New in a series of Hunk-Ta Bunk-Ta children's
musical recordings by Katherine Dines, Chants is a compilation of a wide
variety of kid-friendly chants from around the world.
Chants have been used for centuries in diverse cultures to express a wide
range of emotions, and one need only pass by a playground to recognize their
popularity with children. Though they sometimes sound nonsensical, chants not
only have huge appeal, they help children "play" with language in creative ways.
Besides that, repeating rhythms and wordplay help lay the foundation for early
language skills.
The recording's range in style — from devotional to activity-based to
silly — reflects the diverse ways that chants are used around the world.
A couple of the album's 37 tracks are previously released Katherine Dines tunes,
such as Mashed Potatoes, in which children are playfully walked through
the whole process of turning potatoes into a yummy dish — with lid-clanging,
potato-counting ("one potato, two potato, three potato, four"), and more. Children
may be familiar with a few more tracks, such as Five Little Monkeys,
though many feature original adaptations. Most, however, will be all-new experiences.
The opening track is a traditional chant from Ghana, repeating a phrase that
translates as "Oh Grandma, I just hurt my finger on a rock" to the sound of
waves and heartbeats. Other tracks include a traditional African welcome chant
entitled Funga A La Feeya, an old traditional lullaby chant from the
Nederlands entitled Koekoek, and even a chain gang song. Some are specifically
designed for language development, and others for dance, fingerplays, and sleeping.
It's interesting to read about the origins of some of the chants in the liner
notes — Mister Ram Goat-O, for example, comes from a group of
students in Trinidad, and Hunk-ta Bunk-ta Boo is explained as a chant
that was passed down from generation to generation in Dines' family
Children of all ages will be riveted. Older kids will have a great time trying
to follow along with the printed lyrics (though some of these are not word-for-word),
and it may be surprising how easily younger children catch on to, and sing,
some of the recording's unusual lyrics. Seldom have I witnessed all three of
my children so inspired by a recording at once — they sing along and interpret
some of the tracks through their own made-up dance routines. Because the range
of chants is so broad, as the recording plays through, children will shift into
different stages of active involvement, discussion, and quiet play. Whether
kids listen to this recording in the background or foreground, there's no mistaking
the fun and joy Hunk-ta Bunk-ta Chants inspires.
This fresh collection of chants is a treat for the ears and the emotions,
with its clear, pleasing vocals, compelling rhythms, and stylistic breadth.
Rating: 
