Turkey in the Straw: Bluegrass Songs for Children

All Ages

Birth - 12 months

by Phil Rosenthal

This Parent's Choice Honor winning album is a lively combination of traditional bluegrass songs and original tunes. Phil Rosenthal collaborates with his daughter, Naomi, and fellow folk singer, Ann Vaugn on vocals, while Rosenthal plays all instruments; banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass.

Age: 3 Year-olds | Title: Turkey in the Straw: Bluegrass Songs for Children | Artist: Phil Rosenthal | Label: American Melody

Why we chose this music

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

About the music

Phil Rosenthal is a well-known singer, songwriter, recording artist, and record producer. He sings, and plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Phil even still teaches private guitar lessons today for any level musician. He began his career as a professional musician in the 1970s in two local New England bluegrass bands. He joined The Seldom Scene in 1977 and performed in the United States, Europe and Japan. He even played at the Grand Old Opry and the White House. The Seldom Scene received a Grammy nomination for their album, Scene 20.

In 1986, Rosenthal left the band and founded the record label American Melody with his wife. American Melody is focused on producing bluegrass and folk music for families and children, and has won many awards from the Parents' Choice Foundation, and the American Library Association.

Song list

1) Ain't Gonna Rain No More (2:46)

2) Open Up the Window, Noah (3:02)

3) Snowy Day (2.48)

4) Bingo (2:24)

5) Sailing in the Boat (2:20)

6) Riding in the Buggy (2:15)

7) Listen to the Bluegrass (2:40)

8) Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (3:07)

9) Aiken Drum (3:25)

10) Little Liza Jane (3:02)

11) Turkey in the Straw (2:40)