Awesome!

Awesome! Performed by Jesse Jukebox. CD. Approx. 17 min. Bovine Music. 2020. CD: $10; Digital: $5.

K-Gr 3

Clevelander Jesse Friedberg performs six original, energetic songs on his third album, with help from Grammy Award winner Dean Jones, who contributes his talents as producer, vocalist and instrumentalist. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Friedberg wants this album to encourage children who are going through similar learning trials. Friedberg and Jones perform beautifully on guitars, bass, keys, toy piano, synths, flutes, harmonicas, trombone, drums, and percussion. Some talented children also join in on the songs. Many things are “Awesome,” including macaroni and cheese, polar bears, five-foot pancake stacks; so, show the entire world how awesome you are. When you need to make a decision, “Listen to Your Gut” and trust your intuition. One of a kind, my “Incredible Shoes” have flashing lights, lightning bolts, springs on the bottom and help me dance and run. I’m a “Complicated Kid,” having a hard time in school because I can’t pay attention and need to move around. “I Wanna Learn,” and I learn something new every day-- that dogs don’t sweat, they pant; rats like to be tickled; octopuses have three hearts; and it rains metal on Venus, etc. When you try something new and start to make a change, you’ll discover that you are “Right Where You Belong.” An excellent album with songs that will encourage all children facing learning obstacles.

Website: www.jessefriedberg.com

Sharon & Bram and Friends

Sharon & Bram and Friends. Performed by Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison. CD. Approx. 31 min. Casablanca Kids Inc. 2019. Digital: $8.99.

K – Gr 5

Multiple award winners, Sharon and Bram are among Canada’s premier music entertainers for children, and inductees into the Order of Canada. Having entertained children since 1978, the two are still going strong in their 70s. Their vocals are clear and vibrant, and the backup musicians are excellent. With 21 previous albums under their belts, they now perform 8 bright and lively original songs in pop and folk musical styles. Four of these songs were released as singles, which were reviewed on this blog on August 6, 2019. An enthusiastic children’s chorus joins in on several of the songs. “Everybody Talks” about peace, but how great it would be if somebody had a war and nobody came. Canadian comedian Colin Mochrie joins in the very funny “Colour Song” about homophones; real ones like red/read and blue/blew, and silly ones like yellow/yell “oh” and green/agreein’. Hearing Mochrie become more and more frustrated by these silly homophones is half the fun. “Old Coat” is based on the folktale in which an old coat is made into smaller and smaller garments: coat to jacket, jacket to shirt, shirt to vest, etc. In “The Drum Song,” the singers imitate drum rhythm sounds. “The Hug Song” inquires if you have had a hug today. How could anything be wrong with being “Different?” We’re all different and having a ball. “Sharon & Bram’s Colour Song” is a reprise of the second song, without Mochrie. “Talk About Peace,” featuring Jim Cuddy, encourages peace, friendliness, and loving your neighbor as yourself.  The album ends with the duo’s famous and favorite tune: “Skinnamarinky Two,” including some new lyrics. Fans new and old will embrace this new and long-awaited album.
Website: https://www.sharonandbram.com/ 

All of Us: Bible Songs for Everyone

All of Us: Bible Songs for Everyone. Performed by Parker & Alexander. CD. Approx. 29 min. Bootjack Productions. 2019. CD & Digital: $9.99.

K – Gr 5

Brendan Parker and Erick Alexander, the duo that created Spaghetti Eddie, perform 10 lovely songs that retell Bible stories that are of particular interest to young listeners. These lively rock songs feature beautiful harmonies, toe-tapping, driving beats, and appealing tunes that are fun and easy to sing along with. The background instruments—guitar, bass, drums, and percussion—are performed with excellence.

The “Celebration of Creation” praises a creation that has been put together beautifully and could only have come from God. “In the Beginning” God made everything, including cuddly puppies, frisky kitties, Adam, and Eve. People thought that “Noah” was a little cuckoo: “Where are you going in that huge thing? There’s no water in your backyard!” With a great big gulp and a wiggle of the tail, in went “Jonah” to the mouth of the whale. God wrote on stone tablets His “Ten Commandments” and Moses brought those big stone tablets down from the mountain. Jesus’ birth had “Humble Beginnings” in a barn on a bed of hay. The “Good Samaritan” was a real humanitarian, a neighbor without comparison. “All of Us” are special in God’s eyes, even when we have bad days. Jesus taught us how to pray to God in “The Lord’s Prayer.” The crucifixion and resurrection occurred over “Three Dark Days,” when the sin that holds us down was washed away. This outstanding album will be welcome in homes and Sunday School classes.

Website: www.parkerandalexander.com

I'm an Optimist

I’m an Optimist. Performed by Dog on Fleas. CD. Approx. 34 min. Produced by Dean Jones. 2019. CD: $5.99; Digital: $9.99.

Grades 1 – 5

This album has the feel of a half-hour jam session with Dean Jones, John Hughes and Chris Cullo, the Dog on Fleas band. Grammy Award winner Dean Jones has also produced albums for many well-known kindie artists, including Frances England, the Okee Dokee Brothers, Red Yarn, Elizabeth Mitchell, and many others. These 12 quirky songs, performed in several varieties of rock, have odd lyrics and lots of sound FX. The trio and guest musician are extremely proficient on guitar, bass, saxophone, trombone, drums and percussion. With a “Can Do Attitude,” one can change the world, change a diaper, peel a potato, and accomplish many other things. Is there a “Doppelgänger” out there who looks just like you? “Oh Lazy Me” is liked much more than the uptight version. In this piece, which is partly spoken and partly sung, the narrator tells how he planned to build a treehouse, when he encountered “A Little Hiccup:” he forgot the nails. “It’s a Miracle” that an airplane can fly, that an apple tree comes from a seed, and that heads don’t pop off when a person sneezes. In a world of grumpy, I “Wanna Be” a smiler; in a world of bears, I wanna be a park ranger; and in a world of careful, I wanna little danger. Spoken and sung, “Word Association” features children playing the game and coming up with associations such as mind/brain, head/heart, whale/ocean and more. In “I’m an Optimist,” the narrator prefers to feed his optimist side rather than his pessimist side. The other songs include “Sting Along,” “Village d’Etoiles,” “Sunny Day Song,” and “Did You See That Squirrel?” These humorous songs will tickle the funny bones of young listeners.

Website: https://www.dogonfleas.com/

Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music and Memories

Thank You, Mr. Rogers: Music and Memories. Performed by Various Artists. CD. Approx. 45 min. Act IV Music. 2019. CD: $13.98; digital: $11.49.

Pre-S and up

This wonderful musical homage to Fred Rogers features 12 celebrity individual and group artists singing in pop, rock, jazz, and Latin musical styles. All of the 13 songs on the album were written by Fred Rogers over the years. Musical legends the Cowsills open with a harmonious performance of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” in their unique pop style. Award-winning Cuban-American Jon Secada performs the same song in Spanish (“Podemos Ser Amigos?”) with a bright, lively Latin beat. The rest of the songs include “You Can Never Go Down the Drain” (award-winning Christian and Latin pop singer, Jaci Velasquez); “Sometimes People Are Good” (Rita Wilson, actress and wife of Tom Hanks who portrays Fred Rogers in the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood); “Perfectly Beautiful Day” (Mickey Dolenz, formerly of The Monkees); “Many Ways to Say I Love You” (Grammy and Oscar winning Vanessa Williams); “Some Things I Don’t Understand” (Tom Bergeron, host of “Dancing With the Stars” and whistler extraordinaire); “This Is My Home” (award-winning pianist Jim Brickman); “Let’s Be Together Today” (Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., formerly of the 5^th Dimension); “Please Don’t Think It’s Funny” (award-winning Christian contemporary artist Sandi Patty); “It’s Such a Good Feeling” (country music star, Kellie Pickler); “When the Day Turns into Night” (Lee Greenwood, country music star and writer/singer of “God Bless the USA”); and “Thank You for Being You” (the entire ensemble). Adults who grew up with Mr. Rogers will appreciate these new arrangements and will want to share these classic songs with their own children.
Website:  http://www.thankyoumisterrogers.com

Moove to the Moozika!

