Ruth Rubin
collects and sings a group of Yiddish folk songs originating in Eastern Europe on this album. The songs probably were sung a cappella in their original form, but
Rubin
is joined here by
Pete Seeger,
who is credited on banjo but also seems to be the guitarist on a handful of the tracks, and even provides occasional sound effects (notably on
"Kestelech,"
in which he imitates a rooster, a hen, and even a wind), and whistling. The songs range from repetitive schoolyard-type chants to more elaborate pieces, and the subject matter, while often suitable for small children, also follows childhood to its conclusion. In the penultimate song,
"Yomi, Yomi,"
a mother tries to guess what her little girl wants, citing a dress, a hat, a pair of shoes, and even earrings before finally getting the point that it's time to go to the matchmaker and seek a husband for her; the last song,
"Tonts, Tonts,"
is set at a wedding.
is a vibrant singer, and
Seeger,
if not perhaps providing traditional accompaniment, manages to repeat the melodies and maintain rhythm. ~ William Ruhlmann