Built around a 1939 recording of two sisters from Byhalia, MS – Christine and Katherine Shipp – this children’s game song is set in a variety of styles – Celtic, Old-Time, R&B and early jazz –as well its natural setting, the playground. Katherine tells archivist Herbert Halpert that she learned the song “when she was small, a puppy, really,” and Christine adds, “We sung this song when we was playing ...we just wanted to have something to be saying.”
from
A Yankee Clipper In Congo Square,
released March 15, 2018
Andy Baker trombone
Alan Berliant bass
Liz Carroll Celtic fiddle
Orbert Davis trumpet & muted trumpet
Richie Davis electric guitar
Jim Gailloreto saxes & clarinet
Curt Morrison electric guitar & tenor banjo
Steve Mullen piano, organ, keys, synth & drum programming
John Rice acoustic slide guitar, steel acoustic, dobro, banjo & lap steel
Rob Stone harmonica
Jeff Thomas drums, percussion & hand claps
John Williams button box accordion & Celtic flute
Group Vocals Cynthia Butts, Joan Collaso, Steve Mullen, Clara Smith, Herbert Walker, Sonja Whitmore
Lead Vocals Christine & Katherine Shipp
originally recorded in Byhalia, MS – May 13, 1939