Moove to the Moozika. Performed by Jesse Goldman. CD. Approx. 30 min. Ruminator Records. 2018. CD or digital: $14.99.

Pre-S—Grade 3

            Goldman’s album is based on the music he uses in his successful music classes for children in Brooklyn. Goldman does a good job performing on all the instruments himself: guitars, bass, piano, organ, synths, trombone, trumpet, accordion, drums, marimba, tambourine, shakers, triangle, cow bell, clave bells, sax, whistle, and harmonica. Goldman and several children perform in several musical styles, including pop, jazz, electronic dance music, folk, samba, blues, ranchera, Latin, and rock. “Moove to the Moozika,” in English and Spanish encourages children to move—stomping, shaking, and moving to the beat. The “Moose on the Loose” chases all the children who run far away. Listeners learn to count to four in Spanish with “Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro.” The “Supa Dupa Soup” has onions, carrots, celery, and perhaps dirty socks and salamanders. “Wiggle Waggin’” teaches listeners some animal sounds. “Wave Your Scarf” encourages participatory movement. Listeners might want to ride a “Burro,” a caballo and a toro while learning some Spanish. The lullaby “Sleep My Baby,” instead of being at the end of the album is in the middle of it, a somewhat unusual placement. The “Brooklyn Baby” goes to the zoo, plays in Prospect Park, rolls across the Brooklyn Bridge, and goes to Coney Island. “Limpia” is a cute cleaning up song. The “Roly-Poly Train” rolls through the mountains and plains, spins its wheels and blows its whistle. “Hasta Luego” ends the album with a bilingual farewell. Goldman’s goal is for families to come up with their own variations of the melodies, or even create new music inspired by this album.

Website:  www.moozika.com

Cheerful Little Earful

A Cheerful Little Earful. Performed by Diana Panton. CD. Approx. 54 min. Little Things. 2019. CD: $12.99; Digital: $9.99.

Grades 1 and up

Two-time Juno Award winner Diana Panton’s lovely, clear voice expertly handles these 15 songs in various styles of jazz. Panton’s clear enunciation makes it easy to understand the lyrics. Well-known jazz musicians Reg Schwager and Don Thompson provide outstanding background music on guitar, bass, piano, and vibraphone. The tracks are covers of pop tunes and songs from various musicals. The playlist includes “Happy Talk” from Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific; “It’s a Most Unusual Day” from A Date with Judy; “’A’ You’re Adorable,” a pop song from 1948; “Red Red Robin” popularized by Lillian Roth in 1926; “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” a popular song from Sesame Street; “Cheerful Little Earful” from Ira Gershwin’s Sweet and Low; “If You Feel Like Singing, Sing” from Summer Stock with Judy Garland; “Music and Me,” a  1973 song popularized by Michael Jackson; “Pocketful of Miracles,” the title song from the 1961 movie Pocketful of Miracles; “Look to the Rainbow” from Finian’s Rainbow; “All in the Golden Afternoon” from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, adeptly sung by Panton in French & English; “Experiment” from Cole Porter’s Nymph Errant; “Aren’t You Glad You’re You,” a song from the 1945 film The Bells of St. Mary’s; “Sing a Rainbow” from the 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues; “Hush-a-bye Island,” a 1946 song popularized by Frank Sinatra. This album has already received a Family Choice Award and NAPPA award. These Canadian artists have created a wonderful album for the whole family to enjoy together.

Website: www.dianapanton.com

Best Friends

Best Friends. Performed by Various artists. CD. Approx. 30 min. Kid Pan Alley Records. 2019. $14.98.

K – Grade 5

            Founder of award-winning Kid Pan Alley, Paul Reisler, celebrates its 20^th anniversary with this excellent 5^th album, which includes 12 songs performed by special guests Heather Mae, The Not-Its, Vance Gilbert, Steve Paltz. Lisa Loeb, John McCutcheon, Lea Morris, Bill Harley, Robbie Schaefer, Randy Kaplan, Silly Bus and Sonia De Los Santos. Each lively song was co-written by elementary school students and KPA songwriters. The backup musicians give excellent performances on guitar, bass, keyboards, ukulele, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, percussion, and bells in jazz, rock, pop, folk, and Latin salsa musical styles. “Life Is Good” because we have music. When “School’s Out” in the summertime, it’s time to scream and shout, go to movies, and be with friends. “Best Friends” are always by your side, stand the test of time, and cheer you up. One child wants to “Quit This Job” (meaning school) and get a job in New York instead. “I’ve Got an Apple Pie in My Book Bag” which tastes better than homework. “A Happy, Happy Birthday Song” celebrates the best day this child has ever known. “I Forgot to Charge My Phone Today” so I’ll go outside and play if I remember how. One child has a “Sister for Sale” and he’ll sell her in a second if he knew they wouldn’t put him in jail. “My Shadow Leads a Double Life” --by day it stays close by my side, but I wonder where it goes at night. Randy Kaplan discusses with children why “Santa’s on Vacation,” for example, after Christmas, Santa needs to take a break and work on his tan. “Who Decided” to put “a” before “b,” that pigs can’t fly, that wheels are round, and other observations. “La Vida Es Bella” reprises the first song in Spanish. This album is a great example of creative teamwork between children and adults.

www.kidpanalley.org 

I Like the Me I See!

I Like the Me I See by Jessica “Culture Queen” Hebron; illustrated by Solomia Kovalchuk. 30 p. Culture Kingdom Kids Publishing. 2019. HC: $20; PB: $15. ISBN: 978-0-578-44420-8.

Ages 3 – 8

Colorful, with appealing illustrations, this book was inspired by a song from her 2016 pop music album, both with the same name as the book. Featuring the lyrics of the song, the book encourages accepting oneself—liking one’s own hair, eyes, nose, lips, skin, tummy, knees, and feet. The illustrations depict Culture Queen admiring the aforementioned parts of her body, sometimes in a pretty framed mirror. Several children appear throughout the book, mostly African American. The artist depicts all the people realistically, with big smiles on most faces. This is a great book for helping children accept themselves and for raising their self-esteem.
Website: https://www.culturekingdomkids.com/ 

Waiting for the Elevator

Waiting for the Elevator. Performed by Laurie Berkner Band. CD. Approx. 47 min. Two Tomatoes Records. 2019. CD: $11.98; Digital: $9.99.

