HOT CROSSED BUNS (BEATLES VERSION) : The most famous recorder song of all time got a excellent makeover courtesy of The Beatles, complete with an electric 12-string guitar, a wicked tambourine, and an unplanned recorder trio.
I’M GONNA MAIL MYSELF TO YOU : Written by Woody Guthrie and published in 1962, IGMMTY is a charming bit of silliness. It was a favorite of kindergarteners every year.
ITSY BITSY SPIDER: This song is popular in English speaking countries. However its roots may be in Germany. The song was first notated in 1910, complete with the awesome finger-play.
A LA PUERTO DEL CIELO: Collected in New Mexico in the 1930’s. It is originally from Spain, I arranged it for a small group of ethnic instruments and let the accordion play the melody.
LET’S GO A-HUNTING: I am not sure if I like this song or not. There were students in 7th grade who would request it on a regular basis. I do love the looks on the faces of first time listeners when they realize how the story unfolds.
MOMMA BUY ME A CHINA DOLL: In some ways this is a truly interesting song. The structure is one children really like because it gives them a chance to participate by predicting what comes next. The china doll reference is about a porcelain doll.
MY ROOSTER:
Collected in 1960 in Arkansas. Wow, do people react on the first “Cock-A-Doodle-Do” …and the audience can’t wait for the next one!
OATS AND BEANS: Strange little song that probably originated in Spain. There is a very nice play-party associated with it.
OLD MCDONALD: I had so much fun recording this classic children’s song. I made a video that was equally entertaining. Not sure it qualifies as a “folk song” but I don’t really mind if it isn’t.
OVER IN A MEADOW: Collected by Cecil Sharp in 1906, this is a cumulative song from Southern Appalachia. While the song itself doesn’t interest me that much, children have so much fun with the animals and the sounds.
Sean Breen 