This CD is yet another great CD in the Smithsonian Folkways Collection. The re-issue of Sam Minton's folk songs for children is welcome retreat into traditional songs and stories so easily lost in our technological and highly-automated society.
There are 20 songs to enjoy on this CD. Minton interprets classic folk songs with a unique sound and delightful humor. If you can keep up with his singing, which is no easy task on some of the more silly tunes, you can try to sing these to with your children. No doubt, you will all laugh at these efforts, but it will be fun trying!
Of course, if you can't keep up with Minton's singing on this CD, and you make up your own verses or choruses, that is exactly his point. As Minton said, "I am passing these songs on to you, in hope that….you will make some of them your own songs, and that you may pass them along to future boys and girls who will call you their ancestors."
I enjoyed all the tracks on this CD except the one about the graveyard called "Old Boastun Was Dead." Maybe I am a bit faint of heart, but I didn't think my little one was ready for the frightful images in that song. Of course, Minton's audience might be older kids ready for a good scare.
Sam Minton's music brings children's music back to its roots, in classic, simple acoustic arrangements that are sure to entertain your family.
