These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the August, 1999 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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It's a great day for me when I listen to a children's music CD that towers above almost everything else I've heard. And to think that I almost missed this one. (I had listened to it once before and must not have been paying attention; I put it in my "maybe I'll listen to this one again" pile.) Luckily though, I was intrigued enough by the artist's background and by his great reviews to give it another listen.
Philharmonic Fool (Jester Records, 1995) by Rick Scott immediately soared to the top of my favorite kids' CD List. Other honors have included a nomination for a Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy. (If this wasn't good enough to win, I'd sure like to listen to what did.) Scott is one of those rare artists who has successfully crossed the bridge from adult to children's music. Before he decided to turn his attention to young audiences, he was a respected songwriter and performer in Canada. Since 1990, he has performed more than 1,000 family concerts in schools, theaters and festivals across Canada, the U.S., Asia and Australia. (Where have I been?) Philharmonic Fool is right on the mark for children 8 and up--those years right before they're swept away by the commercial music frenzy. And this CD is so good, parents will enjoy it even when the kids aren't around. Of course, this is a common claim by those who promote kids' music, but this CD is one of only a few that actually lives up to it. Why? Simple. The songwriting is outstanding from start to finish, the musicianship and studio production are stellar, and the sensitivity to children and childhood is deep. I wish I had space to address the wonderful qualities of each song, but I'll have to make do with a few highlights. "April Fool" grabbed me immediately with its musical groove, centered around Scott's rhythmic dulcimer playing. If you hear "dulcimer" and you think strictly folk music, think again. Scott plays it like a rhythm guitar, rockin' right along. The song hints at autobiography as it takes an introspective look into the mind of a young person. "It is times like this I wonder why I do exist/ I know that this is serious but after all it's my little life/ I'd like to get it right." "Grandma" is another example of fine writing. If I were to write a song about my Grandma, I would want it to sound just like this. Children's songs that tackle relationships like these often melt into too much sentimentality for my taste. Not this one. Maybe it's because the lyrics are in the present tense, not the past, giving the song a bright outlook. The homemade band is another topic often chosen by children's musicians, but rarely handled with the skillful touch Scott demonstrates in "Homemade Music." The song is reminiscent--for those of us old enough to remember--of the happy, good-time music of The Lovin' Spoonful. I definitely will be using this song with my music students next school year as a springboard for a unit on homemade musical instruments. Great sound effects include an old wooden ruler on a table, rubber bands, beans in a can, and a garden hose. They're all swirled into a catchy chorus that boasts, "Homemade music is the best made music...the reason it's so good is...the band is me and you." The hilarious "I Don't Want To Sing On Your Song" also showcases Scott's writing, performance and production strengths. The verses feature him trying to coax folks to sing along. They respond by singing, "I don't want to sing on your song," thereby, of course, accommodating his requests. He goes through all sorts of rhythmic and lyrical contortions in his efforts to elicit a response. The song which has probably gotten the most critical attention is the gorgeously textured and heartwarming "Angels Do." Scott is spokesperson for the Down Syndrome Research Foundation and his video of "Angels Do," which celebrates special-needs children and stars his granddaughter, Mielle, has been broadcast on the Disney Channel. I was so swept away by Philharmonic Fool, that I decided to investigate his two earlier children's music projects (unfortunately, only available on cassette). I was not disappointed.
His first release, The Electric Snowshoe (Jester Records, 1989), is very creative and unique. It has been so popular that it 500,000 copies, earning it a Gold Record in 1998--something quite unusual in children's music.
Rick Around the Rock (Jester Records, 1992) also features great songs which are musically sophisticated and have the right amount of humor, childhood connections and family appeal. The tape is worth buying if just for his popular rap introduction to Mozart, "Yo Mo Concerto." It may be difficult to find Scott's music at local retail outlets, but it's worth the effort to order the recordings. For retail information call Jester Records at 604-736-7676 or visit Scott's website at www.rick-scott.com. Or order his recordings, as well as the "Angels Do" video, through Family Planet Music at www.familyplanetmusic.com. As always, please let me know your reactions to the music I review and feel free to suggest other recordings you think I should cover. E-mail your comments to fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu or jot off a note to me in care of Chicago Parent. 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 |
