These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the June, 2000 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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Is it something in the water? It seems that every time I turn around I'm running into someone who is having a baby. First one teacher at school then another, next our home daycare provider and my sister-in-law, and now my neighbor, too! So I've been listening to lullabies and other music for infants, partly because I enjoy sharing great music with new parents, but mostly because I need baby gift ideas. Here are some of my picks for the new parents on your list. If you're a fan of country music superstar Collin Raye, you're sure to enjoy his new release, Counting Sheep (Sony Wonder, 1999). To be honest, I hadn't heard of the guy, but I take it he's big. Anyway, I really enjoyed his collection of mostly new songs. He hooked me with the first song, "Counting Sheep," a Beatles-influenced, pop-style song about a boy who can't fall asleep. He quickly gets back into the happy, bouncy country feel with "I'm Gonna Love You," but then brings back the Beatles with a cover version of "Blackbird," which works beautifully as a children's song. There's also a tender ballad, "A Mother and Father's Prayer," which Raye performs with Melissa Manchester. But the favorite at our house is the cute and endearing "Cool Cat," a jazzy, swinging little song that tells kids that if they want to be cool, they'll go to sleep on time--like the Cool Cat. Go Back to Top Jazz fans will take delight in the warm and intimate sounds coming from Kim Scanlon's Night Songs & Lullabies (Compass Records, 1999). Aptly subtitled "A Collection of Songs for Parents and Children from the American Songbook," these silky smooth arrangements cover a wide range of material from Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer to Duke Ellington, James Taylor and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Scanlon's voice is warm and welcoming and the jazz ensembles feature superb players. Often simply accompanied by an acoustic trio or a quartet of guitar, piano, bass and drums, this diverse group of song fits seamlessly together. Songs range from the well-known ("The Inch Worm," "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "Moon River") to the more obscure ("Hit The Road To Dreamland," "Here I'll Stay"). You'll also hear a couple of great songs by the Taylor brothers: "You Can Close Your Eyes" (James) and the swingin' "Pajamas" (Livingston). I was also swept up by the imagery of Hoagy Carmichael's "Memphis In June" and the genius of Duke Ellington's "Warm Valley." I've always equated soft jazz with late evenings and this collection creates a great sleepytime atmosphere for all ages. Go Back to Top That sister-in-law I spoke about earlier is a Dublin native, so I've purposely been on the lookout for Celtic-flavored lullabies. I am happy to report that I found two CDs which I know she will enjoy. The Celtic Cradle by Jill Rogoff (Alcazar Productions, 1995) is a wonderful collection of traditional Celtic lullabies. Featuring plenty of traditional harp, flute, bodran drum and uillean pipes, the music is filled out with acoustic guitar, mandolin and piano. You won't find any "Danny Boy" or "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra" here--just real, authentic Irish (and a wee bit of Scottish) fare. Most songs are sung in the native tongue, but English translations of the lyrics are provided. Go Back to Top Celtic Lullabies by Sarah Lacy (Straightway Music, 1999) features mostly original songs. It wasn't until I read through the CD booklet during my second listening that I realized that there is a strong Christian slant to these dreamy, gentle songs. In the liner notes, Lacy writes: "Seeking God's presence and protection with songs and prayers is a part of the spiritual life that our Celtic Christian forebears knew well." Traditional selections in this God-loving collection include "Brahms' Lullaby," "The Infant King" and "Coventry Carol." Go Back to Top And here's a surprise: I found things to like in the new Barney For Baby CD, Love and Lullabies (Lyrick Studios, 2000). This is not the typical sappy-sweet Barney recording. The annoying giggle is nowhere to be found--just some gentle, well-orchestrated songs (mostly traditional) with lots of nature sounds and kids singing throughout. I found myself singing "Listen To The Mockingbird" hours after listening and even enjoyed their rendition of "Ring Around The Rosy" which adds the verses "tip-toe," "skip," "hop" and "run around the rosy." Gentle takes on "Where Is Thumbkin" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb" are also nice, and feature minute-long fade-ins before the first song even starts, and long endings that blend music and nature sounds. I also noticed and appreciated the extra long time between songs--another factor that helped keep the pace deliberately measured. Go Back to Top
The Collin Raye and Barney CDs should be easy to find at your local children's music retailer. For information on Scanlon's recording call 800.757.2277 or visit www.compassrecords.com. For information about ordering "The Celtic Cradle" call NewSound Music at 800.541.9904 and your best bet for finding "Celtic Dreams" will be a Christian bookstore. Don't forget to drop me a line to let me know what children's music your family is enjoying. Keep those comments and recommendations coming. My e-mail address is fred@bestchildrensmusic.com or write to me in care of Chicago Parent. 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 |
