Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children

Taj Mahal | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 27, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Music Little People
• ASIN: B000002M57
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,697 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Fishin' Blues

2. Brown Girl in the Ring

3. Light Rain

4. Quavi, Quavi

5. Shake Sugaree

6. Funky Bluesy ABC's

7. Talkin' John Henry

8. Railroad Bill

9. A Soulful Tune

10. Little Brown Dog

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

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 of Elizabeth 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

Product Description

Shake Sugaree is a wonderful children's album. Taj Mahal leads kids through a musical journey, taking them through the Caribbean, Africa, and the Deep South, telling stories and singing songs all the while. Some of the tracks feature a choir composed of his own children, and every song and story is not only entertaining, but educational as well. Simply a delightful record. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Kid's Music I've ever heard--buy it, June 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children (Audio CD)

Brown Dog brought tears to my eyes... Guavi Guavi made me want to speak Senegalize... I can't stop singing Light Rain. Seriously, this is some of the best stuff Taj has done, and it's hidden away on a kid's tape--its one of the many great things I've discovered about fatherhood (disposable diapers are another).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars childhood, May 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful cd, I listened to it constantly when I was little and was on top of the world when at the age of nine I got to see Taj Mahal in concert. This cd made me appreaciate blues and now I love all of his new stuff as well. This cd is enjoyable for kids but as a college student I still listen to it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful album for anyone, November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Shake Sugaree: Taj Mahal Sings And Plays For Children (Audio CD)

Pete Townshend wrote an album (Iron Man) based on a children's story and it's great. Taj sings "childrens songs" here and they are great. Is someone noticing a trend? Basically Taj takes his acoustic guitar and harmonica and links these songs together into what feels like a live preformance in front of a group of school kids. The stories he tells are cute, the songs are brilliant and the preformances are superb. Don't be scared of a title like "Funky, Bluesy ABC's" it's GOOD. The entire album is good and it's good for you! I want to have kids just to introduce them to good music through this album.