Pre-S – Gr 2

Toe-tapping, catchy pop tunes are the hallmark of this 13^th album from the Laurie Berkner Band. Performing 19 fun, educational, and quirky songs are band members Laurie Berkner, Susie Lampert, Brady Rymer, and Bob Golden. They give excellent performances on guitar, bass, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, drums, and percussion. The vocals soar with great harmonies, including guest singer, Tony-award winnnig Gavin Creel. The theme of the album is growth; for example, learning about feelings, movement, letters, numbers, colors, months, games and relationships. Berkner has been likened to Fred Rogers for her respect, validation and reassurance of children. “Waiting for the Elevator” is a counting song with cardinal and ordinal numbers. Ten dimes make “A Dollar,” and other combinations of coins, such as five nickels in a quarter. “Did You Go to Ohio,” Florida, Washington, and Arkansas to sing, spin, swing, and hop? With a fun new melody, “Look at All the Letters” introduces the alphabet. The a cappella introduction to the “12 Months,” features stomps and hand claps a la Queen’s We Will Rock You. Berkner harmonizes beautifully with Gavin Creel on “Do You Hear the Bells,” in which one bell tolls for one o’clock, two bells for two o’clock, etc. The narrator stops at a gas station, where she sees a “Chipmunk at the Gas Pump.” A child welcoming his parents home tells them, “I Missed You.” The narrator explains “I Know How That Works,” in describing a vacuum (push and pull), a rocking chair (back and forth), and a kitchen light (on and off). A child exclaims, “I Love You Daddy,” as he is picked up and spun around. “A Hug from My Mama,” or a kiss, makes a child feel all right when everything is wrong. “The Big Blue Box” starts out a cappella, but then adds musical accompaniment as instruments are removed from it: guitar, bass, piano and drum. The other songs include “Piggyback Ride,” “A Mermaid’s Song,” “Come Out Come Out,” “I Am Angry (Yes I Am!),” “Purple Bricks in the Sky,” “The Mountain,” and “Somos Los Dinosaurios,” the Spanish version of Berkner’s hit “We Are the Dinosaurs.” This wonderful album teaches young listeners some important concepts in a fun and engaging way, as well as including some silly and quirky songs.

Website: www.laurieberkner.com

Kith and Kin

Kith and Kin. Performed by Duke Otherwise. CD. Approx. 40 min. Duke Otherwise. 2019. CD: $15.00; Digital: $10.00.

Pre-S—Gr 3

Duke, in his deep baritone, presents 14 amusing and funny-bone tickling original folk-style songs, with musical influences from Mexico, Peru, Cuba, the Mediterranean, South Africa, the Middle East, and Switzerland. Excellent instrumentalists back up these quirky and imaginative songs with several types of guitar, bass, upright bass, banjo, violin, cello, harp, piano, organ, synth, drums, congas, floor tom, doumbek, tambourine, shaker, washboard tie, melodica, spoons, castanets, glockenspiel, cymbal, kazoo, didgeridoo, and cowbell. Three songs also include goat, pig, and rooster sounds. “Everybody Spins” invites listeners to spin around one way, then the other. A child is “So Full” that he can’t eat his peas, but he has room for dessert. In this class, everyone has the wrong name, because “Joy’s a Grump,” Rich is poor, Buddy has no friends, and several more mis-named students. Yodeling is a rare occurrence in children’s music albums, but “Yodeling Lament” features a poor yodeler attempting to learn from a yodeling virtuoso. On his abacus “Atticus” adds the kisses he gets. The narrator has never met anyone who “Eats Like You.” In third grade, a student has an “Elementary Crush” on his teacher. Not only is there a “Lion in My Room,” but also a chicken, wolf, and hippo. The “Slow Monster” is unable to catch any children. Up before dawn, “Gavin” has already done his chores while the rooster is still snoring. Although “Zane” can play exotic instruments such as kalimba, lute, and didgeridoo, he cannot play the radio. We’re the “Twins” who agree about everything/nothing and other opposite pairs. Duke introduces listeners to the “Golden Wheel Spider” of the Namib desert in Southern Africa. While all his friends have to travel to their homes, this snail is “Always Home.” This fun and musically diverse album will be a treat for young listeners and their parents.

Website: www.dukeotherwise.com

Ditto Kiddo

Ditto Kiddo. Performed by Stephen Michael Schwartz. CD. Approx. 29 min. S-Team Productions. 2019. CD: $12.98; Digital: $9.99.

Pre-S—Gr 2

            Multi-award winning Stephen Michael Schwartz performs nine energetic and toe-tapping original songs on his fourth solo album, in pop, bluegrass, rock, polka, and Hawaiian folk. As a former member of the trio “Parachute Express,” he has toured China on behalf of the Gymboree International Play & Music Program; and as a result, was also invited to give solo performances in that country. The backup instrumentalists give outstanding performances on guitar, slack key guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, banjo, keyboards, tuba, harmonica, drums and percussion. Just one taste of “Alphabet Soup” puts a smile on my face. A “Bubble Gum Friend” will stick with you to the end. Being with “Grandma and Grandpa” is like a vacation. Shine for those who’ve lost their glow because “That’s What Love Can Do.” You’re happy everywhere you go; “Ditto Kiddo,” that’s the way I’m feeling, too. She’s from the land where they say, “No, No, No, No, No.”  A little angel with “Little Fingers, Tiny Toes” brings magic to the simplest things. A child learns to play “Hopscotch” at school. “Hello Gymbo” (the mascot of the Gymboree Play & Music Program), it’s a beautiful day. Young listeners will love dancing and singing along with these catchy tunes.

Website: www.stephenmichaelschwartz.com

Go for the Moon

Go for the Moon. Performed by Andrew & Polly. CD. Approx. 37 min. Records Palindrome Records. 2019. CD: $12.00; Digital: $9.99.

Ages 4 – 8

On their 5^th album, Polly Hall and Andrew Barkan, composers and producers of music for television and film, perform 8 original, humorous songs and 3 cover songs in pop, novelty pop, calypso, and rock musical styles. They have created this album to encourage courage, believing and wonder in their young listeners. Guest artists Lucy Kalantari, Mista Cookie Jar, and Mike Phirman add their considerable talents on various tracks. Back-up musicians give excellent performances on ukulele, accordion, lap steel, bass, cello, trombone, trumpet, woodwinds, saw and drums. In addition, listeners can hear some very nice vocal harmonies on several songs. “All Star,” a cover of the 1999 Smash Mouth hit, encourages listeners not to care what others think, but to get their game on and be an all-star. Andrew and Polly live in a “Crazy House,” but it’s a perfect place to be for a crazy person. Children who keep falling off of their chairs must go to “Chair School.” The duo also covers Roger Miller’s classic “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd,” (but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to). After the narrator tells knock-knock jokes and riddles, trombones give “Brass Chuckles” at the punch lines. One can take a trip to the “Aquarium” to see ocean creatures and colorful fishes. Everyone at school knows “Mom’s Name” as the name of their child--“Frankie’s Mom,” etc. “Three Chartreuse Buzzards” counting poem spoken in dull, monotonous, non-unison voices. In the “Garden of Your Mind” (by Fred Rogers) one can access imagination, pretending, curiosity, thinking, and grow ideas. “Zipper + Saw” are friends, with Saw from Arkinsaw and Zipper from Mississipper. Acrobats, trapeze acts, tightrope acts, and lions in the ring are some of the performances at the “Circus by the Sea.” This funny and unique album will tickle the funny bones of young listeners.

Website: www.andrewandpolly.com

Ageless

Ageless. Performed by Jon Samson. CD. Approx. 42 min. Cocreative Music. 2019. $15.00.

