Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children
Folk blues may not seem to be the stuff of a children's album, but this award-winning 1988 disc consists of a delightful series of songs for kids despite (or because of?) its blue roots. Mahal sets an intimate, storytelling mood with his casual introductions, and the spontaneous sing-along choruses (provided by his children, Ahmen and Deva) add to the gathered-round-the-campfire feel. Still, this is a blues record--undeniably gentle and sweet, but blues all the same--and that's what makes it such a wonderful family collection. Whimsical enough to please children, it contains enough bite to captivate adults. For every song about a boy riding his big-eared puppy halfway around the world ("Little Brown Dog") there's another about playing the ponies in Houston ("Light Rain"). It's all topped off with a joyous version ofElizabeth Cotton's "Shake Sugaree," with Mahal's children singing, "Oh, Lordy me, then we'll shake sugaree / Everything I've got is done and pawned." Strange material for a children's record, but it works.--Percy Keegan