Make the Wildwood Ring

MacArthur Family: Margaret, Dan, Gary, and Megan Front Hall 027 vinyl (1982) CD (2004)

"Margaret MacArthur of Marlboro, Vermont, herself an important solo interpreter and collector of American songs, now regularly performs with three of her immediate family.

Dan, a guitarist and builder of post and beam houses, Gary, a carpenter, silversmith and fiddler, and Megan, currently a nursery school teacher and bass player, all possess distinctive styles of their own. Each of them is capable of and regularly able to perform solo or with other musicians.

Some of the most memorable moments come when Margaret and Megan sing duets in harmony. Megan's voice has the same rich qualities possessed by Margaret. Dan is a charming singer and a tasteful, creative guitarist, and Gary's unusual, unstudied way with a fiddle tune adds an important musical dimension. The MacArthurs are not high-powered in a "show-biz" sense, but they represent the qualities in American folk music which are deep and lasting.
    Dr. Anthony Barrand. Liner notes for "Make the Wildwood Ring"

1. The Farmer and the Shanty Boy [FC]
2. Whistling Thief {printed source}
3. Barbara Allen - Child 84 [MC]
4. The Canal Song [FC]
5. Davey Crockett [FC]
6. Weeping Willow - Child 286 [FC]
7. Bill Hopkins Colt [FC]
8. Lakes of Champlain - Laws Q 33 [FC]
9. Jim Fisk - Laws F 18 [MC]
10. Walkin and A-Talkin' [FC]
11. Houghton House/St. Anne's Reel - Harp-zither
12. Mary Shiminski I Love You. ©1980 M.M.

[FC]: from the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection at Middlebury College
[MC]: from Margaret MacArthur's collection of James Atwood songs