Phil Rosenthal's diverse musical talents are quite impressive when you consider he is playing all of the instruments on this CD. Although the songs have simple melodies, Rosenthal includes some technical picking to add his own bluegrass flavor to the songs. A great example of fast, technical work on the guitar and banjo can be heard in "Open up the Window, Noah". The one soft, lullaby on the CD is "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." It's fun to hear Rosenthal's daughter join him in songs like the harmonious "Aiken Drum", and then belt out the chorus excitedly in "Bingo". The simple tunes, repeating verses, and rhyming lyrics make is easy for your child to learn the words and join right in with Naomi - or on any song they choose! Rosenthal also harmonizes with himself on a few occasions by recording over his own voice.
The song, "Listen to the Bluegrass" is a fun music lesson for little listeners; the first verses introduces the mandolin, followed by a solo. The next three verses focus on the guitar, banjo, and bass, respectfully. This teaches children to hear and associate the sounds with the appropriate instrument. Each verse changes the instrument, and the final verse says "Listen to my Bluegrass band" and puts all the instruments together. After you've listened to this song together, you can ask your child to name their favorite, or even try and identify the instruments playing in the remaining songs. Loads of silly lyrics also encourage your child to smile and join in; "Aiken Drum" described a man who lives in the moon and has a pumpkin for a head, raisins for eyes, spaghetti for hair, and a carrot nose; another song poses the questions, "How in the heck can I wash my neck, when it ain't gonna rain no more?" Get ready to sing along with them!
My three-year-old friend, Sam, was thrilled about the "Listen to the Bluegrass" song. He got excited and started clapping when the banjo played its solo. He pointed to his dad's guitar in the corner and said, "Look! A banjo!" I corrected him...which was a mistake. Now, he is repeatedly asking his mom for a banjo. Until that day comes (if ever), Sam will just have to be satisfied listening to the banjo in Rosenthal's CDs.
--Audra