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Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children (by Taj Mahal, Children's Music)

common sense media says

Bluesman celebrates traditional American art form.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that '"Light Rain," a song about betting on the ponies, and "Shake Sugaree," with its chorus about pawning everything before going to heaven, are strange choices for a children's album. In general, Mahal's light, soulful tone makes up for these odd lyrics.

Positive messages: There's a song about betting and one about pawning everything before going to heaven.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about traditional American folk music after a listen to this album. Most educational value, though, comes from the rhythmic movement and singing this music will inspire.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Veteran bluesman Taj Mahal guides young listeners through this traditional American art form. (Several tracks are by African-American women, and featured folk songs come from West Africa and the Caribbean.)

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Blues may seem like an ambitious musical choice for young children, but Taj Mahal creates an intimate storytelling atmosphere. His folksy introductions, his two young children (they're the playful back-up singers), and his bright guitar-picking all help make the music accessible to kids.

In "Fishin' Blues," Mahal's sunny guitar-picking and ringing harmonics sound like a warm summer day on a muddy riverbank, inspiring images of jumping fish and glinting water. "Brown Girl in the Ring" is a danceable Caribbean folk song with infectious lyrics. The song's drum machine dance beat is contrived, but Taj's tempo and enthusiasm are disarming. The album ends with "Little Brown Dog," a sweet, melancholy child's dream of riding around the world on a big-eared, long-legged brown dog.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 27, 1992
Label: Music for Little People
Genre: Children's Music
This review was written by Molly Jackel
 
 

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jujubeebop
educator and parent
2
 
Funkalicious dance music for everybody
I started listening to this album with my oldest who is now 18, and my younger daughter (7) and I dance to it regularly. It's always a go-to kids music album for us. As a musician and world music lover, I love its authenticity... no saccharine songs here!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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