These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the June, 1998 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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As an educator and performing artist for children, I've always been intrigued by the fact that parents and children are exposed to two distinct children's music markets. Parents mainly know about the commercial side of the business--well-marketed, often character-driven recordings that succeed in the "outside of school" world. These recordings often don't work well in a school setting, however, because they are difficult to tie in to the general curriculum. Instead, there is a sort of parallel universe of children's music for use in schools. The hits that get heavy airplay in the classroom may never be heard in the "real world" outside of school. The unfortunate result of this schism is that parents miss out on some great music for children. The rock 'n' roll duo of Greg Scelsa and Steve Millang, better known as Greg & Steve, are a prime example of this phenomenon. They have been presenting workshops for teachers since 1975, showing teachers how to integrate music into the classroom. They also have become popular performers, staging over 100 concerts per year. But even with fourteen albums, two great videos, numerous Parents' Choice awards, and huge catalog sales, they are relatively unknown outside of the educational music arena. This month, I have picked some of my favorite parent-friendly and kid-tested Greg & Steve recordings to share with you. Their newest release Big Fun (Youngheart Music, 1997) brings together all of the elements their loyal following has come to expect. Loaded with great movement activities, gentle pop-influenced songs and a fair amount of silliness, this recording's standouts include the rockin' title song, "Big Fun," "The Movement Medley" (a favorite among my first graders), the get-up-and-dance "Party Line," and the tender "The Magic Of A Smile." Their "Mack Chicken Dance" is also a big hit with teachers. It is a medley of "The Chicken Dance," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes"--all to that infectious "Macarena" beat. Go Back to Top Kids In Motion (Youngheart Records, 1987) brought Greg & Steve a Parents' Choice Gold award and still is a bestseller with teachers. It is a collection of dance- and movement-oriented songs with botch-proof music and easy moves. The Temptations sing the title song, and the collection includes two of their previously-released hits, "The Freeze," and "Body Rock," which are reasons enough to get Kids in Motion. "Bean Bag Boogie (#1 & #2)," is also popular with my students. The song leads kids in placing bean bags on parts of their bodies while they move to a Stevie Wonder-style "Very Superstitious" musical groove. The younger set will also enjoy working on their large motor skills while they act out different animals to "Animal Actions (1 & 2)." There are also two cool-down poetry numbers. Go Back to Top Another Parents' Choice award-winning recording is Holidays and Special Times (Youngheart Records, 1989). This recording includes some original songs ("Halloween On Parade," "If You Feel Like Rockin'," "Happy Thanksgiving To All") mixed in with well-known classics such as "Jingle Bell Rock," "This Land Is Your Land" and "Peter Cottontail." But one original song stands out: "A Man Named King," an honest tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that is so well-written that even young children can grasp its simple and beautiful message. Using the melody of "Michael, Row The Boat Ashore," Greg & Steve make a magical connection by adding their lovely lyrics. And to put the emotional icing on the cake, they even manage to weave in a segment of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech before the last verse. Go Back to Top Playing Favorites (Youngheart Music, 1991) also received a Parents' Choice award and has some great songs. The duo romps through classics like "Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah," "This Old Man," "Put Your Finger In The Air" and "Down By The Bay," adding their unique Greg & Steve spin to each. Also not to be missed, is their Muddy Waters-ish "The Three Little Pigs Blues." It'll get you and your kids rockin'. But my favorite, by a hair (on my chinny-chin-chin), is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?," a musical version of Bill Martin Jr.'s classic children's book. Again, Greg & Steve find the right emotional match as they pair the melody of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" with Bill Martin's lyrics--they're a perfect fit, word for word. You can open the book and sing along. You may have noticed by now that I'm a big fan of Greg & Steve. They stand for all that's right in children's music. They have dedicated their lives to bringing meaningful music to children. And along the way, they have educated thousands of teachers on the benefits of integrating music into the curriculum. Go Back to Top Greg & Steve recordings are available at most stores that carry children's music. Or oder them through Silo Music at 800/541-9904. As always, I'm eager to know what great kid's music you're listening to. Write to me at Chicago Parent, or send e-mail me to fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. Go Back to Top |
