The Barquentones

WORDS About Our MUSIC

Our repertoire is as unique as the ship we sail, mixing the traditional shanties and forebitters of ELISSA's past with the music of her new Texas heritage -- from Brazos River chain-gang songs, to good ol' foot-stompin' Western swing, to brand-new music written by our own talented crewmates.     We always step ashore at some point in all our performances and saddle up for "Cowboy Corner." No, chances are slim that "Liza Jane," "Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer," or "Miss Molly" ever wafted up from ELISSA's foc's'le when she traded under the Union Jack -- but as a part of keeping our lovely lady truly alive, and not a mere relic, we are continually building a new heritage, establishing new traditions, evolving shipboard life as seamen have done since time immemorial.      Many "traditional" sea songs had their origins in the dance-hall tunes and pub songs that seamen brought back from shore leave; 19th-century foc's'les "rocked to the Top 40" of their era.      Who are we, to fly in the face of tradition?