This family album by father and son pair, Ben and Leo Sidran, offers young listeners a wonderful mix of styles, some Spanish lyrics, and a whole lot of fun.
El Elefante opens with a catchy "Let's Go to Goosy Galpa", a wonderful bilingual song ("Let's go, vamonos...") that ends with some fun and warm spoken dialogue. Proof that this children's recording was a long time coming from these established musicians is found in "Take it Easy Greasy", a song rich in fun wordplay that was created when Leo was in daycare and is now offered to the rest of us, and "Pushing and Shoving", a song constructed around Leo's singing recorded when he was only 6 years. Children get the chance to say either "no" or "go" in "The Tickle Monster", a song filled with the happy sounds of giggling children. More inspired goofines is found on "Popcorn's Got a Brand New Bag". While the title track is a more direct (and fun) musical Spanish lesson (children call out translations and repeat after the singer), other tracks, such as the dreamy "Fantastic Bubble", feature a seamless and lovely mix of English and Spanish lyrics. The recording ends with a warm lullaby, "Duermete".
Although El Elefante offers an eclectic collection of songs in a variety of styles, the album comes together in a very pleasing and satisfying whole. With playful lyrics and jazzy sounds, this is an original recording worth adding to any family's music collection.
