Songs and Rhythms from Near and Far

AMG Review of Songs and Rhythms from Near and Far

Johnny Loftus
All Music Guide

Recommended for children aged six to 11, Songs and Rhythms from Near and Far is a collection from renowned folk singer and teacher Ella Jenkins that travels the world in song. The album features instruments such as ukulele, acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica, and the chalil, a double-reed pipe from the Jewish tradition. There's also plenty of a capella singing, finger snaps, foot stomping, and hand claps that are fun to follow along with. Standouts include the brief "I Am a Funny Little Dutch Girl," "Dance Tunes of Many Lands," which combines melody with interesting, informative narration, and the stirring "Greek Shepherd Song," which Jenkins sings in Greek. Originally issued in 1964, Smithsonian Folkways reissued the album in 1997.