AMG Review of Songs, Rhythms and Chants for the Dance

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

Jenkins crafted this album with the intention of presenting songs that were suitable for children to dance to. They could do that if they were so inclined, but really, you would not guess that this was the purpose of the record if not for Jenkins' accompanying liner notes. Whether it's danced to or not, it's another in a long line of releases that proves Jenkins to be perhaps the best and most intelligent children's recording artist of the 20th century. The songs can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, and even if it's just kids that are listening, adults can be assured that these are performances that won't insult their intelligence by playing down to them. Musically it's very solid and often bluesy, and it boasts better sound than many other Folkways releases (including some of Jenkins'). The material and arrangements are varied to avoid homogeneity, some songs making use of full vocal choruses, some using basic guitar accompaniment, some based around chants, others getting into rather jazzy grooves with electric organ. (Actually, three numbers played by the Larry Novak Trio are not just jazzy, but actual jazz.) The disc concludes with a few interviews about dance, not just with dancers but also with a dance student, a dance reviewer, a dance teacher of the blind, choreographers, and so forth. Not the kind of selections many will listen to repeatedly, perhaps, but as they're all placed together at the end they don't impede the flow of the music.