Puff & Other Family Classics CD by Peter Yarrow

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School Library Journal

Gr all levels- Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary fame), his daughter Bethany, and her musical partner Rufus Cappadocia offer their spin on these 11 folk and classic songs for family listening. From the hot bass opening of the jazzy "Blue Tail Fly" to the raw, gutsy "You Better Mind" to the Peter, Paul, and Mary folk classic "Puff, the Magic Dragon," this collection doesn't skip a beat. Yarrow's familiar voice is a delight to hear; he has lost none of his chops. His voice blends well with Bethany's, whose sound ranges from a sweet, light soprano to a sultry, dark alto. They switch off singing lead and harmony vocals throughout; each song they harmonize together is a treat. Bethany skips along singing lead on the classic "Cindy," with her father singing back vocals and a jaw harp and banjo keeping step. Changing like a chameleon, her "Shule Aru" is bittersweet. "Foggy Dew" begins with Peter singing solo, segueing into a unison duet, ultimately reaching harmony by the end of the song. Cappadocia's cello solos in "The Cuckoo" and "Long Chain On" shine. Accompanying instrumentation is spare, yet each arrangement feels lush and full. These are classics redone with a fresh ear for today's family audiences and shouldn't be missed.-Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH