Ben Rudnick & Friends have been creating and playing family-friendly, danceable, singable music since the release of their first CD Emily Songs in 2000. “Boasting a high level of adventurous musicianship their award winning recordings contain a unique acoustic sound ranging from light folk to bluegrass, calypso, and rock.” I was trying my best to come up with a way to describe the music found on A Frog Named Sam but that pretty much summed it up for me!

A Frog Named Sam is Ben Rudnick & Friends’ 7th CD and is filled with some serious energy, not to mention some mad musical skills. The first song on the CD, which is also the title track, is about a country frog named Sam who likes to “sing real low” and leaves his little pond for the big city where he puts together a band and performs for large audiences. But as the story often goes, Sam misses his friends and returns to sing to them from his own little pond.

The rest of the songs on the CD are just as fun and just as energetic! Being a fan of Celtic and Irish dance music, “Ben’s Jig” and “John’s Jig” are my two faves though “Race Car” gets my legs bouncing and feet moving every time!

With all the summer travel you’ll be doing, and that includes frequent trips to the pool, you’ll want children’s music that entertains the kids yet doesn’t drive the parents crazy. A Frog Named Sam is a great addition to your current collection, which should also include Robbert Bobbert & the Bubble Machine and Pop Fly.—Emily

*** Giveaway! Ben Rudnick & Friends is giving away 3 copies of A Frog Named Sam! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: June 5, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Laureen M., Lisa C., and Cynthia V., the winners of the CD! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

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