These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the March, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| I am relieved that my job as Chicago Parent's music reviewer doesn't
hinge on predicting the winner of the Grammy award for children's music.
I've been wrong two out of the past three years and I really have no clue
this time, either. This year's Grammys will be presented on February 21
(after we go to press). These are the five nominees in the children's music
category.
Kenny Loggins' More Songs From Pooh Corner (Sony Wonder, 2000) could be retitled "Kenny Loggins Sings More Songs From The Movies." He spotlights hit songs from The Tigger Movie, Tarzan, Beauty and The Beast and Dumbo, to name just a few. This is one of those "children's music" albums that sounds like it's really for parents of children, with its lush, orchestral, soundtrack-like ballads. Kenny Loggins shines with this type of material. That said, I especially enjoyed "That'll Do," a Randy Newman song that Loggins sang for the movie Babe, Pig In The City. In the liner notes, Loggins accurately notes that the song is "as appropriate for a teenager as it is for an infant." And with his rendition of the Malvina Reynolds classic "Turn Around," he's at his best, singing a tender and sensitive song. All in all, this recording has a good chance of taking this year's Grammy. Go Back to Top Pillow Full of Wishes (Rounder Kids, 2000) is second Grammy-nominated album of lullabies and bedtime songs by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Cathy & Marcy). They pull from their folk roots as they infuse Celtic, Hawaiian and old-time music into some songs, and swing with some easygoing jazz on others. My favorite is "All Around The World," an old-fashioned a cappella round featuring a talented children's chorus. Cathy & Marcy wrote all the songs for this album. I'm pleased they are Grammy finalists because they are full-fledged children's musicians, but I think they're a long shot. Go Back to Top Still The Same Me (Rounder Kids, 2000) is the latest by Sweet Honey In The Rock, the Grammy Award-winning African-American female ensemble. Using only their voices and percussion instruments, and accompanied occasionally by a chorus of children, they have put together an uplifting and entertaining collection of songs and improvisations for children. It includes traditional African folk songs, original pieces laced with positive messages, and six "improvisations" in which they show the audience that some music is "created naturally, on the spot." I'm a big fan of Sweet Honey In The Rock. They're great musicians who have made a commitment to producing quality family music, and there's a chance they may walk away with this year's Grammy. Go Back to Top Tom Chapin has created a steady stream of superb children's music and his latest, This Pretty Planet (Sony Wonder, 2000), follows a proven recipe for success. These are kid-friendly, thematic songs featuring Chapin's strong songwriting coupled with great musical arrangements. This "concept" album also includes re-recordings of some songs from previous albums. The "This Pretty Planet II" remake is wonderful, featuring the lush, soulful voice of Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother). "Two Kinds of Seagulls" is a duet with Dr. Ruth Westheimer (yep, that's right). "Someone's Gonna Use It After You" (from Family Tree) fits in well here, too. There are recycling songs, garbage songs and also songs with the future in mind. A funky "The Year 3000" asks the question, "Why should we care about the Earth?" There are few who are more deserving of a Grammy than Tom Chapin, so it would be a good thing, in my book, if he gets the award. Go Back to Top I was happy when I saw that Woody's Roundup Featuring Riders In The Sky (Disney/Pixar, 2000) was the fifth Grammy finalist this year. This collection of Woody's favorite songs was inspired by the popularity of a short segment of the movie Toy Story 2. You will hear new songs for Bullseye, Jessie and The Prospector as well as some old favorites such as "Home On The Range" and "Act Naturally." When it comes to capturing that vintage 1950s cowboy sound, they don't come any better than Riders In The Sky. Pair outstanding musicianship with songs penned by Randy Newman, and you have a winning combination. This is the third time I've mentioned Woody's Roundup this year and it is the only Grammy nominee to make it to my Chicago Parent Best of 2000 list. What does that say? It probably either says that I am completely out of the mainstream or that my tastes run a little differently than those of the music industry at large--or maybe a little of both. Go Back to Top But I'm obligated to make a prediction each year, so my pick for this year's Grammy for best musical album for children is Woody's Roundup. There you have it (though this most certainly curses its chances for success). As you might have guessed by now, I don't necessarily believe that the Grammy nominees are the five best children's recordings of the year. But I do sincerely feel that the quality of children's music is steadily improving. So expect a great crop of new children's music in the coming year, and be assured that I will let you know about it. Readers, 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 |
