These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the August, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| These days, the genre of "children's music" has so much to offer that
if you have a specific interest you want to explore musically with your
children, odds are you'll be able to find a children's recording to fit
the bill. The recordings highlighted this month show just a few of the possibilities
for expanding your children's horizons through music.
If your family loves Yellowstone National Park, you will enjoy Goin' Wild! (in Yellowstone and the Tetons) (Slug Music, 1999), performed by the witty and musically eclectic Banana Slug String Band. The Slugs, as their fans affectionately know them, take you on a musical journey through these wondrous natural treasures. The songs are educationally solid, the musical arrangements are well-thought-out, and the musical performances are fun and engaging. Furthermore, the Slugs' affection for their subject matter is genuine--they are passionate environmentalists. As I was writing this review, my son saw the Goin' Wild CD on my desk and asked if we could listen to (and then he sang), "Come with me and be wild and free/ Come and run with the pack." He had heard this song ("Wolf Dream") only once a few days earlier, but it stuck with him. To me, this speaks volumes about the strength of the songwriting on Goin' Wild. "Wolf Dream" is set to an almost heavy metal guitar riff, with the verses spoken then the chorus sung to a catchy little melody. After we listened to it again, Matthew said, "This is good music, isn't it!" And I was singing "I'm Proud To Be A Beaver" after just one listening. It's set to a Texas swing-style musical track reminiscent of "Riders In The Sky" (of "Woody's Roundup" fame). Another favorite is "We Are Wildlife Too," a song about remembering some of the less glamorous, but vital, species that call the wilderness their home. The song's built around a funky, Frank Zappa-style bass- and horn-driven groove, further showcasing the Slugs' eclectic musical tastes. Other great songs include "Let It Burn" (about the healthy effect of fire), "Walking In The Tetons," "Grizzly Bear Paradise," "Bison," and the charming "Old Faithful," wistfully sung by a young girl who thought that she'd only see the famous geyser, but saw so much more that she came away sounding like a geologist. Go Back to Top Lyle Cogen has a passion for "wild" life, too, but that of the Broadway variety. Her Lyle Sings Broadway For Kids (MalZac Music, 2001) is a fun mix of Broadway show tunes. Cogen's background is in musical theater, so this project is a perfect match for her style. I've enjoyed her previous children's music releases, but she is in her element here and has never sounded better. The CD starts with "Doe, A Deer" from "The Sound of Music," then quickly changes pace with "We Go Together" from "Grease." It offers sweet, charming tunes such as "I Won't Grow Up" (from "Peter Pan"), then rocks out with the best of them on songs like "Twist and Shout" from "Beatlemania." Other songs include "Kids" ("Bye Bye Birdie"), "Whistle A Happy Tune" ("The King and I") and "I've Got Rhythm" ("Crazy For You"). The musical arrangements are outstanding. All the tracks are tastefully orchestrated without sounding cheesy and over-produced. (I'm not a big fan of musicals, so for me to even put this recording in the CD player was a big step.) The songs will appeal to kids and adults, the music is sophisticated without being overpowering, and Cogen sounds like she's having a great time. I hope she has plans for a sequel. Go Back to Top Martin Swinger, a folk singer-songwriter from Maine, also has a noteworthy new CD. Mockingbird (Martin Swinger, 2001) is a delightful collection of mostly original songs. I'd characterize his style as American eclectic--a mix of American folk music styles featuring mostly acoustic instruments, in which the songs, not the musical arrangements, take center stage. The CD captured my attention as soon as the first song, "Dancin' Shoes," came on--not just because of the zydeco musical style, which I love, but because Swinger's music is so singable and danceable. The song that gets the most requests in our house is "Firefighters," in which Swinger gently reminds children of safety tips to a musical accompaniment that is reminiscent of the classic "Teddy Bear's Picnic." Another enjoyable segment is "Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly" and "Found A Peanut," featuring a 1967 recording by Swinger's grandmother. As he points out in the liner notes, Swinger's dad borrowed a tape recorder in order to archive the stories and songs Gramma Swinger had learned in the early 1900s. The authentic, old-timey recording sounds like one of those old field recordings John Lomax made for Smithsonian, but is very effective--its like listening in on a family get together. Swinger spends time performing in schools, and he includes two songs that he wrote with his students. "Outside/Inside," a song about respect, was written with a group of 3rd graders, and "Caterpillar" substitutes new words for the traditional "Hush, Little Baby." Mockingbird, Swinger's first children's music recording, would make a fine addition to your folk music collection. Let's hope for some more from him. Go Back to Top Though you may be able to find these recordings at retail outlets (Borders Books & Music currently has the biggest and best selection of children's music CDs), you can also get in touch with the artists for ordering information. For the Banana Slug String Band, call 888/32-SLUGS or visit www.bananaslugstringband.com. For Lyle Cogen, call 800/FUN-SONGS or visit www.lylecogen.com. For Martin Swinger, call 207/626-0165 or send e-mail to MrtinSwngr@aol.com. And feel free to drop me an e-mail (fred@bestchildrensmusic.com) to let me know what music your family is enjoying. Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator and a nationally recognized children's musician. His new children's music 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 |
