HI! HO! THE RATTLIN' BOG and Other Folk Songs for Group Singing

by John--Ed. Langstaff ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1969

Not a distinguished collection, this, yet it see-saws deceptively: up on the novel Anglo-American material, down on the over-used old-standby categories (Soldier Songs, Sea Songs, Ballads, etc.); up on the sensitive guitar explanations by Happy Traum, but down on the brevity of Langstaff's commentary; up on those piano arrangements that are skillfully imaginative and simple at once, but down, of course, on those that are not; neutral on the illustrations that neither contribute nor detract. Ruth Seeger's classic American Folk Songs for Children far outshines this book in its scope of purpose and content and in its invaluable suggestions for song-leaders and teachers, but Langstaff has indeed filled something of a gap--he's organized a book for the young, not-too-accomplished pianist or guitarist himself, and done so without condescension or pretension. Could be better, but fun for beginning folk(ophiles) of any age to explore.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION