs, and humanity of the real people who lived history, but to follow the path taken by the songs themselves is to understand the story of the great cultural stew that is the United States of America. Since before the country declared independence, songs and musical styles were brought to the New World by British colonists, African slaves and immigrants from around the world. New songs and styles grew out of encounters between these diverse people and the unique American experience itself. As America changed, grew, and pushed its boundaries, so too did the music.

In 2003 Matthew was commissioned by Miami Art Museum to record a selection of songs from Ballad of America for inclusion in an exhibit called American Tableaux: Many Voices, Many Stories. The exhibition explored the narrative tradition in American art from the 1920s to the present and celebrated the rich variety of stories told by individual voices, communities, and cultures. Matthew’s Ballad of America recordings were heard in the gallery and listeners were able to read informative historical notes about the music. Miami New Times magazine included these recordings in their list of the best music of 2003. In addition, Matthew performed live at the museum in conjunction with the exhibit.

Ballad of America is an experience that can truly be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The live performance has been enthusiastically received in nightclubs and a variety of city and county sponsored events in public parks and libraries. Matthew also takes pride in bringing Ballad of America to schools ranging from elementary through college. The narrative nature of the performance ignites the imagination and instills the desire to learn as only the best teachers can. Research has shown that traditional folk songs help people understand history, empathize with the plight of others, and experience the perspectives, hardships and joys of their ancestors. Grant funding is currently being sought to facilitate the development of future projects related to Ballad of America, enabling it to reach the widest possible audience.

"I wasn't particularly interested in history during high school. I muddled through the classes, memorizing the necessary facts, but never seeing the bigger picture. In the years since I finished school I started to realize that history was a tapestry of incredible stories, but it wasn't until I discovered these traditional American folk songs that the stories finally came to life. The songs tell the stories in the words of the people who lived them. And not just the stories, but the emotions, hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows associated with them, just as popular music does today. The simple realization that history is the story of real people seems so obvious, but it is a connection that is often not made, especially for those whose only experience with history is through school textbooks."

Following is an excerpt from a recent study on the benefits for children of hearing, learning, singing, and understanding American folk music. While the study refers specifically to children, it is apparent that the findings discussed apply to people of all ages.

A two-year study by Dr. Marilyn Ward at the University of Florida just released findings showing American children are no longer learning the songs of their own heritage. Research in the field has shown that children need and use these songs to help them understand the world and complex interrelationships that defy logic and a child's capacity to make sense of things. The songs help kids better learn history and important events, empathize with the plight of others, step into another's shoes, and experience the perspectives, hardships, and joys of their grandparents and ancestors.

But that's not all. These folk songs help children form connections and bonds with their communities and our American society at large. Music is powerful, and it has the ability to dramatically affect emotions, attitudes, and perspective. Children need the associations and bonds of these songs. They help children develop empathy for others and a vested interest in the future of their nation. They need these bonds and connections to develop a foundational sense that they are an integral and valuable part of their communities and society. There's a huge difference in the way adults relate to others when their perspective is "me vs. everyone" as opposed to "we're on the same team here."