I’ve written quite a bit about Chicago’s ELLA JENKINS over these past few years, most recently giving some virtual ink to her January release, 123s & ABCs. Now, on August 5, Jenkins will bring forth MORE MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S SONGS, a sequel to her best-selling 1995 album, MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S SONGS. Smithsonian Folkways will release the album – her 40th title spanning a 57 year career, and coming to retail just a day prior to her 90th birthday.
As the official announcement points out, MORE MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S SONGS “inspires respect and rejoicing in the traditions of others among children of all ages. ‘Hukilau’ takes the listener to a Hawaiian fish-eating ceremony, ‘Rushing Around in Russia’ teaches greetings, and ‘Qué Bonita Bandera’ is a beautiful ode to the Puerto Rican flag. Ella also makes pit stops in China, Germany, Greece and beyond throughout this 20-track journey.”
Tracklisting:
1. Where Is Mary? 3:27
2. Shabbat Shalom :47
3. Hukilau 2:54
4. Rushing Around in Russia :41
5. In the People’s Republic of China 2:04
6. A Train Ride to the Great Wall 2:37
7. Count from One to Ten 8:40
8. I’m Going to Cairo 1:59
9. Qué Bonita Bandera :41
10. Canadian Friendship 1:42
11. A German Counting Rhyme :23
12. Tee-kah-nees 2:03
13. Yemayah 1:38
14. A Taxi Ride 1:08
15. Differences (spoken word) :54
16. In Australia 2:19
17. Australian Zoo 4:50
18. Bim Bom, Bim Bom 1:27
19. My Little Blue Dreidle 1:17
20. Chotto Matte Kudasai 2:20