Although the concept behind this recording isn't new, Indian Elephant Tea by the Big Kidz Band and featuring Skip Ewing is fresh and warm, and will appeal to every member of the family. Reworked children's classics as well as a couple originals are featured on this unique and fun recording.
At the beginning of "Bingo", Skip tells listeners, "We're going to do it a little differently", and that pretty much sums up the album. Different it is--and refreshingly so. This creative recording opens with "Old McDonald Had a Sampler" in which the popular farmer has a train, a boat, and even a zoo. Instead of going "up the spout again", the itsy bitsy spider takes the A-train before returning to face his problems! The humorous liner notes read "You will now be singing this for the rest of the afternoon" about
"Mah Na Mah Na & A Side of Aunt B's Grits" and it's true for both kids and their parents! Skip's "unintelligible scat solos" on this track are hilarious and infectious, and just in case the first play-through doesn't stick, the reprise at the end of the album will clinch it. Although filled with bouncy tunes, the album has its share of slower tracks. The title track, for example, is a loving song based on a poem written by Skip's grandmother.
This family recording is loads of fun with its fantastic wordplay, range of styles, and pleasing surprises.
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