Grades 1 and up

 Parents Gold Choice Award-winning music therapist Jon Samson performs 12 original bright and lively pop songs focused on helping listeners strive for balance and harmony in their lives. He has drawn on his 15 years of experience in working with children to write songs that help listeners maintain a childlike spirit through the challenges, problems and predicaments that they face each day. Stellar backup musicians perform on ukulele, guitar, piano, cello, violin, viola, bass, synth, flute, trumpet, trombone, tambourine, and drums. The vocals feature lots of lush harmonies. An enthusiastic children’s chorus chimes in on some of the songs. In “Predicament,” one may go through a dark night, but he can shine bright and solve problems. When one feels “Anxiety,” he needs to calm down. One should not play a “Videogame” level after level after level without stopping. When you “Focus on What You Want,” you can focus on the positive and not on the negative. We are going on an adventure down by the sea, to the “Magic Potion Ocean,” where we will sing a song sweet and pure. To “Focus on ADD” is to work on controlling one’s impulses. “Am I Awake” begins slowly and dreamily, then segues to a frenetic tempo, then slows down again. When one can “Focus on This Moment,” one can focus on the here and now and enjoy the moment. “Love Is Not a Race,” a blend of folk and reggae, celebrates all kinds of hugs. In “Bubble Earth,” although things could always be worse, if one looks at the world as beautiful, then everything will be OK. “Bye, Polar Bear” takes a look at the world of opposites, exemplified by polar bears living at the north pole and penguins living at the south pole. “Only Love” can carry us through, especially if we help each other. This album will be a gold mine for other music therapists and parents helping children work through various problems.  

Website: www.cocreativemusic.com

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays. Performed by Katherine Dines. CD. Approx. 48 min. Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta. 2019. $15.99 + $3.00 shipping.

Grades 1 – 5

Award-winning songwriter Katherine Dines performs 12 original songs and 1 traditional song in a variety of folk styles, influenced by the music of various countries. A celebrated kindie artist, Dines has been writing songs and creating albums for 27 years. The backup musicians give stellar performances on guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, tin whistle, cajon, percussion, Chinese bell tree, udu, and mark tree. Before each song, Dines gives a spoken introduction, giving some information about the holiday or celebration. “Somewhere in the World” someone is celebrating a holiday, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or Ramadan, all of which include some kind of light in their celebrations. “A Long Time Ago,” people depended on the sun and stars to guide them through the dark. In “Thanks to the Sun,” pagan sun-worshiping people welcome the spring. “Nian,” a celebration of the Chinese New Year, tells of a hungry monster that came from the sea and gobbled up everything in sight; but a stranger in the village frightened it away with fireworks. Diwali celebrates the rescue of a woman by her husband from a demon king in “Light Rises Over Darkness.” Inspired by a poem by a Persian poet who lived in the 1300s, “Stars” celebrates the miraculous stars at night, that send light throughout our lives across eternity. “Eight Little Candles” reminds the Jewish people of the tiny army of Israelites that defeated Antiochus and his Syrian army and thus rescued the Temple. In “The Friendly Beasts,” a donkey, cow, and pair of doves come to visit Jesus in his manger and give him gifts. The introduction to “Forever Evergreen" is an interesting history of the origins of the Christmas tree. In the early 600s, an English monk traveled to Germany and taught the people the concept of the Trinity, using the triangular evergreen tree. Centuries later, at Christmas time, the German people began decorating an evergreen with candles (God’s light), fruit (the Garden of Eden), angels (to watch over the family), and stars (symbol of the Star of Bethlehem). In the song, the evergreen’s branches dance and sway in the winter wind while snowflakes fall. “The Sun Will Rise” tells of the Yule log burning bright in the Scandinavian celebration of Yule. “Ramadan,” which means “month that burns” explains this Islamic holiday. “Kwanzaa” explains how this invented holiday is celebrated. “Joy” wraps up the album with families getting together to celebrate the holidays. The accompanying booklet not only has the lyrics of the songs, but the texts of the narrations as well. This excellent album is a multi-cultural treasure, sure to be useful in classrooms and libraries.

Website: www.hunktabunkta.com

Animal Musicians

Animal Musicians by Pedro Alcalde. Book. 60 pp. The Secret Mountain. 2019. $14.95.

Grades 2 – 5

Pedro Alcalde, a noted orchestra conductor, showcases 14 animals, from the enormous humpback whale to the tiny St. Andrew’s Cross Spider. He devotes 4 pages to each animal, including facts about the animal’s behavior and habitat, and information about the “music” that the animal produces. Julio Antonio Blasco creates lovely artwork for each animal. The other animals in the collection include gibbons, superb lyrebirds, wolves, nightingales, starlings, northern cardinals, cicadas, Atlantic canaries, sac-winged bats, musician wrens, Chinese torrent frogs, and club-winged manakins. Readers interested in hearing the sounds can go to the publisher’s website, to listen to a recording of all the animals, except for the spider, which produces vibrations rather than sound. The link is: https://www.thesecretmountain.com/portfolio/animal-musicians/. This book, originally published in Spain, provides fascinating facts that will help increase a child’s understanding of nature. 

Little Creatures: An Introduction to Classical Music

Little Creatures: An Introduction to Classical Music by Ana Gerhard. Performed by various musicians. Book and CD. The Secret Mountain. 2019. $16.95. Book: 72 pp. CD: 35 min.  

2^nd – 5^th grades

20 bright and lively classical music pieces feature small creatures including insects, spiders, amphibians, and snakes. Each double-page spread contains a stunning illustration of the creature by Mauricio Gómez Morin, who uses a variety of painting styles, from comic, to stylized, to dreamy and Victorian retro. Each spread also includes a text box with the title of the composition, the name of the composer, and a short description of the creature and the musical piece. The contents include “Flight of the Bumblebee” from The Tale of Tsar Saltan (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov), “He Spake the Word…” from Israel in Egypt (George Frideric Handel), “From the Diary of a Fly” from Mikrokosmos, Volume 6 and “The Night’s Music” from Out of Doors (Béla Bartók), “Overture” from  The Wasps, Aristophanic Suite (Ralph Vaughan Williams), The Child and the Spells (Maurice Ravel), Violin Concerto (Georg Philipp Telemann), The Wandering Tadpole and Sensemayá (Silvestre Revueltas), “The Frog,” aka String Quartet opus 50, no.6 (Franz Joseph Haydn), The Cricket (Josquin des Prez), “March of the Grasshoppers” from Music for Children (Sergei Prokofiev), “The Grasshopper” from Two Insect Pieces (Benjamin Britten), “Song of the Flea” from Faust (Ludwig van Beethoven), The Flea (Joseph Bodin de Boismortier), “Tarantella” from Bardic Sounds (Johann Kaspar Mertz), “The Spider In Its Web” and “Entrance of the Ants” from The Spider’s Feast (Albert Roussel), The Butterflies (François Couperin), and Seven Butterflies (Kaija Saariaho). A number of musical groups give superb performances, including Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, Aradia Ensemble, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony, Ensemble Baroque, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, Kodály Quartet, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Capilla Flamenca, and Mexico Festival Orchestra. Additionally, various individual musicians give outstanding performances on piano, oboe, harpsichord, guitar, and cello. A couple of pieces feature professional vocalists. Several appendixes appear at the back of the book, including Listening Guide to each piece; a brief biography of each composer; a glossary of musical terms; and a timeline with a chart of each composer in his/her musical period: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20^th Century. This ambitious picture book, first published in Spain, is a must for every child’s musical education.

Website: www.thesecretmountain.com

Beneath the Cherry Tree

Beneath the Cherry Tree. Performed by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth. CD. Approx. 48 min. Humming Bear Music. 2019. CD: $14.99; Digital: $9.99.

Gr 1 and up

Gorgeous vocals and harmonies are the hallmarks of this fine album. Featuring folk, bluegrass, and Celtic musical styles, Kare’s voice soars in rich and melodious tones on these 11 original compositions. Instrumental accompaniments by Josh Goforth and others on guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, piano, bass, tuba and percussion are stellar. The narrator looks for faeries beneath “The Cherry Tree.”

The whistle pig, or “The Happy Groundhog,” could dance a jig. “The Little Tree” is unhappy with her plain appearance. “Little Bluebird” brings joy when she sings. Violet, Bluebell, Primrose, and Poppy are just a few of “The Flower Faeries.” A family builds a chicken coop for five chickens “Down on Blackberry Lane.” In “The Daffodil & the Faery Child,” a faery rescues a daffodil by holding it up through a blustery storm. “The Merry Band” are squirrels who found gold faery dust in their acorns. Picking apples and swinging on the porch swing are only two of the fun activities “On Our Carolina Farm.” In “The Bluebell & the Boy,” a young lad is amazed to hear a bluebell speaking to him. The “Autumn Jewels” the faeries gather end up as freckles on the faces of sleeping children. Mole and several other animals plan “A Party for Pig” to welcome him to the neighborhood. “To the Country We Will Go” tells of a family planning a move. “Song of the Wind” expresses the wind’s many moods. One of Goforth’s main career goals is to get young people interested in traditional music. This excellent album will go a long way in helping accomplish that goal.

Website: www.karestrongmusic.com

Finding Friends Far from Home: A Journey with Clara Net

Finding Friends Far from Home. Performed by Oran Etkin. CD. Approx. 34 min. Timbalooloo. 2019. CD: $14.00; Digital: $9.00.

K – Gr 5

Subtitled “A Journey with Clara Net,” this multi-cultural album takes listeners on a fun and wonderful musical journey to six countries: Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, China, Turkey, Russia, and Japan. These international songs were recorded in Prague, Czech Republic; Harare, Zimbabwe; Beijing, China; and Bodrum, Turkey. The journey begins with children chanting “We Want a Story.” In each country, Grammy Award-winning Etkin is joined by a native citizen/musician and together they perform music in a style traditional to that country and in the country’s native language. A variety of instruments accompany these songs, including some familiar to Americans: piano, bass, clarinet (aka Clara Net), bass clarinet, trombone and drums. In addition, the following accompanying instruments are traditional in the various countries: cimbalom, hosho, mbira, erhu (Chinese violin), guzheng (Chinese harp), kopuz, balalaika, djembe, and shamisen (Japanese guitar). Etkin introduces each song with a short narration and joins in on each with clarinet and vocals.  Pavlina Matjova represents the Czech Republic, singing “Chaye Shukariye (Sweet Girl).” In Zimbabwe, Irene Chigamba introduces listeners to “Kariga Mombe” and “Kutapira (Sweet).” China’s Min Xiao-Fen teaches Etkin “Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower).” Jehan Barbur of Turkey sings a lullaby, “Dandini Dandini.” Kirill Yacovlev of Russia plays the balalaika while singing “Tumbalalaika.” Finally, in Japan, Sumie Kaneko teaches listeners “Sakura (Cherry Blossom).” Delightful, informative, and musically appealing, this creative album is an excellent addition to every child’s musical education.  

Website: www.oranetkin.com 

Growing Up

Growing Up. Performed by Josh Lovelace. CD. Approx.37 min. Stonecroft Records. 2019. CD: $9.99.

K – Gr 5

Parents’ Choice and NAPPA award winner for his previous album, Josh Lovelace performs 11 original, appealing songs on his 2^nd children’s album in pop, rock, country (with touches of bluegrass), and calypso musical styles. With this album, Lovelace wanted to capture some of the nostalgia of his childhood. The backup musicians give outstanding performances on pedal steel, banjo, dobro, electric guitar, and bass. Background vocalists blend in with gorgeous harmonies. Guest kindie musician Frances England lends her lovely voice to “Butterfly,” in which Lovelace likens his children to butterflies following their dreams. An excellent children’s chorus also joins in on several songs. “You’ve Got Me and I’ve Got You” assures children of their parents’ love. In this energetic song, a narrator expresses his intention to be in a “Traveling Band” with a guitar in his hand. When one hears the beats of “Calypso,” he knows there is a party going on. In “This Is a New Song,” Lovelace encourages his listeners to dance along. After school, children beg their parents, “Let’s Go Drive.” As a stressed-out adult hurries to work, he calms himself by assuring himself that “Hey, It’s a Good Day.” Together, we can turn the whole world “Upside Down” (which showcases the vocal stylings of the children’s chorus). “Annie Beth” celebrates this heaven-sent child. “Forever My Friend” is a brief homage to friendship. When friends move away from each other, “Goodbyes Are the Hardest Thing to Do.” In the finale, once again a parent assures a child that “You Are Loved.” This wonderful and appealing album is sophisticated enough to keep parents engaged, but also simple enough for elementary children to understand and appreciate.

Website: www.joshlovelacemusic.com

Backstroke Raptor

Backstroke Raptor. Performed by The Story Pirates. CD. Approx. 41 min. Gimlet Media. 2019. CD: $15.00; Digital: $9.99.

Grades K - 5

            This motley crew presents 11 original and funny songs, created from stories submitted by children ages 5 - 13. A few of the songs also include narration or dialogue. Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame joins in on one of the songs. The album features an eclectic mix of musical styles, including surf rock dance, a rap set to the melody of “Pachelbel’s Canon,” folk pop, ska, R&B, calypso, and country western. “Backstroke Raptor” tells the story of a velociraptor who attaches a motor to a rowboat in order to leave the island he lives on. The monster “Samantha” tells her parents that she wants to be a human. Miranda raps about “The Wizard Who Could Just Go Poof,” whose spells always fizzle. Grace is assigned to write a report on a wallaby in “The Great Wallaby Adventure.” Still wet, “Cement Dude” travels to the desert in order to dry out, with narration by a man with a Johnny Cash-like voice. “The Girl with Superpowers” wants to be a superhero but realizes that she needs something to defeat first. “The Person Who Could Not Spin” gets lessons in spinning from others. Fashionista hamster Sally gets ready for work in “A Hamster’s Workday.” Koala Barry in “Barry and the Big Climbing Tree,” wants to climb trees, but keeps falling. “The Giraffe Didn’t Know” how to change the world but persisted in asking various animals if they knew how. In the barn, the “Dreaming Sheep” dream about going to school. The Story Pirates have hit another home run with these fun and lively songs crafted from the ideas of children.  

Website:  www.storypirates.com

Baby on the Subway

Baby on the Subway. Performed by Camille Harris. CD. Approx. 35 min. Camille Harris. 2019. CD: $15.00; Digital: $9.99.

Pre-S – Gr 2

            With experience in musical theater, stand-up comedy, and vocal jazz, Camille Harris presents 14 wonderful songs, most of which are infused with a bright, lively jazz vibe; but she also rounds out the styles with some rock, calypso, bossa-nova, and pop. This 4^th album features excellent musicians performing on

guitar, bass, upright bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, trumpet, flugelhorn, drums, and percussion.

