These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the December, 2002 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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Listening to holiday music in October still seems a little awkward to me even though I have been writing for Chicago Parent since 1997 and do it this way every year to get my December recommendations to readers. But it took only two or three songs before I was back in the holiday mood. There could be many reasons for that but I think it is simply an example of the power of music to move us. Our family celebrates Christmas and these songs have been a part of our tradition for as long as I can remember. And there is no doubt that they will continue to have a place in our homes and hearts for many holidays to come. The popularity of holiday music, though, has created an overabundance of holiday CDs to choose from. If your family is like ours, we already have a box of holiday music stashed in the basement along side the lights and ornaments and leftover wrapping paper. So what's the use of collecting more? Good question. The obvious answer: there are some gems out there worth discovering. The Christmas CDs I am recommending this year are all from wonderful independent record labels, so you might not find them in your local retail outlets. But they are worth seeking out. I have also included a perennial Hanukkah favorite and an outstanding Kwanzaa recording, too. A Holly Jolly Christmas For Kids, by The Holiday Children, Children's Holiday Records, $29.99, all ages. This three-CD set is a wonderful sing-along collection. The first two CDs, Santa's Favorites and Holiday Fun Songs, feature the more child-like aspect of Christmas, such as "Up On The Housetop," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Winter Wonderland." The third CD, The Spirit of Christmas, has the more hymn-like songs including "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night." The first thing you notice is the quality of the children's voices. These 612 year olds are full of energy and personality and they sing in tune. The musical ensemble of live musicians, not synthesized tracks, is outstanding, too. Piano, bass, drums, guitar and an occasional violin accompany most songs. While they provide a solid foundation for the songs, they never get in the way. Another nice feature is that all of the songs on The Spirit of Christmas CD have "instrumental only" (karaoke) versions. Plus, the lyrics to all songs are included in the CD booklets. This 41-song collection spotlights a wide variety of songs, features great sounding kids and top-notch musicians and will have everyone singing along. A Jazz-A-Bye Christmas, by Jazz-A-Bye Quartet, proDUCKtunes, $13.99, all ages. If you like your holiday tunes with a jazzy twist, you will enjoy the latest release from the award-winning Jazz-A-Bye Quartet, with more than 70 minutes of jazzy, swingin' arrangements of some timeless Christmas songs. The quartet features piano, bass, drums and saxophone and they glide effortlessly through holiday standards like "Jingle Bells," "Oh Christmas Tree," "Deck The Halls," "Away In A Manger" and "Silent Night." I also enjoy their versions of "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" and "Coventry Carol." As I mentioned in an earlier Jazz-A-Bye review, there are lots of CDs that market themselves as jazz for kids, but what separates this group from most is that these musicians are truly jazz musicians. They are combining their love of jazz and their commitment to making quality music for families. Both come shining through. Sounds Of The Season, by Maggie Sansone, Maggie's Music, $12, all ages. Maggie Sansone is the founder of Maggie's Music, one of the leading producers of traditional Scottish and Irish folk music recordings in the country. Not only does Sansone run the company but she is also an accomplished musician. Her instrument, the hammered dulcimer, has a joyful sound that lends itself beautifully to this collection of timeless carols, lively wassail tunes and traditional favorites. These instrumental-only arrangements are tastefully augmented with Celtic harp, recorder, concertina, cittern, violin, mandolin, guitar and viola da gamba. Not only will you hear some songs you might expect such as "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Deck The Halls," but you are also treated to some more obscure, but equally lovely pieces including "Abbots Bromley Horn Dance," an ancient ritual dance from England, a medley of Irish reels and the Second and Third Air by 18th century Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan. Maggie's Music is a goldmine, so visit the Web site and browse the library they offer. A Folk Song Christmas, Various Artists, American Melody Records, $14.98 all ages. Phil Rosenthal, producer of A Folk Song Christmas, spent nine years as lead singer and guitarist for the legendary bluegrass band The Seldom Scene before starting his American Melody record label. Since then, he has recorded a series of children and family music recordings that have received critical acclaim along with many awards for excellence. Rosenthal is a true American folk music artist. So, if your enjoy this style, not only will you appreciate A Folk Song Christmas, but his other releases as well--many of which I have reviewed in the past. Rosenthal presents a set of classic Christmas songs performed with lovely folk harmonies and the sweet sounds of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, banjo and flute. Included here are "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Good King Wenceslas," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and 12 other familiar and well-loved songs. Celebrate Hanukkah, Various Artists, Craig 'n Co., $14.95, all ages. I have recommended this compilation before, but it is so good that it still stands out this year. Celebrate Hanukkah, produced by Craig Taubman, features some of the Jewish community's most popular musicians. including Peter Yarrow, Ben Sidran, Debbie Friedman, Judy Frankel, Rabbi Joe Black, Sruli and Lisa, Linda Hirschhorn and Taubman. It's a comprehensive musical look at the Festival of Lights with songs representing contemporary, classical, Yiddish and Ladino musical styles. 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. This is one of the outstanding CDs in Taubman's Celebrate Series, so visit the Web site for other great titles. Kwanzaa For Young People (And Everyone Else!), Various Artists, Charphelia Music, $12.99, all ages. This Parents' Choice award-winning collection of original songs, chants and stories takes listeners on a musical journey through Kwanzaa's seven principles. The principles, which include unity, self-determination, creativity and faith, are illustrated by a special selection. This is a very kid-friendly introduction to Kwanzaa, featuring R&B-flavored melodies and singable lyrics easy for children to understand and remember. You should also know Charphelia Music has just released a 52-page Teacher/Parent Resource Book that is packaged with the CD and priced at $19.95. For information, visit the Web site. Go Back to Top 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 |
