Jerry Garcia - Not for Kids Only Audio CD
A fair review of the Jerry Garcia "Not for Kids Only" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all
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Band: Jerry Garcia
Title: Not for Kids Only
Rating: 
Release Date: 1993-10-20
Media: Audio CD
Tracks: 1: Jenny Jenkins 2: Freight Train 3: Horse Named Bill 4: Three Men Went A-Hunting 5: When First Unto This Country 6: Arkansas Traveler 7: Hop Along Peter 8: Teddy Bears' Picnic 9: There Ain't No Bugs on Me 10: Miller's Will 11: Hot Corn, Cold Corn 12: Shenandoah Lullaby
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Traditional music for children (and adults) at its best, a rare find Unlike many other cds for children, this music is not oversimplified and contains singing that is pleasant to both children and adults. Not For Kids Only contains primarily traditional or folk songs masterfully performed and accompanied by many different instruments (guitar, mandolin, banjo, mando-cello, harmonica, piccolo, bass, clarinet, trombone, penny whistle, violin, viola, oboe, and English horn). Several reviewers have referred to the so-called "violent" lyrics in some of these songs. Just remember that these songs are traditional, and were not written for a contemporary audience ready to pick apart each word to examine its possible long-term influence on their child. That said, the references to "violence" in these songs are tepid at best. There are of course no harsh or inappropriate words or even colorful descriptions of violent acts. The lyrics are simply plucked from the oral tradition of passing down stories and songs relating to certain cultures and people, often describing a historical or personal event. If you are concerned, simply look up the lyrics to `A Horse Named Bill' (brief mention of hunting) and `When First Unto This Country' (an immigrant's song). If you closely listen to the lyrics of many nursery rhymes, also considered traditional, you will find many more references to and descriptions of violence far exceeding what one might perceive from these songs. Note also that this music is made by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, so expect beautiful folk music with a traditional, bluegrass flair. It is soft, easy to sing along with, and exposes the listener to the sounds of many different instruments. However, if you do not like folk music or anything with a mandolin or a fiddle, you may not like this music. All in all, this cd is a rare find. I have loved Jerry Garcia's music and other traditional folk and mountain music since I was very small. Now as an adult, I was pleased to find this cd in order to share it with the children (and grown-ups) in my family. .
Title says it all!
Just a great compilation of fun folk music and the musicianship of Jerry and Dave really shines through. This CD really is not just for kids; although our 4 year old loves the music so do my wife and I. We probably played this CD a dozen times during our recent vacation and at least as many since we've been back - it doesn't get old!.
My Kids LOVED this CD!
It's a little 'folksy' if that's a word but they loved it and I loved singing along with them. My kids loved this CD! It's goofy and fun and is a nice break when listening to all the normal kids favorites. Great to break up longer car rides and just to put us all in a good mood. .
NOT for kids only
Even though the songs are for younger audiences, the music is definately NOT for kids only! Share it with your family or your own inner child!. A great upbeat cd full of classic children's tunes.
Timeless Folk Songs For Everyone
But, wow, this album is even better than expected. With great musicians like Garcia and Grisman I had high expectations. The playing is subtle and tasteful, with side musicians adding instruments like the penny whistle, jew's harp and fiddle to Garcia's guitar and Grisman's mandolin. The song selction is outstanding, with clever, catchy tunes like "Hopalong Peter" and "Hot Corn, Cold Corn". Th whole CD has the feeling of a front porch sing-a-long, with not only kids but people of all ages joining in on the fun. If you love high quality acoustic music then, no matter your age, this is a worthwhile purchase. .
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