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These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the July, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.”
Reviewed in this column:
Bloom - Zak Morgan
Stand Up! Speak Out! - Sooz
Big Wide Grin - Keb' Mo'
These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the July, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| Why does it seem to get harder and harder to find high quality children's
music that can excite and engage the "8 and older" crowd? The answer is
easy: The pop music industry is targeting younger and younger kids. But
that doesn't mean that we teachers and parents have to hand our kids over
to the pop music industry without a fight. So when I find high quality music
that could appeal to this age group, I'm eager to share it. Here are three
recordings that qualify.
I received Zak Morgan's Bloom (Zak Morgan, 1999) over a year ago and still enjoy it. It's loaded with catchy songs. The lyrics employ wonderful word play. Even though they border on the slightly gross once in a while, children (and adults) will appreciate the superb, smart writing. Morgan raises the bar for active listening; he expects children to find words in his songs that they don't know, and to consult "Bloomland's Unabridged Dictionary" (the CD booklet) for definitions. For example, in "Animal Kingdom," he sings "the leopard's pernicious and you look delicious." My favorite song is "The Butterfly" because it addresses, in a very supportive and honest voice, the plight of a 10-year-old as he goes through some growing pains. I love well-crafted songs with positive messages that use metaphors to help children understand life's rocky roads. Children and parents probably will have different reactions to the silly "Bill Fisher and His Running Nose," about a nose that decides to run away after being picked so much. Morgan's tale about "Santa and the Full Moon" (complete with a mooning St. Nick) should spark some laughter (and maybe some discussion, too). Bloom doesn't sound like a "kids' record." Morgan didn't dumb down the music production to make it simple or to keep the production costs down. The same is true of the CD booklet. Each two-page spread is fancifully illustrated with color drawings, paintings and photos. No wonder Just Plain Folks (a music industry organization) awarded Bloom the 2000 award for Children's Album of The Year. Hope we hear more from Zak Morgan soon! Go Back to Top Stand Up! Speak Out! (Soozaroo Music, 2000) is the latest from the award-winning, saxophone-slinging children's artist, Sooz. This project was created to complement school character education, anti-bullying, prejudice reduction and cultural sensitivity curricula. But Stand Up! Speak Out! stands alone as quality family music, too. Sooz presents 12 upbeat and positive original songs aimed at empowering children to "do the right thing." For instance, "I'll Speak Out," set to a percussion-rich calypso-style music track, encourages compassion with a chorus that exclaims, "I'll speak out, if someone tries to hurt you/ Count on me, I'll speak out for you." The reggae-flavored "Don't Take The Bait" aims to deflect conflict, and "Stand Up" encourages kids not to stay silent in the face of injustice. In "Please Get To Know Me," the refrain is "I cannot be judged," focusing on the unfairness of prejudice. Value-clarifying songs have appeared on Sooz recordings in the past, and I was glad to see that she chose to re-record a few of them for Stand Up! Speak Out! These include "Every One Of Us," an anthem for special-needs children, the encouraging "I Can Be," and the African-inspired "Words & Hands." A Teacher's Guide accompanies the CD. In fact, the Educator's Edition features two CDs: one with Sooz singing, the second with Sooz's voice mixed out so it can be used as a sing-along. For more information about these features, visit www.soozaroo.com. Go Back to Top Sony Wonder's latest release in the Family Artist Series features Grammy-winner Keb' Mo', who is best known for his soulful blues albums. Big Wide Grin (Sony Wonder, 2001) is musically diverse and lyrically rich, from the inspirational "Everybody Be Yoself" (which he performs on Sesame Street this season) to the introspective "Infinite Eyes" and the fun-filled "Flat Fleet Boogie." My favorite track is Keb's rendition of the Stevie Wonder classic, "Isn't She Lovely," but his version of "America, The Beautiful," featuring his wonderful slide-guitar playing, is a close second. Other nicely reworked pieces include his versions of the O'Jays' "Love Train," Sly and the Family Stone's "Family Affair," and Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi." The superb musicianship and the mix of musical grooves on Big Wide Grin will appeal to adults and should keep children groovin'. Go Back to Top You should have no trouble finding Big Wide Grin at music stores. For information about ordering Bloom, visit www.zakmorgan.com or call 877/358-5820. Find information about Stand Up! Speak Out! at Sooz's website, www.soozaroo.com, or call 800/948-9303 I'd love to hear from you; don't be shy. Drop me an e-mail at fred@bestchildrensmusic.com and let me know what your family is listening to these days. 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 |