These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the April, 1999 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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I admit that I guessed wrong when I predicted in last month's column that Tony Bennett's star power would earn him the Grammy for best children's recording of 1998. I underestimated the star power of Elmo and the herd of superstars who made an appearance on this year's winner, Elmopalooza!. I still don't think either Elmopalooza or Bennett's The Playground were the year's best, or even the best of the five nominations. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. But I'll go out on a limb once again and venture a guess that one or more of the recordings I'm reviewing this month will end up with a Grammy nomination for 1999.
Singin' In The Bathtub (Sony Wonder, 1999) is the latest release in Sony Wonder's Family Artist Series. It stars the zany-but-lovable John Lithgow, a.k.a. High Commander Dick Solomon, the professor from another planet on NBC's hit comedy series 3rd Rock From The Sun. This is not Lithgow's first venture into children's music. In 1990 he released the video John Lithgow's Kid-Size Concert after years of playing for kids. "When my first son was born, I taught myself to play guitar because I loved the idea of playing and singing for my own baby," he says. Lithgow sings some hilarious songs accompanied by the music of Bill Elliott's Swing Orchestra, a band that models its sound after the style of the great dance bands from the late '30s and early '40s. Lithgow seems to be having a great time as he croons his way through these songs. They are full of playful lyrics. "Everybody Eats When They Come To My House" is a rhyming extravaganza. Other fun songs include "From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies," the standards "A--You're Adorable" and "Swinging On A Star," and the folk music classic "I Had A Rooster." Lithgow also sings his own "Big Kids," which he's been performing for years. In all there are fourteen very swingin' and light-hearted songs which will have very little ones dancing, older kids getting goofy with the lyrics, and adults swinging and singing along. Go Back to Top . John McCutcheon's newest release, Springsongs (Rounder Kids, 1999), completes his Four Seasons series. I always look forward to McCutcheon's music for children--he consistently addresses childhood and family experiences with the warmth of a good storyteller and the excitement of a great musician. Songs for this season include "I Hope I Make It," about a young boy's hope for making the little league team (and a verse in which McCutcheon roots for his daughter); "Going To The Prom," a young girl's account of an older sister's transformation; and the rock 'n roll rave "Summer Is A-Coming." These 12 songs run the musical gamut from traditional folk to blues, and ballad to jazz--all with an authentic sensibility. I've come to expect remarkable songwriting, musicianship, performance and production from McCutcheon and Springsongs has all of these. McCutcheon's music is probably best appreciated by 7- to 10-year-olds who haven't become completely entrenched in the pop music culture. Though it's hard to keep the relentless onslaught of pop music at bay, McCutcheon offers an appealing alternative. But kids won't hear it without our help--most radio stations don't play children's music. Go Back to Top Similarly, Ted Jacobs' A Child's Garden of Songs--The Poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson in Song (Music For Little People, 1999) won't get into the ears of children unless we put it there. But what a marvelous way to introduce children to the genius of Robert Louis Stevenson, and what a natural fit to do it with song. After all, songs are poems set to music. These tastefully constructed melodies feature lilting voices and musical arrangements that are perfectly suited to the poems. The songs display a prominent Celtic influence and are accompanied by uilleann pipes, guitars, whistles and bodhran drums. Just in case you're not up on these wonderful classic poems, here's just a taste, from "Bed in Summer": "In winter, I get up at night/ And dress by yellow candle light/ In summer, quite the other way/ I have to go to bed by day." You shouldn't have any trouble locating these recordings wherever quality children's music is sold. Or point your browser to www.sonywonder.com for Singin' In The Bathtub, www.folkmusic.com (McCutcheon's site) or www.rounder.com for Springsongs, and www.mflp.com for A Child's Garden of Songs. Please send me your input and feedback by mail at Chicago Parent or by e-mail at fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. @postscript:Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator and a nationally recognized children's musician. He lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and young son.. Go Back to Top |
