These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the April, 2002 issue of "Chicago Parent Magazine." Reviewed in this column:
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| If you read last month's column, you might remember that I reviewed the
Grammy-nominated albums in the children's music category. I noted that although
I didn't feel that Elmo and The Orchestra was the best of the year's releases,
it just might walk away with the Grammy. It won, which just goes to prove
my contention that brand recognition reigns supreme, even with children's
music.
Speaking of brand recognition, I predict that at least one of the titles I review this month will appear on the final ballot for next year's Grammy Awards. Why? Well, if I asked parents to name the most recognized artist in children's music, I suspect that most would say Raffi, and Raffi has just released his first new recording in seven years. Let's Play (Rounder, 2002) is sure to be embraced by Raffi fans. Unlike some of his previous releases, on this one he sticks close to what he does best, which is to record a collection of singable songs for 3- to 6-year-olds. He kicks off the 16-song recording with the title track, "Let's Play," a jazzy, bluegrass-flavored invitation to play and sing along. Other standouts include the preschool classics "Eensy Weensy Spider" and "If You're Happy and You Know It," a nice rearrangement of the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine," and the Russian folk song "May There Always Be Sunshine," sung in Russian, French and English. Raffi's humanitarian side comes to light with "It Takes A Village" as well as two songs in honor of Jane Goodall: "Jane Jane" and "Roots and Shoots." I also really enjoyed his version of "Blessed Be," which was performed so eloquently by Alison Kraus on the Raffi tribute album Country Goes Raffi. Other noteworthy cuts include "Tsetang Gangla," a traditional Tibetan playground song, and "Jiggledy Jill," a fun-filled romp of rhymes and imagery. For more information about Raffi's music, books and the causes he supports, visit www.raffinews.com. Go Back to Top When I first heard about the idea behind Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies (Rounder Kids, 2002), I wondered whether it was a bit disrespectful and if we weren't stooping pretty low if we have to put lyrics to musical masterpieces just to get children to listen. But it turned out that this project was so much fun that I had to set aside my reservations. Imagine the opening passage of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with the lyrics "Beethoven's wig...is very big." Sure it's silly, but that's what I, as a parent and teacher, enjoy about this recording. After all, why can't we have fun with classical music? The songs on this CD are full orchestral arrangements of a variety of famous classical pieces with the vocal tracks laid on top. In the case of the title song, the sheer speed at which the singer needs to sing in order to match the lyrics with the melody is humorous. My 4th-graders enthusiastically received "Please Don't Play Your Violin At Night," put to the music of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." The song tells the fictional story of Mozart trying to put the finishing touches on the piece, much to the dismay of his wife, who is trying to get some sleep. Their banter goes back and forth as they plead their cases, with Mozart explaining, "The notes are stars that twinkle," and his wife replying, "I envy Rip Van Winkle." Other classics on Beethoven's Wig include "Franz Liszt, The Famous Pianist," sung to his Hungarian Rhapsody; "Can You Can Can?" to Offenbach's "Can Can;" and "Just For Elise," based on the similarly-titled Beethoven classic. "Delibes' Pizzicato" from Sylvia becomes "Drip Drip Drip," a story about a dripping bathroom sink complete with a recitation section in the middle that serves as a commercial announcement for Noah's Plumbing. "Hey Guitar Teacher" is the sing-along version of Bach's famous "Bouree" (made popular in the 70s by Jethro Tull). In "My Guitar Teacher," the guitar student thanks the teacher for assigning such a swell piece, one that even his mother will love. Instrumental versions of all 16 pieces are also provided. If you want your children to have some fun with classical music, be sure to check out Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies. Go Back to Top One of my favorite musical groups for young children, Greg & Steve, has a new recording, Fun and Games (Youngheart Records, 2002). I think it's their best effort in a long time. Greg & Steve's music is used in lots of preschool classrooms. But although this enormously popular duo has mostly stayed on the educational side of the recording industry, presenting workshops for teachers and selling out concerts across the country, its music is equally suited for home listening. The songs are a pop-influenced mix of original songs and creative adaptations of traditional children's material. The format usually includes a singable ballad (here, the uplifting "Hello World"), a story reworked into a song ("The Little Red Hen") and plenty of movement activities ("I Can Work With One Hammer," "Mr. Knickerbocker," "Goofy Hat Dance" and "Rock With Me"). Other titles include the cuddly "Teddy Bear Song," the traditional "The Riddle Song," which is tastefully set to a slow reggae beat, and "In My Playground," a rhyme-filled run around the park with a stylish jazz arrangement that is one of my favorites. Greg & Steve are veterans of the children's music business and continue to produce recordings that teachers adore. It's time for parents to find out what all the excitement is about. For information about ordering Fun and Games, call 800-548-4063. To learn more about Greg & Steve's other award-winning recordings visit www.gregandsteve.com. Go Back to Top I welcome your thoughts on these or any other children's music recordings. Feel free to get in touch with me in care of Chicago Parent or via e-mail: fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator, children's musician and nationally recognized workshop clinician. His website, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, provides recommendations and information about selecting quality children's music, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son. Go Back to Top |
