In the mid to late ’80s, the platinum selling children’s artists Sharon, Lois & Bram hosted 65 episodes of their Elephant Show to a Canadian audience. Here, we’re treated to never before released tracks from the series, an album that documents the playful five seasons across the band’s first vinyl release since 1988.
The playful flute and low brass of “Elephant Show Theme” opens the listen with a very festival mood, where the trio all contribute vocals. “We Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” then follows with both talking and singing that suits the frisky drums and playful trombone, and it isn’t long until the two minutes of “Animal Farm” welcomes young voices and even a kazoo solo.
Closer to the end of the first half, the sing-along festivities of “We Are There Sailors” makes great use of an accordion, while “Another Opening, Another Show” is full of harmonic vocals and charming percussion which allows the kids their own verses.
Further into the back half, piano balladry meets retro fun of “When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along” and animated, soulful “This Little Light Of Mine” will help you channel your inner child. The final track, “Skinnamarink” lasts less than a minute, but leaves a lasting impression thanks to the trio’s upbeat and infectious pipes.
Lois is no longer with us, having passed away in 2015, and Bram has recently retired. Sharon still tours with her daughter to carry on the legacy of Sharon, Lois & Bram’s songs, and they still sound relevant and nostalgic to this day. Though I grew up on plenty of children’s TV, I had never seen The Elephant Show, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying these 20 tunes.
