Little Johnny Brown & Other Songs

AMG Review of Little Johnny Brown & Other Songs

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

Jenkins recorded these dozen songs in 1971 at the Bezazian Library in Chicago, in front of a live audience of young children. They can be heard loud and clear, whether shouting responsively or singing along, on this set. As usual, she covers a lot of territory on this 36-minute disc, from game songs and traditional chants to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," the Jenkins composition "The Children's Librarian," and an instrumental Mexican dance on kazoo. This wouldn't be the best Jenkins record to select, because of the bare arrangements and the greater emphasis on the children's vocals. Of course, just about any Jenkins record is an above-average children's disc, and this one is too, managing to be fun and educational without being pretentious or unduly silly.