These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the December, 2000 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| When I was growing up, we would gather at my grandparents' house. My
grandfather or my aunt would play holiday favorites on the piano, and we'd
have an old-fashioned sing-along. We now carry on this tradition with our
son and his cousins, and our sing-along has become a highlight of our Christmas
Eve get-together. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or
another holiday, it's likely that music is an important part of your holiday
traditions. This year, as always, there is plenty of holiday music to choose
from. My recommendations include new releases, great old classics and compilations
of previously-recorded songs.
I'm very excited to recommend Holiday Mornings (Arlo and Anna, 2001) by Chicago musicians Arlo and Anna. This recording, for children 6 and up, is full of creative and refreshing new spins on holiday themes. The music shifts nicely from sweet acoustic tunes to all-out rockers, with some blues, old-timey and world music flavors mixed in, too. Some of my favorites include the original songs "Making Resolutions" (which asks the tough question "What's In It For Me?"); "Too Many Lights," a cute story/song about an overly decorated yard; and "Mrs. Claus," which reminds us that "behind every great man there's a woman." Other nice touches include the story of "The Shoemaker and the Elves," told by Anna's father; "Bethlehem," a thought-provoking look at the little town set to a very nice Middle Eastern music track; and "Los Reyes Magos," which gives some history on Christmas in Latin America. It's a real challenge to write songs that say something that hasn't been said before, especially with holiday music. But Arlo and Anna have succeeded in creating a set of child-centered songs that is musically sophisticated and refreshingly original. (Please note: When I opened my CD box, I was surprised to find three mini-CDs enclosed, instead of one regular-size disc. As nice as the mini-CDs are--and their presentation is outstanding--they would only play in one of my CD players, though information on the inside stated that they would play in any tray-loading CD player. When purchasing this recording, it might be safer to order the full-sized CD.) Go Back to Top I also recommend Home For The Holidays (Rhino 2000), a Martha Stewart Living compilation of Christmas songs featuring an interesting line-up of performers. Emmylou Harris starts it off with "The First Noel," Ray Charles sings "Christmas Time," Melissa Manchester offers "White Christmas," and David Bowie and Bing Crosby team up on a medley of "Peace On Earth"/"Little Drummer Boy." This eclectic mix also includes The Pretenders' "2000 Miles," Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" and Judy Garland's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Go Back to Top If you're pining for an Old English Christmas, you will want to pick up A Child's Christmas Revels (1993 Revels Records), subtitled "Children Singing In Celebration of the Winter Solstice." This classic and joyful recording include 30 carols, songs and chants performed by children ages 6 to 13 accompanied by early period instruments and a hand bell choir. Some of my favorites include "As I Sat On A Sunny Bank" (a skipping tune version of "I Saw Three Ships"), "Rejoice and Be Merry" and "Here We Come A-Wassailing." Go Back to Top Another great holiday release is Celebrate Hanukkah (Craig 'n Co., 2000), produced by Craig Taubman. This compilation, which I also recommended last year, features some of the Jewish community's favorite musicians including Peter Yarrow, Ben Sidran, Debbie Friedman, Judy Frankel, Rabbi Joe Black, Sruli and Lisa, Linda Hirschhorn, Taubman and others. It's a comprehensive musical look at the Festival of Lights with songs representing contemporary, classical, Yiddish and Ladino musical styles. (I have to admit that until I heard this CD, I didn't realize the full range of possibilities for Jewish music.) Some of my favorite songs include Ben Sidran's mellow jazz arrangement of "I Have A Little Dreidel," Joe Black's soulful "Tzur Chayeinu," Peter Yarrow's classic "Light One Candle," and Flory Jagoda's "Ocho Kanelikas," a Ladino Hanukkah counting song. Go Back to Top Another Hanukkah release that I've previously recommended is A Child's Hanukkah (Music For Little People, 1998), performed by The Jewish Wedding Band. A family friend tells me that this is a sort of A-to-Z of Hanukkah, a good addition to any home library of Hanukkah music. I particularly enjoy the quality of musicianship and the humor, especially in the song "God Rest Ye, Jerry Mandelbaum." Go Back to Top All you Veggie Tales fans will want to pull out A Very Veggie Christmas (Big Idea Publishing, Inc., 1998). The hugely popular Veggie Tales video series focuses on entertaining kids while teaching Biblical values. On the CD, lots of zany banter takes place in Bob the Tomato's living room, interspersed with some fun versions of holiday songs, such as Larry's salsa rendition of "Feliz Navidad" and the French Peas' performance of the traditional French carol, "He Is Born, The Holy Child." My favorite, and the one that gets requested the most by my students at school, is Oscar the Polish caterer's hilarious take-off of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" titled "The Eight Polish Foods of Christmas." Go Back to Top Instead of searching through stores looking for these titles, consider contacting the artists or studios directly for ordering information and store availability. For Arlo and Anna, call 773/769-6106 or visit arloandanna.com; for Martha Stewart's recording, visit www.rhino.com or call 800/827-4466; for A Child's Christmas Revels, visit www.revels.org or call 617/972-8300, ext. 31; for Celebrate Hanukkah, visit www.craignco.com or call 800/6CR-AIG8; and for Celebrate Hanukkah, visit www.mflp.com or call 800/346-4445. If by chance you can't find A Very Veggie Christmas, visit www.veggietales.com for more information. Please feel free to contact me with your suggestions, opinions or comments about children's music or this column. My e-mail address is fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. Happy Holidays! Editor's note: Fred Koch's holiday recording, 'Tis the Season: Holiday Songs for the Child in All of Us (Melody House) has just been re-released featuring new cover art and a new version of "Oh Christmas Tree." To order, call 800/234-9228 or visit www.bestchildrensmusic.com. And if you're interested in purchasing some high-quality instrumental holiday music while supporting local young musicians, consider Home for the Holidays, produced by Koch and recorded by Midwest Young Artists performing groups. Order the CD, which features 16 jazz and classical selections, by calling 847/926-9898. 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. 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