California Songs with Historical Narration, Vol. 1
...Most of the songs won't be familiar to the general public and demonstrate the great research behind this project.  Some of the gems include "A Ripping Trip"; to the tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel", "Oh California"; a parody of Stephen Foster's "Oh Susannah", "Some Little Bug Is Going to Find You Someday"; about the new awareness of diseases, and the wonderful musical examples of the Spanish and Mexican heritage...  --School Library Journal, September 1998 Issue...a multitude of selections that make "California Songs" an enjoyable foray into the colorful history of a colorful state.  --Riverside Press-Enterprise, August 9, 1998...the historical sweep if this lively, enlightening work is impressive, thanks to the singing couple Keith & Rusty McNeil...the McNeils take care to include a multi cultural perspective on the racially fractured times, noting in sound and historical narration the plight of women, African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and immigrant Chinese.   --San Diego Union-Tribune, August 27, 1998From its Indian, Spanish and Mexican heritage, pioneer spirit and Gold Rush days to its hard-riding cowboys, temperance, women's suffrage, immigrants, Dust Bowl refugees, silent movies, orange groves, patent remedies, wartime struggles, labor movements and 60s protests, California's history comes to life through meticulously researched folk songs in two double-CD volumes...this remarkably ambitious, family friendly project offers a fascinating window on a complex history that encompasses disparate cultures, fundamental struggles for survival, life- changing technologies, shifting values, political turmoil, dreamers, rogues and rebels.  --Los Angeles Times, October 15, 1998