Winterland

Winterland. Performed by The Okee Dokee Brothers. CD. Approx.48 min. Produced by Dean Jones. 2018.

CD: $12.49; Download: $9.49; Vinyl: $25.00.

K-Gr 5—

The Grammy and Parents’ Choice award-winning duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers (Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander) perform sixteen cold and shivery songs celebrating winter, in bluegrass, folk, zydeco, country, shanty, Hawaiian folk, pop, and jazz musical styles. Their guest musicians, including Dean Jones of Dog on Fleas give outstanding performances on banjo, guitar, ukulele, bass, fiddle, upright bass, violin, piano, organ, flute, saxophone, trombone, harmonica, accordion, and percussion.

     “Blankets of Snow” keep people warm on cold days. “Welcome Home” is played to the tune of the traditional Irish ballad “Whiskey in the Jar,” and welcome’s Joe’s newborn son. The only thing biting is the weather at the “Ice Fishin’ Shack.” “Keep Me Warm” and snug as a bug in the rug uses a traditional Irish tune, “I’ll Tell Me Ma,” which is a circle game for children. The “Abominable Yeti” is horrible, deplorable, and indomitable, among other things. Stay true to yourself is the message of “You You You.” Children are like “Candles,” so let them shine; this song partly uses the tune “This Little Light of Mine.” In the duo’s first recorded a cappella song, “Slumberjacks” don’t cut down trees. Learning to play a “Ukulele in a Snowstorm” is one way of staying warm. The duo wants to “Howl” with a pack of wolves. “Snowpeople” are dressed in various ways. There is just so much to do on a “Lazy Day.” The silver maple lying on its side, “Great Grandmother Tree,” shows that out of death comes life. The “North Country Dance Band” lit a fire in the dance hall. The “New Year” brings a new baby boy. Daffodil sprouts are just one of the “Signs of Spring.” The accompanying booklet has an illustration and a sentence for each of the songs. This is a wonderful album to listen to while huddling by the fireplace on a cold winter day. 

Here is a link to their video "Snowpeople":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGMScC1i1d8&feature=youtu.be

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.

Red Yarn's Old Barn

Red Yarn’s Old Barn. Performed by Red Yarn. CD. Approx. 43 min. Produced by Red Yarn Productions. 2018.  CD: $13.99; Download: $9.49.

Pre-S – Gr 4—

Red Yarn, aka Andy Furgeson, is joined by several guest musicians on several of the 12 songs: Dean Jones (Dog on Fleas), Justin Lansing (Okee Dokee Brothers), Jazzy Ash, and Jenny Conlee (Decemberists).

The musicians provide excellent performances on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, bass, banjo, piano, organ, harmonica, accordion, percussion, and drums in bluegrass zydeco, country and rock musical styles. The farmer decides to throw a party in the “Old Barn.” And another party’s going on “Down in the Meadow.” In “Go Little Gator,” a young boy is looking forward to his dad teaching him to drive ATV. Critters are invited to Red Yarn’s ranch for a “Barn Dance.” And the “Barn Fire” was started by the animals. A farmer who freed all his animals says he’ll be singing “Till the Cows Come Home.” After a fire, it takes a village “To Raise a Barn.” And everyone is invited to come to the party, because “My Barn Door is Open.” Red Yarn adds his own original lyrics to these traditional tunes: “Old Hen Cackled,” “Sally Ann,” and “Did You Feed My Cow?”  He also covers an old song popularized by Porter Wagoner: “I’m Gonna Feed You Now.” This fifth album by Red Yarn aptly reflects his roots in the Texas Hill Country.

Dog on the Floor

Dog on the Floor. Performed by Raffi. CD. Approx.34 min. Produced by Raffi. 2018. CD: $11.50; Download: $9.49.

