Strange bedfellows, but it inexplicably works. McFerrin provides original backgound music and sound effects for Nicholson's readings from Rudyard Kipling's excellent Just So Stories (1902). Also included are 9 short, original pieces performed by McFerrin (most with vocal overdubs and/or percussion). This disc won the 1988 Grammy award for Best Recording For Children.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: The two stories are most enjoyable, although I prefer the rhinoceros story to the one concerning the camel. McFerrin gets out of the way when needed and let's Nicholson's characteristic voice do its thing. Nicholson, to his credit, does excellent work instead of simply phoning it in. Most of the 9 McFerrin solo pieces are fun and obviously written and performed for an audience of children. This was recorded just before Don't Worry Be Happy hit big, so the novelty of McFerrin's voice was still interesting. Of those 9, the best is Anantarivo.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. Much like The Velveteen Rabbit CD, I couldn't get either of sons to go for this one despite my best efforts. I'm surprised I've kept it.
Previously revisited for the blog:
Simple Pleasures (1988)
The Voice (1984)
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