Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

Cindy Vallar, Editor & Reviewer
P.O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

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Books for Adults - Nonfiction

Pirates of the East Coast of the Americas & the Caribbean Sea
Guitar and Vocals: Roy Metté
Fiddle: Charlie Skelton
Percussion: Simon Wallington
CD, 2008, $12.97, £12

A singer and songwriter, Roy Metté introduces listeners to Caribbean pirates and their lives of yore through fourteen original songs. The fourteen tracks spin historically accurate tales of Bartholomew Roberts, Anne Bonny, William Kidd, Calico Jack Rackham, Blackbeard, Israel Hands, Jean Laffite, Charles Vane, and Benito De Soto. One track is a recitation of Roberts’ articles. “Paradise Island” is an eerie account of a pirate’s marooning. The other three songs are about sailing the seas, the infamous pirate haven Tortuga, and a traitorous parrot. The words for all of Roy's original songs are provided, as is an introduction by Jon E. Lewis, the editor of The Mammoth Book of Pirates.

Metté ingeniously works tidbits from history – such as Kidd being hanged twice, Black Bart’s demise from grapeshot, Vane’s ouster as captain in favor of Rackham, or the capture of De Soto – into these folksy songs and sometimes laces them with subtle humor. The only song that seems forced is “Jean Lafitte.” On the other hand, “Captain William Kidd” haunts the reader, but also makes him/her smile. The tune for “Tortuga” has an Irish lilt to it. Pirates is a wonderful introduction to Caribbean pirates with catchy tunes that pirate enthusiasts will soon find themselves singing. Don’t be surprised if late one night the words and music start playing in your head, making you dream of piratical adventures long past.

Listen to Sound Clips from the CD and 16 additional tracks 

Visit Roy Metté

Review copyrighted © 2008 Cindy Vallar

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