Listeners are invited to dance along on “Jiggly Wiggly.” Listeners are introduced to a Chinese restaurant in which there is no silverware, only “Chopsticks” (jazzing up the famous traditional piano tune). Following a short, traditional singing of the “Muffin Man Nursery Rhyme” is an extended version of “Muffin Man” with additional lyrics. “Procrastination” is exactly that—she never got around to writing the lyrics or giving the song a title. “The Wheels on the Bus” contains the traditional lyrics, plus a few extra. Camille gives her vocal cords a workout on “Baby on the Subway,” in which she confesses to love the baby. The most sophisticated piece, “The Aegean Sea” is smooth jazz at its best. Young toddlers will love the traditional “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” while older children will appreciate the extended lyrics which encourage one to “Get Up and Try Again.”  On his farm, “Old MacDonald” has not only farm animals, but also a dinosaur and a pigeon. “The Backwards Alphabet” will test young listener’s abilities to recite the alphabet backwards. The “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star/Baa Baa Black Sheep/ABCs Medley” plays off the fact that they all have the same tune. “Lullaby” slows down and quiets down the music to ease babies to sleep.

Website: www.camilleharris.net

Sharon and Bram: Four Singles

Sharon & Bram Singles. Performed by Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison. CD. Approx. 14 min. Elephant Records, Inc. 2018-2019. Digital only: $1.29 each (available at iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and other digital retailers).

K – Gr 3

            Sharon and Bram have been releasing four brand new singles written by Sharon’s late husband, Joe Hampson, and with additional lyrics by daughter Randi Hampson. These fun, lively songs feature pop, jazz and music hall musical styles. The vocals are great, the harmonies lovely, and the accompanying children enthusiastic.

            In “The Colour Song” Colin Mochrie (Canadian comedian) tries to teach Sharon and Bram the concept of homonyms, using “red” and “read,” but without success (and he gets more and more frustrated). Young listeners will need to be somewhat familiar with homonyms in order to understand and enjoy the great humor in this song.

            Everyone needs a hug today in “The Hug Song.”

            Jim Cuddy of the country rock band Blue Rodeo joins in on “Talk About Peace,” love, a world full of happiness, friendliness, and doing unto other as you would have others do unto you.  

            Finally, there is nothing wrong with being “Different,” because it would be a shame if everyone looked the same.

            Sharon and Bram have done themselves proud with these four new additions to their musical oeuvre.

Website: www.sharonloisbram.com

(P. S.: Let Colin Mochrie know I am a fan of his funny performances on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”)

All I Do Is Hop

All I Do Is Hop. Performed by Grin Brigade. CD. Approx. 1 hour, 17 min. Song Wizard Records. 2019. $14.98.

Pre-S –  Gr 4

This primarily lively, high energy album features the Grin Brigade, made up of Dave Kinnoin, Randy Sharp, Red Grammar, Jimmy Hammer, Ellie Baer, Melanie Browoleit, Carly Riggs, Leslie Smith, and Oliver Kinnoin. The 29 original songs are performed in a variety of musical styles, including kid funk, rap, blues, pop, rock, country, anthem, ballad, calypso, and jazz. The excellent backup musicians perform on different instruments on each song, which include guitars, violin, bass, keyboards clarinet, pennywhistle, harmonica, and drums. Every child should be taught the concepts in “I Don’t Think So,” which teaches them two important things: to be aware of false advertising, and to never give out personal information over the phone or online. The “Dog Alphabet Song” features a variety of breeds, including Collie, Harrier, Mexican Hairless, Japanese Chin, Vizsla and more. The “Seaweed Café” is an underwater establishment serving bubble kelp sodas and algae hors d’oeuvres. “Mi Pelota” teaches a few Spanish words to English speakers. One traveling family goes “Bouncin’ on the Bumps” by taking the scenic route instead of the highway. “I Think I Can” encourages listeners to try things they haven’t done before. “Otter Facts” celebrates river otters—their appearance and activities. One child has a whole stack of “Night Lights” to choose from. Listeners are encouraged to “Look for the Helpers” when they are scared, sad, or lonely. One hyper-active child is always on the “Go, Go, Go.” The remaining songs include “All I Do Is Hop,” “Buttons,” “Just Like Magic,” “One Fuzzy Caterpillar” (counting song), “All Mixed Up” (diversity), “Dr. Ticklebone,” “High-Paying Job,” “Tiptoe” (encourages participatory movement), “The Good Life,” “Halloween Party Tonight” (in a haunted mansion), “What Can’t Be,” “Gotta Be Mine,” “Every Time We Hear a Sound,” “Keep on Shining” (following dreams), “Tookie, Tookie,” “Safe Here,” “Locomotivation,” “Let My Colors Flow,” and “Cool As a Cucumber.” This wonderful album is partly fun, partly silly, and partly informational.

Website: www.songwizard.com/grinbrigade

Which One Am I?

Which One Am I? Performed by Howie D. CD. Approx. 38 min. Produced by Tor Hyams. 2019. $15.00.

K – Gr 5

Howie Dorough, best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys, launches his first album of 12 original songs for children, inspired by his own sons. Now, as a child of the 1960s, I was too old to take any notice of the “boy bands” that flourished in the 1990s. So, I was pleasantly surprised by this excellent album, which features a variety of musical styles: rock, rap, doo wop, reggae, Motown, tango, blues, Latin, and pop, and Howie handles each style with aplomb. The backup musicians perform beautifully on guitars, bass, piano, drums, and percussion. The title song “Which One Am I” introduces the members of Backstreet Boys. In “Back in the Day,” Howie shares tidbits about his childhood in Orlando, Florida. Not finding any in his room, Howie admits that the only monsters are the “Monsters in My Head.” Howie showcases his amazing falsetto as he describes being “Shy.” He also had “Worry” about many things, such as doctor’s visits, the playground and the lunchroom. He must learn to come out from “Pollyanna’s Shadow,” his older sister. In the “School Bell Tango,” Howie admits how much he disliked school (except for recess). Because he’s too short for the rides at the amusement park, or can’t reach the shelf for a snack, Howie sings the “Small Time Blues.” He also performs a great cover of “Lean on Me.” The other songs include “No Hablo Español,” and “The Me I’m Meant to Be.” This fun, toe-tapping album is due to be turned into a musical theater production in 2020.
Website: www.howied.net 

The Robot EP

The Robot EP. Performed by Ants Ants Ants. CD. Approx. 11 min. Pinwheel Records. 2019. Price: $4.99.

PreS – Gr 3

This is probably the shortest (in time) album I have ever reviewed. Johnny Clay, Dave Gulick, and Nat Johnson comprise the band and wrote the 4 original songs in pop rock musical style. The band and their guest musicians give excellent performances on guitar, piano, bass, synthesizer, and percussion. The vocalists harmonize beautifully together. The four songs together tell a short story about a robot’s day. In “Robot, Robot,” the narrator is trying to wake up the robot. “Dance, Robot, Dance” explains that the robot was sleeping because the night before it danced until it ran its battery down. “The Robot Suite” tells listeners that the robot dreams about computers, circuits, cables, dancing, and more. The bridge of the song showcases the robot as a Disco King. “Robot Reprise” repeats parts of the first and second songs. The songs also include lots of robotic sound effects. This is a fun, lively, and energetic album for young robot enthusiasts.  
Website: www.antsantsants.com

Can You Feel It?

Can You Feel It? Performed by Jessa Campbell & the Saplings. CD. Approx. 30 min. Produced by Dave Smith. 2019. Digital: $9.49.

