Life on a Trampoline

Life on a Trampoline. CD. Performed by Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin. Approx. 39 min. Prod. by Song Wizard Records. 2017. $14.98. 

Grades K – 4

            Award-winning Randy & Dave present 12 original wacky songs in several musical styles including polka, folk, country, jazz, rock, blues, and pop on this second album. Randy and a couple of guest musicians handle the excellent performances on guitar, bass, electric sitar, banjo, mandolin, Dobro, saxophone, harmonica, keys, electric piano and drums. “Enjoy It While You Can” details the shenanigans at the fish cannery. A kid hopes that no one remembers the disasters he caused the “Last Time I Was Here.” “Squadoosh” is an imaginary monster. One song is “Not About” anything, anyone, or any place. “Betty Mumbles” so that her words have a mashed potatoes sound. One person is “Happy to Help” as long as it doesn’t put him out too much. A couple of siblings declare that “We Don’t Share.” The title song tells of the short kid who loves flying high in “Life on a Trampoline.” The other songs include “Semolina,” “That Thing,” “A Weird Thing Happened,” and “So What If I Do?” This funny album will keep all its listeners amused and entertained. 

Mr. Pancake Man

Mr. Pancake Man. CD. Performed by Music Man Dave. 28 min. Prod. by David Rodgers. 2016. $12.99. 

Grades PS – 3

            David Rodgers, aka Music Man Dave, presents 13 original songs in an upbeat, pop rock musical style. His vocal style is very similar to that of Joe McDermott. “To the Beat” encourages listeners to participate in the movements. “Numbers in My Bath” extols the value of mathematics. “Like an Elephant” encourages listeners to imitate animal movements. The other songs include “Song to Say Hello,” “If I Could Fly,” “Mr. Pancake Man,” “I’ve Got Two Legs,” “Good at Things (with a guest female singer),” “Months of the Year,” “Toast and Omelettes,” “Meet Peter Pan,” “Out on the Town,” and “Goodbye Now.” A happy, bouncy album.