Pre-S - Gr 4--

            Order of Canada recipient Raffi has been sharing his excellent brand of children’s music for over 40 years, and here performs 15 songs on his 25^th album. This album continues the high standards of all of his other numerous gold and platinum albums. Raffi wrote 10 of the songs; there are two covers, one traditional song, one adapted song, and one instrumental piece (“Fiddle Dance”). The guest musicians give excellent performances on guitar, ukulele, violin, mandolin, fiddle, piano, Dobro, and clarinet in primarily folk, jazz and pop musical styles. An enthusiastic children’s chorus joins in on several of the songs. This album emphasizes play, affirmation and the nurturing roles of family and community. “That’s The Way It Goes,” celebrates the cycles of nature. “Luna’s Song” is a love song about Raffi’s dog. In “Play, Play, Play” a child wants to play, sing, and dance all day. “Listen to the Horses” clipping and clopping. While Dad thinks about “Walkin’ My Dog,” the dog thinks about going on a walk. “On Market Day” celebrates the fun of a farmer’s market. Flying low and high is the “Dragonfly.” “Love Grows Love” and brains and hears and other things. “Dog on the Floor” is an adaptation of Bill Russell’s “Spider on the Floor.” While working on the railroad, the singer is also looking for a “Rainbow.” When one is not doing fine, one should “Take a Breath” to change how one feels. “It Takes a Village” to raise a child. Raffi also does a wonderful cover of “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” includes “baa-ing” sounds. This is a masterful addition to an already winning line-up of albums. 

Blue Skies - Sunny Days

Blue Skies and Sunny Days. Performed by Frances England. CD. Approx.22 min. Produced by Frances England Music. 2018. CD: $10.99; Download: $9.49.

            With lovely harmonies, multiple Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner England performs eight light-hearted and mellow songs in mostly pop musical style, with a calypso style song and an a cappella piece thrown in for good measure. England wrote seven of the songs, and one is a cover of a classic Cat Stevens tune. She is joined by Dan Lebowitz, Dean Jones (Dog on Fleas), and Dave Winer to help create this excellent album. Besides soaring vocals, these musicians make beautiful music on guitar, keys, bass, organ, Wurly, moog, mellotron, xylophone, marimba, kalimba, tongue drum, drums, and percussion. Parent and child take a road trip, listening to the Beach Boys and feeling “Carefree.” A child daydreams in school when he would rather be running “Into the Wild.” She is “Not Just My Sister,” she is also my best friend. A child has a feeling that today is going to be a “Good Day.” England covers Cat Steven’s “If You Want to Sing Out.” “Mama Said” to shine your love light. On a “Perfect Tuesday Afternoon” one should stay in bed and read books. Finally, a parent is “Watching You Grow” like a sunflower, like a weed, and like puddles on a rainy day. This lovely album will be as appealing to parents as it will be to children.

Night Train 57

Night Train 57. Performed by Dan Zanes. CD. Approx. 36 min. Produced by Festival Five Records. 2018. CD: $10.00; Download: $9.99.

All Ages



Grammy Award winning Dan Zanes is joined by wife Claudia Eliaza and Mexican percussionist Yuriana Sobrino to present this soundtrack of their Sensory Friendly comic opera which was commissioned by the Kennedy Center. The Sensory Friendly movement’s goal is to help performing arts venues provide conditions that are welcoming to children with special needs. The trio performs this opera with wonderful vocals, and excellent performances on guitar, mandolin, ukulele, trombone, flute, harmonica, congas, bongos, cajon, and tambourine. These 15 original songs are performed primarily in lively folk and pop musical styles. In the story, Dan, Claudia, and their new friend Yuriana discover a mysterious Night Train 57, that when powered by music, zooms into outer space and travels around the galaxies. When the train encounters a meteor shower, it is forced to land on the Planet of Flowers. While there, the trio teaches a singing sunflower how to dance. Eventually, the train makes its way back to Planet Earth, and the three friends arrive home with hearts full of stories and songs. Those songs include “Songs Are Everywhere” (which power the train); “A Seat for One and All” (the train is inclusive); “Can You Sing?” (yes, everyone can sing); “Shine On;” “Night Train 57” (the adventure begins); “Going Up” (encourages the audience to be part of the story); “Guitars to the Stars;” “On Our Way” (counting song); “What Kind of Train?” (the train has more cars than anyone realized and they contain chickens, bakeries, drum circles, thrift shops, barber shops, ping pong tables, etc.); “Hats!” (anyone with the right hat and walk can be a train conductor); “Sea of Stars” (mind-boggling view); “Reds, Blues, and Greens” (when the train is forced to land on the Planet of Flowers); “Bloom, Baby Bloom,” (teaching the sunflower to dance); “The Darkest Night;” and “Bright Morning Song” (returning to Planet Earth). One hopes that this comic opera will be released in video format, so that fans can actually watch all the action as well as hear the terrific songs.