Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Back to the Land



Back to the Land. Performed by Hot Peas ‘n Butter. CD. Approx. 40 min. Produced by Steve Jabus and Danny Lapidus. 2018.  CD: $12.97; Download: $8.99.

K – Gr 5—



            The members of Hot Peas ‘n Butter include Danny Lapidus (band leader), Steve Jabas, Rich Mercurio, Lee Nadel, Ian Baggette, Lisette Santiago, Jorge Vazquez, and Chris Tedesco. On this 8th album, they perform 11 songs in bluegrass, folk, Dixieland jazz, South African folk, country, and Caribbean Latin musical styles. These talented musicians make beautiful music on guitar, banjo, ukulele, fiddle, bass, keys, saxophone, cajon, accordion, percussion, and drums. The band is joined by some special musical guests on their title song: Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, and Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul & Mary). In addition, the children from the Brooklyn Children’s Theater lend their vocal talents to several of the tunes. “Back to the Land” urges listeners to help protect the Earth. In “Listen to the Water,” all kinds of animals can be found by the water side. Each child is a “Big World Kid,” whether from the country or the city. “Come Go With Me to That Land” is a traditional gospel song inviting listeners to come along to Heaven. And “Ven Conmigo Para Esta Tierra” is a Caribbean style arrangement of that gospel song, using vocals and drums (bongos?) only. “Fung Alafia” is a traditional South African folk song, with guest vocalist and Liberian Marcelle Davies-Lashley. “Little Fox” has to run from the farm dogs after trying to steal his dinner there. The remaining songs include “Firelight,” “Come Into My Kitchen,” “Rainbow in Your Eyes,” and their arrangement of “Somos el Barco,” sung in English and Spanish. This album will appeal as much to parents as to their children.

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