Pre-S-Gr 3

Portland-based Jessa Campbell & the Saplings perform 10 lively, original songs about nature in pop, bluegrass, folk, and waltz musical styles. The Saplings--Dave Smith, Amy Hakansson, Darcy Wallace, Jay Jay Harris, and Paul Brainard--join in with great performances on guitar, banjo, bass, keyboards, and drums. Jessa’s vocals are clear and strong, easily handling the different musical styles. “Can You Feel It?” details the life cycle of a salmon from hatching to returning to the home pond to breed. In “Mole in the Ground” the narrator wishes she were a mole, lizard, turtle, and other creatures for various reasons. “Waltz of Trillium and Ant” tells how ants spread seeds from trillium plants. The “T-Rex in the Forest” lived there a long time ago. “How I Love You Sun” shares facts about our star, such as it takes 8 minutes for Sun’s light to reach Earth. “Shadow Doo-Dah,” to the tune of “Camptown Ladies,” describes the changing lengths of shadows during the day. “The Great Happening” wants listeners to connect with nature by playing outside in the trees, etc. Spirals in shells and other patterns are called c “Fractals” in nature. “Water Worth” explains the water cycle—evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and percolation. “Goodnight Pacific Northwest” says goodnight to the diurnal animals and hello to the nocturnal animals. This terrific album will teach young listeners more about nature and science.
Website: www.jessacampbellsaplings.com 

Amongst the Tall Trees

Amongst the Tall Trees. Performed by Pointed Man Band. CD. Approx. 35 min. Doo-Dah Records. 2019. Digital: $9.49.

Gr 9 up

The Pointed Man Band is comprised of Dan Elliott, Vince Byrne, Eric Levine and Kay Elliott. Here they perform 12 energetic, original songs in various styles of jazz, rock, and funk. Nice harmonies and lots of syncopation are features of many of the tunes. The backup musicians perform exceptionally well on guitar, violin, viola, cello, harp, bass, organ, synthesizers, piano, sax, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. According to Elliott, he crafted the album's tracks to reflect the evolving landscape of seeking happiness and wonder while immersed in a complicated world. However, this reviewer found many of the lyrics obscure and difficult to understand; almost like a stream of disconnected thoughts in some places. Listeners are encouraged to “Go” climb a hill and feel the breeze. “Pint Size” is about being unified. The title “Corvidae” is never defined in the song, so younger listeners may not know this song celebrates the crow family of birds. The passing of time is rued in “Slowest Hands.” “A Minor” is a jazz instrumental. “April Fools” is an instrumental with solfege. The more obscure of the songs follow:  The “Yellow Dog” of If, wonders only if; it goes on and on and on and on…  I know you’ve travelled all over the world, but you ain’t seen nothing like it (“Dark Divide”). “Vs. People” begins “There’s a quiet little town under the cool, cool ground where the phosphorus is rising due to our wiggling and writhing around.” In “Eagle Creek,” they’re coming out, we’re coming over, everyone sounds just like underwater. “Adventures of Wunderland” are free, so long as you head from the said to the present we speak. Come one, come all, to the greatest show on “Unearthed,” we’re one, we’re all and we’re in it since our birth. A very unique album, for those who like quirky songs and lyrics.

Website: https://pointedmanband.com/

Under the Big Umbrella

Under the Big Umbrella. Performed by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. CD. Approx. 41 min. Label: Bangin’ Out a Melody Music. 2019. CD: $12.19; Digital: $9.49.

K-Gr 5

Grammy nominee Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could perform 12 songs, including four covers, that encourage individuality, kindness, and compassion, in Caribbean, rock, country and pop musical styles. Guitar, mandolin, bass, keyboards, accordion, drums, and an enthusiastic children’s chorus backup these lively and catchy tunes. After greetings in several languages, people are asked to meet “Under the Big Umbrella” where there are all kinds of friendly folks. “The Smile Shop” is open with rows and aisles of smiles. Each kind act is a “Drop in the Bucket,” such as complimenting and including people. If everyone looked the same, wore the same clothes, and liked the same foods, that would be boring, but “Different Is Beautiful (Like a Rainbow).” In “Stick Up Stand,” friends stand up for each other, such as standing up against bullies.  With a completely different tune, “Different Is Beautiful (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah)” also celebrates individuality. Don’t copy others and “You Do You” by just being yourself. “Thank You for Being You” and for making the world a better place to dream, for showing the world how to be yourself, and for teaching the world how to take a stand. The band covers Jimmy Cliff’s “You Can Get It If You Really Want” (with adapted lyrics about overcoming obstacles), Woody Guthrie’s “Don’t You Push Me Down” (featuring Sonia De Los Santos singing the lyrics in Spanish), Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out," and the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” (featuring David Gibb). A rip-roaring, energetic album that will have listeners dancing and singing along.

Website: www.bradyrymer.com

Motivational Songs

Motivational Songs. Performed by Raffi. CD. Approx. 88 min. Label: Rounder Records. 2019. CD: $14; Digital: $11.50.

Gr 4 up

At 70, kindie sensation Raffi is still going strong. Here he performs 20 songs, which he has written over a span of nearly 20 years, in pop, rock, jazz, folk, blues, Middle Eastern folk, country, and techno pop musical styles. These songs depart from the early childhood songs for which he is so well-known; they are aimed at older children and adults. According to Raffi, these songs advance his “Child Honouring” philosophy—his vision for creating a humane and sustainable world by addressing the universal needs of children. No credits are given for the excellent backup musicians, but listeners can detect guitars, strings, drums, percussion, wolf howls and bird chirps. The songs include themes of peace, diversity, social justice, indigenous cultures, civic engagement, climate change, and sustainability. “Resisto Dancing” will set listeners’ feet to moving. We all matter so “Tweet Me Right.” Remembering the Berlin wall and the Iron Curtain, which President Reagan helped to bring down, listeners are assured that there is “No Wall Too Tall.” In “Salaam Shalom,” Raffi wishes to bring Israeli children and Palestinian children together (if only those pesky Palestinians would quit trying to bomb Israel!) Other song titles include “Wave of Democracy,” “Count with Me,” “Letter to a Nation,” “Sustainability,” “Communion,” “Counting on You,” “Human Child,” “It Takes a Village,” “Green Dream,” “Tomorrow’s Children,” “First Peoples,” “Evergreen Everblue,” “Where We All Belong,” “Ray of Hope,”  and “Turn This World Around.” “Cool It,” is another misguided song about climate change that does not take into consideration that cold weather kills more people than warm weather. Warmer weather and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere means more plants, and more plants mean more food for animals and people. If Raffi really wants sustainability, he should want a warmer planet. Although I do not agree with all of Raffi’s politics, his songs are lively, the tunes are catchy, and the album will be welcomed by Raffi’s older fans. 
Website: http://www.raffinews.com/

Earworm

Earworm. Performed by Sean McCollough. CD. Approx. 44 min. Label: Little Thing Records. 2019. CD: $12; Digital: $7.

K – Gr 5

Host of the Kidstuff Show on Knoxville radio, award-winning Sean wrote and performs 8 of these songs and covers 5 more. He demonstrates his versatility in roots music, including blues, bluegrass, African-American string band, and chant; with some rock, pop, and jazz as well. The excellent backup musicians perform on guitar, banjo, piano, keyboard, lap dulcimer, fiddle, cello, mandolin, upright bass, electric bass, piccolo, trombone, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, drums, African drums, and percussion. An “Earworm” is a song that is stuck in your head. “All Kinds of Singing” is swell. Molly Ledford of Lunch Money joins Sean in her song about the structure called the “Sunsphere” left over from the 1982 Knoxville Worlds Fair. The alphabet helps people write songs and stories in “ABC (The Writing Song).” In “Don’t Let ‘Em Get Yer Goat,” listeners are advised that it doesn’t matter what others think about you. “Her Name Was Lady” tells about Sean’s childhood pet goats Lady, Pablo, and Jackie (the bully goat). This jazzy minor tune warns listeners about the “Fuzzy Brown Vine (aka Poison Ivy).” Don’t worry about the “Rag Doll” because it is not fragile like a china doll. Sean tells the story of how he used to get “Carsick” on long trips. Billy Jonas gives a command performance on his “bucket kit” percussion about traffic lights in “Green Means Go.” The narrator gives suggestions for fun, from “Let’s Give a Party,” to going fishing or going to the park. The “Kidstuff Theme Song” emphasizes that music makes life better. In “Big Ears,” listeners are encouraged to open their mind, heart, eyes, and ears. A wonderful and quirky album that is fun for the whole family.
Website: http://seanmccollough.com

Love Is Te Quiero

Love Is Te Quiero. Performed by Alina Celeste. CD. Approx. 35 min. Label: Lion Mice Productions. 2019. CD: $11.99; Download: $9.99.

PreS-Grade 4

Cuban-American Alina Celeste, performs 11 songs, some bright and lively, some sweet and gentle on her third album. The backup musicians give excellent performances on guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, celeste, upright bass, flute, drums, tiny drums, percussion, washboard, whistle, glockenspiel, and accordion; in folk, pop, bluegrass, Caribbean, and Latin musical styles. “Love Is” buying a loved one a gift, kissing a scraped knee, and keeping a child safe when they are afraid of the dark. Sung in Spanish, “Vaca Lechera” is about a magical cow that gives milkshakes instead of milk. “Clap Hands” encourages listeners to clap hands, rock heads, bounce, jump, and knock their knees. Another song with movement, “Baila Conmigo” encourages listeners to dance, move their feet, jump and move their arms. “Chito and Abu” love to play all kinds of games together. “Kitty Catchie,” an adaptation of the American folk song “King Kong Kitchie,” tells of a frog that catches cold and a dog that is scared of the dark. We are all just a little piece of “Stardust.” Celeste includes two traditional Spanish folk songs, “Debajo De Un Botón ,” and “Los Pollitos.” The final two songs are also in Spanish: “Coquinas” (about seashells in the shape of butterflies) and “Te Quiero.” Celeste’s album celebrates bilingual life but is also for those who speak only Spanish or English.
Website: www.alinaceleste.com

Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline

Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline. Performed by Ants on a Log. CD. Approx. 48 min. Label: Ant Hill. 2019. CD: $13.99; Download: $9.49.

Grades 1 - 7

Ants on a Log (Julie Beth and Anya Rose) present a musical that combines expert narration, expressive voice acting and songs in pop and country musical styles to convey the story. The characters are convincingly portrayed by Julie, Anya, Kathy O’Connell, Lucy Kalantari, John McCutcheon, Manny Gonzalez, Sterling Duns, and narrated by Peter Rose. The background instruments include guitar, bass, flute, drums, percussion. The story is based on a true situation that occurred in Philadelphia. A couple of men are planning to expand an oil refinery in a small town. But Clio realizes that the current refinery is already causing many people in the community to get sick, including her sister, Taylor, whose asthma is getting worse. After doing some research and writing letters, Clio and Taylor rally the community to stand up against the expansion. They also offer some alternatives, such as solar and wind power. In the end, the expansion is stopped. The story is very one-sided, painting people in the oil industry as greedy and ruthless, and as wanting to ruin the environment. Otherwise, the musical will encourage young people to stand up for whatever cause they are fighting for.
Website: www.antsonalogmusic.com

Kindred

Kindred. Performed by Renee & Friends. CD. Approx. 30 min. Label: One Melody Records. 2019. Price: CD or download: $13.98.

Grades K and up

Soaring and heartfelt vocals, with beautiful harmonies, are the hallmark of these 11 outstanding songs, nine originals written by Renee Stahl and two covers. The songs are performed in several musical styles: rock folk, pop, soft shoe, and rap. Renee is joined by several guest vocalists, including Ziggy Marley, Lisa Loeb, Elizabeth Mitchell, Christ Stills, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Jeremy Toback, and Jennifer Paskow. Several songs also feature children’s voices. Tom Rossi performs most of the background instruments, with assistance from other musicians on guitar, bass, upright bass, violin, cello, horns, drums, cymbals, and glockenspiel. Sung in a round, “Kindness” is cool. Those who want to change the “Super Fragile World” should also think about changing themselves. Ziggy Marley performs a wonderful cover of a Cat Stevens classic--“Where Do the Children Play?” The future “Leaders of the World” stand up for what they believe in. “Home” is the place I love. “Kindred” is family that makes one laugh when they’re feeling blue, and with whom one’s heart is free. “Nothing and No One” can  ever take away my love. An ant can’t move a rubber tree plant, but he has “High Hopes” in this cover of a classic Sammy Cahn tune. “Be Curious” about the big wide world. You can “Rely” on me. “How Did You Get So?” sweet, big, strong, smart, and beautiful, asks a mother of her child. This smooth and thoughtful album, so easy on the ears, will appeal as much to adults as to children.
Website: www.reneeandfriends.com 

Shake It and Break It

Shake It and Break It. Performed by Randy Kaplan. CD. Approx. 55 min. Label: Yellow Thing Records &

Books. 2019. CD: $11.99; Digital: $9.99.

K – Gr 7

Multiple award-winning Randy Kaplan has borrowed songs from classic blues men of yore and reworked their lyrics to be appropriate for children. These men include John Hurt, Charlie Patton, John Lee Hooker, Tampa Red, Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Dave Van Ronk, and Mance Lipscomb. The musical styles feature country blues, ragtime, and Delta blues. The result is that Kaplan presents 12 story songs in which he both sings and speaks. “Candy Man Blues” warns those who eat candy all the time that they will end up with bad teeth and bad health. “Shake It and Break It” is the story of an indestructible jelly roll. In “Boogie Chillen,” Kaplan looks for places to boogie, such as schools and libraries. In “It Hurts Me Too (Sitting on Top of the World)” parents empathize with their injured children at the playground. “Doing a Stretch” is not about spending time in prison but is about one man’s stretching routine in the morning (complete with rubber band SFX). In “Chicken Chump Blues” a child who doesn’t want to jump into murky, slimy lake at camp is called a “chicken chump.” A stray dog that is rescued by a child and becomes a family dog, sings “Been Your Dog.”  Kaplan also sings a verse in Canine, with barks and growls. The “Roll and Tumble Blues” is a silly story/song about a pet monkey who loves to eat muffins, but since there is also a pet cat in the home whose name is “Muffin,” he freaks out whenever the monkey asks to “eat muffins.” Baby “Crow Jane” (whose crying can be heard in the background) has insomnia and will not nap despite her daddy’s best efforts. “From Four Until Late” tells about a boy who, while his parents are away, stays with his Granny, who does things much differently than his parents. “Swinging on a Star” includes spoken comments from a mule, pig, fish, and monkey. After singing the chorus of “Little Brown Jug,” Kaplan begins rambling about how one should be concise and germane, and other silly ramblings about juice, aliases, tangents, etc. This outstanding album not only will have children laughing but also introduce them to blues music.  

Website: https://randykaplan.hearnow.com/